June 12, 2023 Reflection – “Blessed are they who believe without having seen.”
“Blessed are they who believe without having seen.” June 12, 2023 Dear Family of Mary! I want to share the conversation that Our Lady had with the visionaries on the 5th day of her apparitions, June 28, 1981. The simple interchanges between the children and Our Lady are very interesting. Mother spoke to them simply and with no extra words at all! She wanted them to remember what she said, and fix it firmly in their memory, so that her words would guide them. Here is what was said: Sunday, June 28, 1981 The visionaries: What do you wish? “That people believe and persevere in the faith.” Vicka: What do you expect from the priests? “That they remain strong in the faith and that they help you.” Why don’t you appear to everyone in church? “Blessed are they who believe without having seen.” Will you come back? “Yes, to the same place.” Do you prefer prayer or singing? “Both, praying and singing.” Vicka: What do you wish from the crowd which has gathered here? The visionaries said this question received no response except for a glance filled with love, and Our Lady’s smile. Then Our Lady disappeared. The visionaries prayed so that she might return because she had not said: Goodbye, my angels. During their song, You Are All Beautiful, she reappears. Vicka: Dear Gospa, what do you expect of this people? She repeated the question three times and finally was given this answer: “That those who do not see believe as those who see.” Vicka: Will you leave us a sign so that people believe that we are not liars or comedians? No other response, only a smile. “Go in the peace of God“, She said, as she disappeared. (03/28/81) What really struck me was the answer Our Lady gave when asked why the people do not see her as the visionaries do: “Blessed are they who believe without having seen.” Doesn’t her answer sound like it came directly from the Beatitudes in Matthew’s Gospel? So simple and short, and enigmatic! In the Beatitudes, Jesus wanted us to realize that getting what we want on earth is not always the best thing for us! In fact it is our response of faith that makes every situation in our life good for us! It is our faith in God’s love, even when we are deprived that will bless us! The Gospel for today, Matthew 5: 1-12) Matthew 5:1-12) When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”(Matthew 5: 1-12) Thank you, dearest Mother, for teaching us even as Jesus taught the disciples. We are so blessed indeed! In Jesus, Mary and Joseph! Cathy Nolan (c)Mary TV 2023