BLACK CATHOLICS, BLACK SAINTS

When he (Jesus) had said this, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come out! The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, Unbind him, and let him go. John 11:43-44

My time of contemplative prayer this morning was spent with Jesus, Our Saviour, who said, Melvin, My friend and sharer in My priesthood, I love you. I bless all My dear brothers and sisters living in every country of the world. I call you all to prepare yourselves to relive My Passion next week. Come and spend time with Me as I go through the various aspects of My suffering and death.

Today in the Sunday liturgy the Gospel narrates the story of Lazarus, My friend, who died and was buried. When I returned to Bethany, Lazarus had been in the tomb four days. His sisters, Martha and Mary, had sent word to Me that he was sick and asked Me to return as soon as possible. Knowing the great miracle that would take place, I delayed My return until he had been buried for some days. After greeting the sisters and talking to them about the resurrection, I asked them to bring Me to Lazarus' tomb. I cried at the tomb as I felt the loss of My friend. Then I gave thanks to the Father for hearing Me. Then I cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come out. The man who had been dead for four days walked out of the tomb alive. I told the people to unbind him and let him go. Lazarus was now alive and in good health.

This miracle teaches you many things. It shows you that I have power to raise the dead to life, a power that only God has. It proves to you all that I am the Son of God. There were many witnesses of this miracle and in seeing what had happened, they believed in Me. If I can raise the dead to life, then it is not impossible for Me to come out of the tomb alive. It also shows that all My miracles were done out of love for the persons who underwent the miracle. If I could accomplish such actions when I was on earth, I can do many more now that I am resurrected from the dead. Do not doubt any more but believe in Me with your whole heart. I love you and bless you.

Father Melvin

P.S. Yesterday I began to prepare for the weekend retreat from March 14 to 16 at the Tignish Heritage Inn. Today at 11:00 a.m. I will celebrate Sunday Mass at Immaculate Conception Church, Palmer Road.

To send a personal message to Fr. Melvin, address your e-mail to: melvin.doucette@...

To read the day's message online, visit www.ourladyofpei.ca/message.php

To access archived messages, visit http://groups.google.ca/group/Heaven-Speaks-to-Us

Message to Fr. Melvin Doucette March 8, 2008

I am the Mother of all Christian believers

Reading: John 19:17-30

Dear friends,

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, Woman, behold, your son. Then he said to the disciple, Behold, your mother. John 19:25-27

My morning prayer today was spent with our Blessed Mother who said, Melvin, My son, I bless you and I keep you and all My sons and daughters close to My heart. I want you all to be the great friends of Jesus, My Son, who suffered and died for you on the cross. I was never far from Him when He carried the cross along the street all the way to Calvary. Simon helped Him for a time, as My Son was too weak from all the beatings He received. I was there when they nailed Him to the cross, causing Him such terrible pain. I stood with the Apostle John for three hours as Jesus hung there in great agony until He died.

Just before Jesus died He spoke to Me for the last time: Woman, behold your son and to John He said, Behold your mother. These words are engraved in My heart forever. John represented all of you, My dear sons and daughters, and when Jesus pronounced these words, I became your Mother. I am the Mother of all Christian believers who accept Jesus, My Son, as their Saviour. I pray that all nonbelievers may accept Jesus as the Son of God and accept Me as their Mother. I am praying for all of you that Jesus be enthroned in your hearts and that you offer yourselves totally to Him to do His will.

The greatest suffering of My life I experienced at the foot of the cross. My heart was broken to see My Son covered in blood with a crown of thorns on His head and nailed to the cross to die. I offered His sacrifice to the Father for your salvation. I bless you all.

Father Melvin

P.S. I received yesterday many more sympathy cards and e-mail at the death of my mother. I thank you all for your kindness and may the Lord bless you all. Many sent money for Masses for her and I thank you very much.

I will preach a three-day retreat at the Tignish Heritage Inn starting Friday, March 14 and ending on Sunday, March 16. All those interested, please phone Terri or Kathy Laming at 1-902-882-2583.

To send a personal message to Fr. Melvin, address your e-mail to: melvin.doucette@...

To read the day's message online, visit www.ourladyofpei.ca/message.php

To access archived messages, visit http://groups.google.ca/group/Heaven-Speaks-to-Us

Prayer Room Schedule*

Holy Mass Wednesday and Saturday 9:30 a.m.

Rosary and Healing Mass usually on first Friday 7:00 p.m.

Marian Cenacle other Fridays of the month 7:30 p.m.

*Schedules may change depending on Fr. Melvin's commitments. The Prayer Room is usually open during the day, but we recommend that visitors call ahead.

To subscribe to Heaven's Voice, our quarterly newsletter, please send a cheque or money order payable to Our Lady of PEI Inc. to the address below. The yearly subscription rate is $12 in Canada and $15 for other countries.

Fr. Melvin Doucette, M. Afr.

