September 5, 2023 Reflection – “Live what I am telling you…”
“Live what I am telling you…” September 5, 2023 St. Teresa of Calcutta Dear Family of Mary! The first reading today for Mass is again from 1 Thessalonians 5. St. Paul continues to talk about the coming of the Lord and what it means for those who are following Jesus. His words are very timely for us as well: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11 Concerning times and seasons, brothers and sisters, you have no need for anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night. When people are saying, “Peace and security,” then sudden disaster comes upon them, like labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, for that day to overtake you like a thief. For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober. For God did not destine us for wrath, but to gain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live together with him. Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11) St. Paul assured his fellow Christians that they were not “in darkness, for the day to overtake you like a thief…” Their lives had been given to Christ, and they awaited Him in peace and trust! They were “children of the light and children of the day!” We, in turn, have been called into that same light through our Baptism! And Our Lady is with us to keep us surrounded by the light. Her presence in Medjugorje is an extraordinary gift for us in these days, which seem so confusing. She is keeping us in the light and in the day. She told us: We, in turn, have been called into that same light through our Baptism! And Our Lady is with us to keep us surrounded by the light. Her presence in Medjugorje is an extraordinary gift for us in these days, which seem so confusing. She is keeping us in the light and in the day. She told us: August 25, 1993 “Dear children! I want you to understand that I am your Mother, that I want to help you and call you to prayer. Only by prayer can you understand and accept my messages and practice them in your life. Read Sacred Scripture, live it, and pray to understand the signs of the times. This is a special time, therefore, I am with you to draw you close to my heart and the heart of my Son, Jesus. Dear little children, I want you to be children of the light and not of the darkness. Therefore, live what I am telling you. Thank you for having responded to my call.” Mother Mary wants us to be children of the light! Her presence and her messages are meant to keep us in the light! Our part of the bargain is to “Live what I am telling you!” Our Lady’s messages are light for us! They will ensure that we are not overtaken by the darkness of our time. May we live her messages!! In Jesus, Mary and Joseph! Cathy Nolan Mary TV