(c) Mary TV 2017
J.M.J.
July 18, 2017
St. Camillus de Lellis
Dear Family of Mary!
Jesus began to reproach the towns
where most of his mighty deeds had been done,
since they had not repented.
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!
For if the mighty deeds done in your midst
had been done in Tyre and Sidon,
they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes.
But I tell you, it will be more tolerable
for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.
And as for you, Capernaum:
Will you be exalted to heaven?
You will go down to the netherworld.
For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom,
it would have remained until this day.
But I tell you, it will be more tolerable
for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” (Mt 11:20-24)
These words of Jesus are chilling. Jesus had been healing and delivering people in all of these towns. His power to heal was incredible. I am sure the crowds were filled with awe when Jesus would raise someone from the dead or heal a leper. But somehow these wonders did not translate into faith in Jesus and adherence to His word. The people of Chorazin and Bethsaida and of Capernaum remained untouched by Jesus’ works and words. They did not repent or realize the time of their visitation by God.
What was it that made them so cold to Jesus? Could it have been ingratitude, or shallowness of character? I think it may have been their deep loss of faith. Even when God was in their midst, their faith remained cold, their hearts dead to grace. Somehow even God’s presence could not rouse them.
Our Lady is now making a visitation as well. Her coming to Medjugorje has brought many beautiful miracles of healing and signs of grace. But her presence may not be enough for the people of our time. She does seem to be receiving a cold shoulder by most of the world. But she won’t give up. She tells us that this is a special time, a time of grace and she desires a response from us.
August 25, 1997
“Dear children! God gives me this time as a gift to you, so that I may instruct and lead you on the path of salvation. Dear children, now you do not comprehend this grace, but soon a time will come when you will lament for these messages. That is why, little children, live all of the words which I have given you through this time of grace and renew prayer, until prayer becomes a joy for you. Especially, I call all those who have consecrated themselves to my Immaculate Heart to become an example to others. I call all priests and religious brothers and sisters to pray the rosary and to teach others to pray. The rosary, little children, is especially dear to me. Through the rosary open your heart to me and I am able to help you. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
Our Lady is visiting us with a message for us. She is calling us back to God. If our hearts are as cold and unbelieving as the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida or Capernaum, what will be our lot? Will Sodom and Gomorrah end up in better shape than us?
June 25, 2007
“Dear children! Also today, with great joy in my heart, I call you to conversion. Little children, do not forget that you are all important in this great plan, which God leads through Medjugorje. God desires to convert the entire world and to call it to salvation and to the way towards Himself, who is the beginning and the end of every being. In a special way, little children, from the depth of my heart, I call you all to open yourselves to this great grace that God gives you through my presence here. I desire to thank each of you for the sacrifices and prayers. I am with you and I bless you all. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
Our response can be a catalyst for so many others. Let’s not be cold or indifferent to this great grace which God has given us, Our Lady’s presence in Medjugorje!
In Jesus, Mary and Joseph!
Cathy Nolan
©Mary TV 2017