1704 Palmer Road, RR 2
Tignish, PE (Prince Edward Island) C0B 2B0

Canada

Tel: 902-882-2004

Web site: www.ourladyofpei.ca

Mother of Perpetual Light 03-08-08

Mother of Perpetual Light

The Words of these messages are being received in poetic verse allegedly
from the Blessed Mother under the title "The Mother of Perpetual Light". On
a number of occasions alleged messages were also received from the
Eucharistic Jesus starting with the words "I Am The Bread, I Am The Wine",
also in poetic verse.

For many more messages and information go to www.jesusmaryjoseph.org Only
2008 and Special Needed messages are posted here. All messages are posted
daily at the web site.

We now have three complete books of messages.
You may download the complete books from the web site

See the archives for more information

WHAT MUST COME ABOUT

AS YOU TRACK THE PATTERNS OF THE EARTH?S CHANGING WEATHER,
YOU WONDER IF ANYTHING WILL CHANGE FOR THE BETTER.
YOUR LATEST TECHNOLOGY ATTEMPTS TO FORECAST
WHAT IS NOW PENDING, BUT THEIR PROJECTIONS DON?T LAST.

FIRE, DEAR CHILDREN, MUCH LAND WILL CONSUME
LEAVING ASH IN THE FIELDS WHERE THE FLOWERS ONCE DID BLOOM.
WATER LEVELS WILL RISE DUE TO A TURBULENT TIDE
CAUSING LAND TO SUBMERGE AND THE MOUNTAINS TO SLIDE.

AS UNBEARABLE HEAT CONTINUES EACH DAY TO RISE,
YOU WILL LOOK AT THE SUN AND BEG FOR CLOUDS IN THE SKIES.
YOU?LL BEGIN ASKING GOD WHEN ALL THIS WILL END;
GOD?S REPLY WILL BE, ?WHEN FOR YOUR SINS YOU AMEND.?

GOD GAVE YOU, DEAR CHILDREN, MORE THAN AMPLE TIME
TO SEEK GOD?S FORGIVENESS FOR COMMITTING EACH CRIME.
BUT INSTEAD YOU HAVE CHOSEN AN ALTERNATE ROUTE,
AND NOW YOU MUST FACE WHAT MUST COME ABOUT.

?THY WILL BE DONE?
3-8-2008

Words of God the Father, Daily Consecration, Fr. O'Conner Book & Talk,
Membership, Prayers...

The Words of God the Father - March 8, 2008

My dear children of humanity, here we are, another day, a gift to you. So many
people suffering, wounded, searching, grasping each breath for life! Each day is
another day, an opportunity for you live in Truth; and yet, with all the many
other distractions and circumstances in this world, very few come back to the
Truth. ...

Full Text... (
http://www.centeroftheimmaculateheart.org/foundation/gtf_current.asp )

Daily Consecration to the Eternal Father

For the greater glory of God and for the salvation of all, I consecrate myself
to You, O' Eternal Father, as one of Your faithful remnant. Behold, I come to do
Your Will. With the help of Your Grace, I will keep Your Commandments. I will
love and reverence You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. I will love
my neighbor as You love me.

I make this Consecration through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary and
the Sacred Heart of Your beloved Son, Jesus.

O' Eternal Father, send forth Your Holy Spirit to restore my/our broken image
and likeness of You. Send forth also Your entire Heavenly Court, all the
celestial choirs of Your angels and all Your Saints, to aid me/us in my/our
struggle against all the forces of evil in this present darkness. Amen. (Adapted
from the Father of All Mankind Apostolate).

New Book by Fr. O'Connor & Talk Sunday April 6th

Fr. Edward O'Connor CSC, a mystical and Marian theologian from the University of
Notre Dame, has written a fascinating and lucid new book entitled I Am Sending
You Prophets. To learn more about the book follow the link below:

www.queenship.org

Fr. O'Connor will also be speaking at the Monthly Marian Prayer Group at the
Lynfield Event Complex in Frederick, Maryland at 3PM on Sunday April 6, 2008.
His books will be available after the prayer group and he will conduct a
booksigning.

Directions to the Event Complex... (
http://www.centeroftheimmaculateheart.org/messages/messages_current_events.asp )

MEMBERSHIP ALERT - FREE

It is becoming increasingly apparent to many of those involved with the
newsletter that so many people in the United States and even outside the United
States, who love Our Lady and who have followed closely the Messages of Our Lady
of Emmitsburg for many years, are not aware of the Foundation website and the
6-7 enewsletters that are available FREE each month by email. They are forwarded
the monthly email message from someones distribution list, but are amazed when
they realize what they could be getting several times a month. These
enewsletters include:

a. Current and pertinent past Messages of Our Lady of Emmitsburg

b. Timely past Lessons of Our Lord

c. Timely excerpts from the Hidden Life of Our Lord

d. Current and pertinent past Words of God the Father

e. Excerpts from or complete texts of inspirational Papal Encyclicals and
homilies

f. Litanies and novenas for personal use that correspond to the liturgical
seasons, feast days or current world needs and events, and which allow the
members to pray together as a community

g. Orthodox writings of the Saints, Popes and Marian Scholars

h. Links to other Marian events/news

i. Videos of the monthly apparitions of Our Lady to Gianna and of guest speakers
to the Prayer Group

j. Encouragement to the faithful to broaden the scope of their prayer lives and
exposure to the rich Tradition of the Roman Catholic Church

