J.M.J.
July 31, 2017
St. Ignatius of Loyola
Dear Family of Mary!
“Dear children! Be prayer and a reflection of God’s love for all those who are far from God and God’s commandments. Little children, be faithful and determined in conversion and work on yourselves so that, for you, holiness of life may be authentic; and encourage each other in the good through prayer, so that your life on earth may be more pleasant. Thank you for having responded to my call.” (July 25, 2017)
“Dear children! Be prayer and a reflection of God’s love for all those who are far from God and God’s commandments…”
When Our Lady looks at her children who are so far from God, who perhaps have not even heard of God, of Jesus or Mary or the Holy Spirit, who have been so wounded by the world, by their parents, their employers, the media, the educational system, who have been used up and discarded by our consumerist culture…when she looks at them what does she desire for them?
She desires that they see in us “prayer and a reflection of God’s love.” She desires that they see us pray. Why? Because they may have never seen someone pray before. When we are turned towards God in prayer, deeply and from the heart, we point to Him, to His presence, to His reality, to His personal care for us. It touches the heart, and gives hope to those who have no idea that God is real or approachable.
And she desires that we pray for them, really intercede for them, even if they never encounter us personally. Our Lady wants us to pray for souls, day in and day out, even if they never see us. Somehow our prayer will win them graces that will open up the reality of God and His love for them. We will only know in heaven…
She also desires that we reflect God’s love for them. How can we do this? By just being like Him. We can be kind, generous, patient, respectful, honest, and gentle. Even one smile to a stranger at the right time can mean the difference between despair and life. We can live our family life in such a way that the joy that exudes from us overflows in other people’s lives. We can make the hard decisions to be honest in business, fair in our dealings, good students, strong and dependable employees. All these things can give hope to others, shine the light of God into their lives.
We probably are already doing these things, and we have no idea who we have helped in the process. But one day, we will see with joy the people who found their way to God because we prayed and reflected God’s love in our lives.
This week the Youth Festival 2017 takes place in Medjugorje. Our young people need desperately to see prayer and God’s love in us. They need to see it in each other. The Youth Festival is a moment of great hope and conversion for thousands of youth. Let’s pray for them constantly this week!
Mary TV will be streaming the Festival all week long. Check out our website for details. It begins on Tuesday, August 1 with the Solemn Opening Ceremony at the Evening Mass – 6:00 pm Medjugorje time!! Join us!! Live!!
In Jesus, Mary and Joseph!
Cathy Nolan
©Mary TV 2017
