J.M.J.
October 20, 2016
St. Paul of the Cross
Dear Family of Mary!
Today I want to quote from a very special book. It is “Medjugorje Day by Day” written by Fr. Richard Beyer. This book was published in 1993, only 12 years after the apparitions in Medjugorje began. It contains 365 meditations, one for each day of the year, based on a message of Our Lady and Scripture, along with stories of Medjugorje. It is as meaningful today as it was when it was published, because Our Lady’s words are timeless, as are the words of Scripture. (Available at https://www.avemariapress.com/product/0-87793-494-0/Medjugorje-Day-by-Day/ )
Here is Fr. Beyer’s entry for October 20!
Do not fear injustice
During the first week of the apparitions, Mirjana and Jakov were upset because people were treating them like liars. The Blessed Mother told them:
“My angels, do not be afraid of injustices. They have always existed”
(June 27, 1981)
And from 1 Corinthians:
Therefore, do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness, and will disclose the purposes of the heart (1 Cor 4:5)
Reflections: Our Lady has discouraged the visionaries from seeing the world through rose-colored glasses. Rather, she has helped them to recognize both the beautiful and the ugly, the moral and the immoral, the just and the unjust. But she has also taught them that love is stronger than hate and that the ultimate victory is Christ’s. Their task is to help bring about this victory through living and spreading the Medjugorje messages.
Nonetheless it is painful for us, as it was for Jesus, to witness injustice. But it is a blessing just to recognize it and thus help remedy the situation, for many are morally blind.
Application: Today, begin to look about your own community with the eyes of Christ, to see those unjust situations that need your help, prayers and support.
I found this entry to be very meaningful today, as we see injustice raging in our world, in every country. It is as if the world has gone mad. But our approach must be the same as Our Lady’s approach in 1981. We are to love with a love stronger than hate, and to help the victory of love by spreading Our Lady’s messages from Medjugorje.
It is hard to see evil, to see injustice, to see people choosing to harm themselves and others. We may not be able to stop them, but we can pray for them, do penance, and cry from our hearts for an end to evil. We can pray the Rosary for Our Lady’s intentions. We can do good, as much good as is within our grasp. And we can hope in God, who has not left us and will never leave us.
We must not be afraid, as Our Lady counseled the young visionaries. Hope in God, for He is our God and we belong to Him.
In Jesus, Mary and Joseph!
Cathy Nolan
©Mary TV 2016