Many would believe that difficult times lie ahead in this world. Our Lady wants
this system of rapid communication and dissemination of information in place.
The mission of the Foundation of the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary is
to provide that. Through this website and its enewsletters, written text and
links, as well as video information can now almost immediately be widely
distributed throughout the world. However, MORE people need to know about this.
Only you can forward this information to them so that they can engage either by
the internet or by US mail!

MEMBERSHIP...

(
http://www.centeroftheimmaculateheart.org/login.asp?rdrtpg=member_Add_Update_Org\
.asp&org=0&rdrtpg1=memh )

Prayer to Save America

Link to Prayer... ( http://www.catholictradition.org/save-america.htm )

Pope Benedict XVI Monthly Prayer Intentions - March 2008

Join in praying daily for the March 2008 monthly intentions of our Holy Father:

FORGIVENESS: That all may understand the importance of forgiveness and
reconciliation between individuals and peoples and that the Church may spread
Christ's Love.

THE PERSECUTED: That Christians who are persecuted because of the Gospel may be
sustained by the Holy Spirit and continue to bear witness to the Word of God.

DAILY OFFERING PRAYER - O Jesus, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of
Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day in union
with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all
the intentions of Your Sacred Heart: the salvation of souls, reparation for sin,
and the reunion of all Christions. I offer them for the intentions of our
bishops and of all Apostles of Prayer, and in particular for those recommended
by our Holy Father this month.

April
6
Sun
Our Lady of Emmitsburg Monthly Marian Prayer Service
Lynfield Event Complex, April 6, 2008

Come pray the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy at the Our Lady of Emmitsburg
Monthly Marian Prayer Service from 3PM-5PM. (Our Lady has been giving her
monthly message to the world at this service. All are welcome.

Fr. Edward O'Connor, CSC, author of the new bestselling I Am Sending You
Prophets will speak at this Prayer service. His new book will be available
afterwards and he will do a booksigning.

PLEASE NOTE: NO MONTHLY MARIAN PRAYER SERVICE WILL BE HELD IN MARCH. (Please
pass the word around).

More Info...

( http://www.centeroftheimmaculateheart.org/messages/messages_current_events.asp
)

Visit: www.centeroftheimmaculateheart.org & www.prourladyofemmitsburg.org

Emmitsburg Maryland - Center of the Immacualte Heart

Message #3041 to Little Mary - December 13, 2007

"I want all my children to believe that God hears your prayers"

MESSAGE #3041 from the Blessed Mother December 13, 2007

My daughter, Conversion cannot happen without prayer. Spend your day with me
praying for those souls who are choosing darkness. Offer your prayers and
sacrifices so more repent and turn to God. So many today need prayer, so please
let go of all that is distracting you and pray with me throughout the day.
Abandon all your fears and worries to My Immaculate Heart. Trust in my motherly
intercession, for I am truly here to assist you.

I want all my children to believe that God hears your prayers. Each time that
you pray from your heart, God will truly assist you. God knows what is best for
your soul, so never give up on prayer. The world will only become darker if you
become lax in your prayers. Many souls will fall deeper into the pit if you do
not pray for them. God is allowing this time for more prayer, so do not be lazy
children. Do not neglect prayer, pray more.

The world wants to pull you in the wrong direction, so please respond to my
heavenly call. Make more time to be with God. Pray the Rosary every day.
The Rosary will truly help you draw closer to God.

Now, please allow My Son to refresh you. Allow My Son to dwell in you.
Amen.

Website: littlemary.us

Apostolate of the Green Scapular March 6,2008

www.greenscapular.org

SPECIAL PERMISSION GRANTED

**************************
Our organization, Apostolate of the Green Scapular, grant Joyce L. special
permission to obtain our Heavenly Messages posted on our website at:
www.greenscapular.org and redistribute through electronic mail for the "personal
use" of her readers.

Dated 12/4/2006

2008 Heavenly Messages as given to Anna Marie, an Apostle of the Green Scapular

MESSAGE FROM JESUS CHRIST
UNKNOWN ATTACK PLANNED, PRAY ROSARY TO MITIGATE
MOTHER MARY AND ST. JOSEPH VISITING APOSTLES THIS MONTH,
PRAYING TO ST. JOSEPH? PATRON SAINT OF CLEANSING THE SINS OF PORNOGRAPHY

MARCH 6, 2008 AT 12:47 A.M.

Anna Marie: My Lord, I heard your calling ME. My Lord, are you Father, Son or
Holy Spirit?

Jesus: My dear one, it is I your Lord God and Savior, Jesus of the Eucharist.

Anna Marie: Yes my Jesus, I love you and I love your Mother too. My Lord, may I
ask...will you bow down and worship God your Eternal and Merciful Father, who is
the Alpha and Omega, the Creator of all life of all that is seen and unseen?

Jesus: Yes my dearest daughter, I your Savior Jesus will now and always bow down
and worship my Holy and Eternal Father, who is the Alpha and Omega, the Creator
of all life of all that is seen and unseen by the human eye.

Anna Marie: Yes my Lord, please speak for your sinful, lazy and disobedient
servant is listening.

Jesus: [Personal message given.] Now pray for your nation, a new attack is
planned that will affect many of your innocent citizens.

Anna Marie: Yes my Lord.

Jesus: Please include this tragic event in your Rosary. It is scheduled during
the Summer months, which will include an explosion.

Anna Marie: Yes my Lord. Is there anything else my Lord.

Jesus: My Mother will be visiting many of her beloved children during this month
with her holy St. Joseph.
Please welcome them both in your hearts and lives. Let my beloved children know
that ST. JOSEPH is the Patron Saint of ?Cleansing Hearts and Minds from the
sins of Pornography?. So my children should engage in a constant novena to my
beloved foster father, St. Joseph, who will fight the demonic attacks against
family members who have fallen prey to the deceitful WEB of pornographic images,
ideas and lusts.

Anna Marie: Yes my Lord, thank you my holy beloved Jesus. I love you and all
Apostles around the world love you.

Jesus: Be in peace, I am with you always.

END OF MESSAGE We have included a Novena in honor of St. Joseph, who is honored
during the Month of March, for all to print and pray daily, in honor of Jesus?
requests that we turn to his foster father to help break the hold of pornography
over those we know, love and even others who have no one to pray for them.

In Honor of Saint Joseph

Raccolta 473 Saint Joseph, father and guardian of virgins, into whose faithful
keeping were entrusted Innocency itself, Christ Jesus, and Mary, the Virgin of
virgins, I pray and beseech thee through Jesus and Mary, those pledges so dear
to thee, to keep me from all uncleanness, and to grant that my mind may be
untainted, my heart pure and my body chaste; help me always to serve Jesus and
Mary in perfect chastity. Amen. [An indulgence of 3 years, and Indulgence of 7
years every day in March and on any Wednesday throughout the year. A Plenary
Indulgence, on the usual conditions, if this prayer is devoutly repeated every
day for an entire month (S. C. Ind., Feb. 4, 1977; S. P. Ap., May
18, 1936 and March 10, 1941).]

Raccolta 474 O Glorious Saint Joseph, chosen by God to be the foster-father of
Jesus, the chaste spouse of Mary ever Virgin, and the head of the Holy Family
and then appointed by the Vicar of Christ to be the heavenly patron and defender
of the Church founded by Jesus, most confidently do I implore at this moment thy
powerful aid for all the Church Militant on earth.
Do thou shield with thy truly paternal love especially the Supreme Pontiff and
all the Bishops and priests who are in union with the Holy See of Peter. Be the
defender of all who labor for souls amidst the trials and tribulations of this
life, and cause all the peoples of the earth to submit themselves in a docile
spirit to that Church which is the ark of salvation for all men.
Be pleased also, dear Saint Joseph, to accept this dedication of myself which I
now make unto thee. I dedicate myself wholly to thee, that thou mayest ever be
my father, my patron and my guide in the way of salvation. Obtain for me great
purity of heart and a fervent devotion to the interior life.
Grant that, following thine example, I may direct all my actions to the greater
glory of God, in union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart
of Mary and in union with thee. Finally pray for me that I may be a partaker in
the peace and joy which were thine at the hour of thy holy death. Amen. [An
indulgence of 500 days (S.
C. Ind., July 18, 1885; S. P. Ap., Nov. 8, 1933).]

Raccolta 458 Grant us, dear Joseph, to run life?s pathway in innocent fashion:
May we for ever be safe under thy blest patronage.
[Indulgence 300 days and Plenary Indulgence on the usual conditions, for the
devout recitation of this invocation every day throughout a month (S. P. Ap.,
May 13, 1993)].

Raccolta 459 O Saint Joseph, foster-father of our Lord Jesus Christ and true
spouse of Mary the Virgin, pray for us. [An indulgence of 300 days once a day
(Pope Leo XIII, Motu Proprio, May 15, 1891)].

Raccolta 460 The faithful, who in order to obtain the assistance of St. Joseph,
the Spouse of the B. V.
M., in the various needs of their spiritual and physical life devoutly invoke
his holy name, are granted: [An indulgence of 300 days; a Plenary Indulgence on
the usual conditions, provided that they devoutly repeat this invocation every
day for a month (S. P. Ap., Oct. 22,
1940)].

Usual Conditions: The ?Usual Conditions? refers to going to Confession,
receiving Holy Communion, praying for the Supreme Pontiff (Pope Benedict XVI)
with prayers such as: Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be; and the active recitation
of the above prayer (as listed above) and requesting from the mercy of God?s
love to receive a Plenary Indulgence. A Plenary Indulgence is the entire
removal of all Temporal Punishment due for previous sins committed and already
confessed in a Sacramental Confessional. For more information on this great and
holy Doctrine established by Jesus Christ, please refer to the Catholic
Catechism or other good Catholic books written on this topic.

1st Message to J.N.S.R. Jan.18,2008

JESUS Christ is leading you

*******

January 18, 2008 - 1st message

JESUS: All persons must know that, in order to be begotten of God, they must be fed by means of a Spiritual Food, the Word from the Scripture, and live the Word of God. That is how they can grow spiritually.

If at the Return of JESUS Christ, we have grown spiritually, and if our spiritual character is ripe, we will be born of the Spirit and will become children of God, being sons of the Resurrection
(Luke 20: 35-36) as Christ is established the Son of God, with power according to the Spirit, through His Holy Resurrection, (Romans 1: 4).

As God is Spirit, whoever is born of the Heavenly Father, will be born as Spirit. He will be of the same Substance as God. He will have a spiritual Body, the same as Christ. He will be glorified and will receive extraordinary power.

As John shows us (1Jn 3: 9), once we are born of God at the Resurrection, we cannot sin anymore, because we will possess entirely the perfect, divine character.

Let us all ask the Holy Church for this Food, which is the Word of God and His Holy Eucharist.

JESUS Christ is leading us. †

† † †

Luke 20: 35-36 : "but those who will have been judged worthy of a place in that world and at the Resurrection from the dead, do not take wives nor husbands; as well they can no longer die, for they are the same as the Angels, and they are sons of God being sons of the Resurrection."

Romans 1: 4 : "established Son of God, with Power according to the Spirit of Holiness, by His Resurrection from the dead, JESUS Christ our Lord."

1John 3: 9 : "Whoever is born of God cannot sin, because His seed remains in him; he can no longer sin, being born of God."

http://www.jnsr.be/uk.htm

Medjugorje Day By Day Mar 11 - Monthly confession will be a remedy

"Today I am weak; I need a strength from on high to sustain me; and Jesus descended from Heaven; Jesus has become the Eucharist, the Bread of the strong!"

Augustine Maria of the Blessed Sacrament, (Hermann Cohen).

"Had I but Mary's sinless heart

To love Thee with, my dearest King!

O, with what bursts of fervent praise

Thy goodness, Jesus, would I sing!

Sweet Sacrament! we Thee adore!

O, make us love Thee more and more!"

(Fr. Faber)

The Cross is fire and reduces to ashes all that is not of God, unto emptying the heart of the smallest blade of grass that could be there.

Pope John Paul II -

Mother Teresa -

God speaks in the silence of the heart, and we listen. And then we speak to God from the fullness of our heart, and God listens.

And this listening and this speaking is what prayer is meant to be: oneness with God, oneness with Jesus.

Everything that carries light is from God

Meditations by Padre Pio -

Some interior consolations are for infant souls. They are not signs of perfection. It is not consolations that are needed, but suffering. Aridity, listlessness, helplessness, these are the signs of real love. Suffering is pleasant. Exile is beautiful because by suffering we have something to give God. The gift of our pain, of our sufferings is a great thing, which we cannot do in Paradise (GB, 35).

Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Thy Will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven.

"In contentment one does not submit before he has prayed and acted, but after one has done all he can, accepting the event as the will of the Lord."

St. Faustina's diary http://www.marian.org/directory_flash.html -

I realize more and more how much every soul needs God's mercy throughout life and particularly at the hour of death. This chaplet mitigates God's anger, as He himself told me. (1036)

I am immensely happy, although I am the least of all; and I would not change anything of what God has given me. I would not want to change places even with a Seraph, as regards the interior knowledge of God which He Himself has given me. The intimate knowledge I have of the Lord is such as no creature can comprehend, particularly, the depth of His mercy that envelops me. I am happy with everything You give me. (1049)

In the morning, during Mass, I heard these words: Tell the superior that I want adoration to take place here for the intention of imploring mercy for the world. (1070)

MEDJUGORJE DAY BY DAY

Mar 11 - CONFESSION WILL BE THE REMEDY

Regarding questions on confession, the Blessed Virgin answered:

One must invite people to go to confession each month, especially the first Saturday. Here I have not spoken about it yet. I have invited some people to frequent confession. I will give you yet some concrete messages for our time. Be patient because the time has not yet come. Do what I have told you. They are numerous who do not observe it. Monthly confession will be a remedy for the church in the West. One must convey this message to the West (Special Message August 6, 1982).

Psalm 32 speaks of confession and its fruit:

Then I acknowledged my sin to you, And I did not hide my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,"

And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; At a time of distress, the rush of might waters shall not reach them. Psalm 32L5-6)

Reflection:

A soldier asked a holy monk if God accepted repentance. He said, "Tell me, if your cloak is torn do you throw it away?" The soldier replied, "No, I mend it and use it again." The old man said to him, "If you are so careful about your cloak, will not God be equally careful about his people?"

To experience the joy of forgiveness is a great gift of God, but it requires that we let go of our guilt and truly believe that the Lord has actually forgiven us. This can be difficult when a sin has taken deep root and grown over many years, or if it is very serious or causes deep shame. Then we are in need of a special grace that will convince us of God's infinite mercy that remits all sin of whatever depth or kind. This grace puts us tin mind of the staggering price Jesus paid for our souls through his Passion and death, and almost impossible love that absorbs all sin, hurt, shame, and injury.

Therefore not to accept the Lord's forgiveness is to belittle or even ignore his Passion and cross, to say to him in effect: «I don't believe you. Your love isn't great enough to forgive this sin, to wash away my guilt. And so I refuse you." This is a self-inflicted exile that Satan always has a hand in.

Clearly it is much better to pray for the grace to realize God's forgiveness deep within ourselves, that we may be healed and set free.

Application:

As we see, the sacrament of confession is a great gift. If you haven't done so already, mark your calendar for your Lenten confession. Can you also schedule a regular day each month when you can receive the sacrament, as Our Lady asks today?

Medjugorje Day By Day Mar 10 - Conquer some fault each day

"Go to adoration as one who would go to heaven, to the divine banquet. Our Lord will give us audience of grace and love. He is waiting for us. He is longing for us." (St. Peter Julian Eymard)

The Cross is Light and undeceives me of the temporal and unveils to me the Eternal.

"Invite them all, men and women, of every class and degree, and compel them to come in, for this is the bread of life of which they all stand in need. This is the only bread the Church of Jesus Christ has at her disposal; a bread to satisfy all the longings of our souls, to unite them closely to Jesus Christ, to form into 'one body' and one community of brethren all those who sit at the same heavenly Table, so that breaking one bread they may receive the medicine that gives immortality" (Pope Pius XII).

Pope John Paul II -

Mother Teresa -

Faith in action through prayer, faith in action through service: each is the same thing, the same love, the same compassion. This is something that should encourage us and should be a strength for us, that we complete each other more fully

The works which please me most are the hidden works, because they are deprived of every human spirit.

Meditations by Padre Pio -

Our Lord sometimes makes you feel the weight of the cross. This weight seems unbearable but you carry it because, in His love and mercy, the Lord helps you and gives you strength (CE, 21).

Companions of the Cross

Archbishop Fulton Sheen

No room for doom and gloom!

"Contentment has no kinship with fatalism which refuses to plan or act in the belief that nothing can be altered. It is such fatalism which characterizes certain Eastern philosophies and makes progress impossible."

St. Faustina's diary http://www.marian.org/directory_flash.html -

This evening, a certain young man was dying; he was suffering terribly. For his intention, I began to say the chaplet which the Lord had taught me. I said it all, but the agony continued. I wanted to start the Litany of the Saints, but suddenly I heard the words, Say the chaplet. I understood that the soul needed the special help of prayers and great mercy. And so I locked myself in my room and fell prostrate before God and begged for mercy upon that soul. Then I felt the great majesty of God and His great justice. I trembled with fear, but did not stop begging the Lord's mercy for that soul. Then I took the cross off my breast, the crucifix I had received when making my vows, and I put it on the chest of the dying man and said to the Lord, "Jesus, look on this soul with the same love with which You looked on my holocaust on the day of my perpetual vows, and by the power of the promise which You made to me in respect to the dying and those who would invoke Your mercy on them, [grant this man the grace of a happy death]." His suffering then ceased, and he died peacefully. Oh, how much we should pray for the dying! Let us take advantage of mercy while there is still time for mercy. (1035)

MEDJUGORJE DAY BY DAY

Mar 10 - CONQUER SOME FAULT EACH DAY

During Lent of 1985, Our Lady said to Jelena:

"I give you some advice: I would like you to try to conquer some fault each day, If your fault is to get angry at everything, try each day to get angry less. If your fault is not to be able to study, try to study. If your fault is not to be able to obey, or if you cannot stand those who do not please you, try on a given day to speak with them. If your fault is not to be able to stand an arrogant person, you should try to approach that person. If you desire that person to be humble, be humble yourself. Show that humility is worth or than pride.

Thus, each day, try to go beyond, and to reject every vice from your heart. Find out which are the vices that you most need to reject. During this Lent, you should try and truly desire to spend it in love. Strive as much as possible." (Locution Jelena & Mirajana February 20, 1985).

In his first letter, Peter also speaks of rejecting vices:

You have already spent enough time in doing what the Gentiles like to do, living in licentiousness, passions, drunkenness, revels, carousing, and lawless idolatry…The end of all things is near, therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers (1 Pt 4:3.7)

Reflection:

Philip Henry, a 15th Century English writer, once wrote that, "Sins are like circles in the water when a stone is thrown into it; one produces another. When anger was in Cain's heart, murder was not far off," Recognizing our sins and the vices that produce them is not a pleasant task, yet it is the doorway to peace and holiness. The sacrament of confession is especially helpful in this.

In our examination of conscience we can go one step further to identify the roots of our sins. For example, the sin of lying may be founded in pride; sexual misconduct rooted in selfishness. Once we identify these roots, we can then take action to modify and eventually eliminate them for our lives, as Our Lady asks today; "Each day try to go beyond, to reject every vice from your heart."

Application:

When you prepare for your next confession, actually write down your sins and, next to them, the vice from which they come. During the sacrament itself, present both to your priest so that the Lord can begin his healing work within you.

Medjugorje Day By Day Mar 09 - It would be a good thing to give up television

"Let us fix our eyes on Christ's Blood and understand how precious it is to his Father, for, poured out for our salvation it has brought to the whole world the grace of repentance" (St. Clement of Rome).

The Cross is fruitful and gives birth to Grace in me.

"I fall in adoration at Your feet, Lord!

I thank You, God of goodness;

God of holiness, I invoke You,

on my knees, in Your sight"

(St. Ephrem of Syria).

Pope John Paul II -

Cardinal Ratzinger August 28 1991

"We want to be concerned that this place, which has become a place of prayer and faith, remain and come to be even more in the most interior unity with the entire Church." Medjugorje and the Church, Sr Emmanuel & Denis Nolan p 4

Mother Teresa -

We could know all possible knowledge, and all of theology and all the things about God, but we would not be able to light a fire in the hearts of the people. We could just be uttering words, not living those words. That is why it is necessary for us that our words be the fruit of our life, the fruit of our prayers. " The mission of proclaiming Christ, through action or through words, is one mission, the mission of love and compassion.

A thousand external works are under a single internal work, because in the external works, the human spirit always plays its part

Meditations by Padre Pio -

I know you are suffering a great deal, but isn't this, perhaps, the jewels of the Spouse (Letters III, p. 449).

Archbishop Fulton Sheen

One who is truly content never broods

"Contentment does not mean immunity from trial, for it can know sighs and tears, but its feelings are never allowed to run into fretfulness. If it cannot have what it wants, it never broods over its disappointments but brightens them by sweet submission."

St. Faustina's diary http://www.marian.org/directory_flash.html

Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself. (950)

O incomprehensible and limitless Mercy Divine,

To extol and adore You worthily, who can?

Supreme attribute of Almighty God,

You are the sweet hope for sinful man.

Into one hymn yourselves unite, stars, earth and sea, and in one accord, thankfully and fervently sing of the incomprehensible Divine Mercy. (951)

Jesus looked at me and said, Souls perish in spite of My bitter Passion. I am giving them the last hope of salvation; that is, the Feast of My Mercy. If they will not adore My mercy, they will perish for all eternity. Secretary of My mercy, write, tell souls about this great mercy of Mine, because the awful day, the day of My justice, is near. (965)

Today I heard these words: Pray for souls that they be not afraid to approach the tribunal of My mercy. Do not grow weary of praying for sinners. You know what a burden their souls are to My Heart. Relieve My deathly sorrow; dispense My mercy. (975)

MEDJUGORJE DAY BY DAY

Mar 9 - YOU CAN GIVE UP A NUMBER OF THINGS

To the visionaries during the first year of the apparitions:

"If you are experiencing difficulties or if you need something, come to me. If you do not have the strength to fast on bread and water, you can give up a number of things. It would be a good thing to give up television, because after some programs you are distracted and unable to pray. You can give up alcohol, cigarettes, and other pleasures. You yourselves know what you have to do.

(The Gospa then kneels down, and with hands extended, prays to Christ.) My beloved Son, I beseech you to be willing to forgive the world its great sin through which it offends you." (First Years December 8, 1981).

St. John also speaks of the world and sin:

Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches---comes not from the Father but from the world. And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever ( 1Jn 2:15-17).

Reflection:

Worldliness is not limited to external behavior, but also affects us internally, within the heart. It seems to be characterized by any of three attitudes: a preoccupation with gratifying physical desires; craving and accumulating material things; or an obsession with one's status or importance.

By contrast, God calls us to restraint, a spirit of generosity, and to living service. To achieve these virtues---and their fruit of inner peace---Our Lady ask us to surmount our worldliness through acts of sacrifice. During Lent especially, we are encouraged to practice some form of self-denial as a gesture of love for God and to strengthen our spiritual lives.

Application:

If you have not already done so, choose a special sacrifice for the remainder of Lent, as the Gospa asks.

Medjugorje Day By Day Mar 08 - GIVE THIS LOVE TO OTHERS

"With ever-living ardor, contemplate Christ in the mystery of the Eucharist. Following His example, be ready in all circumstances to make yourselves instruments of mercy and communion. The secret of pastoral success is the crucified and risen Lord, Whom we adore in the Sacrament of the Eucharist. As you well know, in order to be eloquent signs of His love and instigators of His peace in all environments, everyone is first of all asked to cultivate an intimate and constant familiarity with Him. From intense participation in the Eucharist springs the spiritual energy needed to bring all projects of goodness to fruition." (Pope John Paul II, February 19, 2005)

The Cross suffered by you, Jesus Christ, freed me from the slavery of the devil and wed me to the Divinity with an indissoluble bond.

"I am one who came up out of Egypt, and pray God none of my seed shall return thither

. . . . I fell in love with the Blessed Sacrament from the beginning—and by the mercy of God never have fallen out again . . . . Out of wickedness and sloth I almost ceased to practice my religion . . . . Not for me the Hound of Heaven, but the never-ceasing silent appeal of Tabernacle, and the sense of starving hunger" (J. R. R. Tolkien).

Pope John Paul II -

Mother Teresa wrote in her own hand to Denis Nolan April 8 1992

"We are all praying one Hail Mary before Holy Mass to Our Lady of Medjugorje." Medjugorje and the Church, Sr Emmanuel & Denis Nolan p 18

Mother Teresa -

It is very important that right from the beginning we simply live the gospel. Live the gospel in prayer; live the gospel in words.

You won't be able to give what you don't have.

ray for priests in order that they may be a light in the people so that, as the light rises again, the laity may be able to obtain light and see the errors they commit.

Meditations by Padre Pio -

I understand very well, that your Calvary is becoming more and more painful. But remember that it was on Calvary the Jesus redeemed us, and the salvation of redeemed souls must be accomplished there (Letters III, p. 452).

Archbishop Fulton Sheen

You cannot be indifferent and be content

"The Eastern World has struck on the secret of inner peace by suggesting that inner happiness is dependent on the control and limitation of desires. St. Paul said: `I have learned to be content with what I have' (Philippians 4: 11). Contentment is not indifference though the ignorant sometimes make that identification."

St. Faustina's diary http://www.marian.org/directory_flash.html -

O my Jesus, You are giving me back my health and life; give me also strength for battle, because I am unable to do anything without You. Give me strength, for You can do all things. You see that I am a frail child, and what can I do: I know the full power of Your mercy, and I trust that You will give me everything Your feeble child needs. (898)

Today, during the Passion Service, I saw Jesus being tortured and crowned with thorns and holding a reed in His hand. Jesus was silent as the soldiers were bustling about, vying with each other in torturing Him. Jesus said nothing, but just looked at me, and in that gaze I felt His pain, so terrible that we have not the faintest idea of how much He suffered for us before He was crucified. My soul was filled with pain and longing; in my soul, I felt great hatred for sin, and even the smallest infidelity on my part seemed to me like a huge mountain for which I must expiate by mortification and penance. When I see Jesus tormented, my heart is torn to pieces, and I think: what will become of sinners if they do not take advantage of the Passion of Jesus? In His Passion, I see a whole sea of mercy. (948)

MEDJUGORJE DAY BY DAY

Mar 8 - GIVE THIS LOVE TO OTHERS

The Blessed Mother speaks of love to the prayer group on Mt. Podbrdo:

"Dear children, tonight your Mother is happy to see so many of you. I desire, dear children, that from today you begin to live a different life. Your Mother gives you her love and asks that you give this love to others so that we can all live the Easter message. When you return to your homes, conclude the day with prayer (Visionary Prayer Group March 4, 1989)

Of love, St. Peter writes:

Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins (1 Pt 4:8).

Reflection:

The message of love of neighbor reaches far back in our Judeo-Christian roots. The rabbi Hillel was a renowned scribe in Jerusalem about the time of Christ's birth; he seems to have died about A.D. 10 at an advanced age. He was called "the Great" or "the Elder," and his interpretations of the Law were more generous than others. He is said to have been the grandfather of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3) who taught St. Paul. Jesus must have heard often of Hillel, and could possibly have spoken with him as a youth during the three days he remained in the Temple. Here is one of the tales Our Lord probably heard. A certain Gentile came to Shammai (Shammai was the leader of the more strict school of interpretation) and said that he would like to become a convert, but could not stay long in Jerusalem. "Can you teach me the whole Torah while I am standing on one foot?"

Shammai sent him away angrily. So the Gentile went to Hillel with the same question. Hillel admitted him as a convert, and said, "Whatever is hateful to thee, do not do to thy fellow man. This is the whole Torah, all the rest is commentary. Now go and study."

Application:

For reflection today: Love seeketh not itself to please, Nor for itself have any care, But for another gives its ease, And builds a heaven in hell's despair (William Blake)

Posted by realm/blackcatholics at 8:37 AM PDT
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