Afrocentric Sorrowful Mysteries Rosary Pt I

 Afrocentric Sorrowful Mysteries Rosary Pt II

 Afrocentric Stations Cross Pt. I

Afrocentric Stations Cross Pt. I I

BLACK SAINT OF THE DAY

(From: Black Saints, Mystics, Holy Folk (The Ancient African Liturgical Church Vol. l

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We are the  3685 Companions and other martyrs with Abadir, and my sister, Iraja (Herais). We are children martyrs of St.Basilides’ sister.

Basilides is called the Father of Kings. 

   We were brought under arrest to Antinoe, Kemet, beheaded with Cluthus, a physician and priest.  Also martyred with us were Apa Paphnutius of Tentyra, priest; Apa Isaac of Tiphre, priest; Apa Shamul of Taraphia, priest; Apa Simeon of Tapcho, priest; Sissinius of Tantatho, priest; Theodore of Chotep, priest; Moses of Psammanius, priest; Philotheus of Pemdje, priest; Macarius, of Fayum, priest; Maximus of Vuchim, priest; Macroni of Thoni, priest; Senuthius, of Buasti, priest; Simeon of Thou, priest; priest Ptolemaeus, son of  the Eparch, priest and Thomas of Tanphot, priest.  Coptic calendar, 25 Sept.

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Black Saints, Part II

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Our Lady of All Nations littlest of servants June 19, 2008

My dear, dear children today the battle for souls rages. This battle is far
worse than the wars that mankind has fought.

This is a SPIRITUAL WAR and it is a war that is far greater than any ever
fought. IT IS A WAR FOR SOULS!!!

I have called My troops into battle and their weapons are PRAYER (Rosary, Divine
Mercy Chaplet), HUMILITY, and LOVE. These weapons are far more powerful than
any the enemy has.

So My dear, dear children I ask you once again to PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. PRAY and
PRESERVE, WE WILL BE VICTORIOUS.

YOUR LOVING MOTHER

Our Lady requests that all CHRISTIANS sing the BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC

Our Lady of All Nations littlest of servants June 18, 2008


My dear, dear children please PRAY, PRAY, PRAY as never before. You cannot
begin to comprehend the events which are at your doorstep.


YOUR LOVING MOTHER

This is What I heard - June 18, 2008 - Lec

This is what I heard this morning June 18, 2008
6:40 Am

Son, limit not the time you spend with me. I desire to impart what you need to know for the time is getting critical each passing day.
Soon, the world will be in turmoil. A huge war breaking out will put the whole world in panic sending your financial system into a crash.
Every aspect of life will be affected to a large exent.

Be not dismayed though. I will lead my faithful to the safety of my refuges.

Take care not to worry!

I am your Father!

Message Reception Ended: 6:45 AM Duration: 5 Minutes

Relevant News Update:

U.S. says exercise by Israel seemed directed at Iran Quote U.S. says exercise by Israel seemed directed at Iran By Michael R. Gordon and Eric Schmitt Published: June 20, 2008

WASHINGTON: Israel carried out a major military exercise earlier this month that American officials say appeared to be a rehearsal for a potential bombing attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.

Several American officials said the Israeli exercise appeared to be an effort to develop the military's capacity to carry out long-range strikes and to demonstrate the seriousness with which Israel views Iran's nuclear program.

More than 100 Israeli F-16 and F-15 fighters participated in the maneuvers, which were carried out over the eastern Mediterranean and over Greece during the first week of June, American officials said.

The exercise also included Israeli helicopters that could be used to rescue downed pilots. The helicopters and refueling tankers flew more than 900 miles, which is about the same distance between Israel and Iran's uranium enrichment plant at Natanz, American officials said.

Israeli officials declined to discuss the details of the exercise. A spokesman for the Israeli military would say only that the country's air force "regularly trains for various missions in order to confront and meet the challenges posed by the threats facing Israel."

But the scope of the Israeli exercise virtually guaranteed that it would be noticed by American and other foreign intelligence agencies. A senior Pentagon official who has been briefed on the exercise, and who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the political delicacy of the matter, said the exercise appeared to serve multiple purposes.

One Israeli goal, the Pentagon official said, was to practice flight tactics, aerial refueling and all other details of a possible strike against Iran's nuclear installations and its long-range conventional missiles.

A second, the official said, was to send a clear message to the United States and other countries that Israel was prepared to act militarily if diplomatic efforts to stop Iran from producing bomb- grade uranium continued to falter.

"They wanted us to know, they wanted the Europeans to know, and they wanted the Iranians to know," the Pentagon official said. "There's a lot of signaling going on at different levels."

Several American officials said they did not believe that the Israeli government had concluded that it must attack Iran and did not think that such a strike was imminent.

Shaul Mofaz, a former Israeli defense minister who is now a deputy prime minister, warned in a recent interview with the Israeli newspaper Yediot Aharonot that Israel might have no choice but to attack. "If Irannuclear weapons, we will attack," Mofaz said in the interview published on June 6, the day after the unpublicized exercise ended. "Attacking Iran, in order to stop its nuclear plans, will be unavoidable. "

But Mofaz was criticized by other Israeli politicians as seeking to enhance his own standing as questions mount about whether the embattled Israeli prime minister, Ehud Olmert, can hang on to power.

Israeli officials have told their American counterparts that Mofaz's statement does not represent official policy. But American officials were also told that Israel had prepared plans for striking nuclear targets in Iran and could carry them out if needed.

Iran has shown signs that it is taking the Israeli warnings seriously, by beefing up its air defenses in recent weeks, including increasing air patrols. In one instance, Iran scrambled F-4 jets to double-check an Iraqi civilian flight from Baghdad to Tehran.

"They are clearly nervous about this and have their air defense on guard," a Bush administration official said of the Iranians.

Any Israeli attack against Iran's nuclear facilities would confront a number of challenges. Many American experts say they believe that such an attack could delay but not eliminate Iran's nuclear program.
Much of the program's infrastructure is buried under earth and concrete and installed in long tunnels or hallways, making precise targeting difficult. There is also concern that not all of the facilities have been detected. To inflict maximum damage, multiple attacks might be necessary, which many analysts say is beyond Israel's ability at this time.

But waiting also entails risks for the Israelis. Israeli officials have repeatedly expressed fears that Iran will soon master the technology it needs to produce substantial quantities of highly enriched uranium for nuclear weapons.

Iran is also taking steps to better defend its nuclear facilities.
Two sets of advance Russian-made radar systems were recently delivered to Iran. The radar will enhance Iran's ability to detect planes flying at low altitude.

Mike McConnell, the director of national intelligence, said in February that Iran was close to acquiring Russian-produced SA-20 surface-to-air missiles. American military officials said that the deployment of such systems would hamper Israel's attack planning, putting pressure on Israel to act before the missiles are fielded. continues with its program for developing

Our Lady of All Nations littlest of servants June 18, 2008

My dear, dear children please PRAY, PRAY, PRAY as never before. You cannot begin to comprehend the events which are at your doorstep.

YOUR LOVING MOTHER

Message to Sharon Fitzpatrick June 18,2008

PRAYER GROUP ROSARY WEDNESDAYS - 7:00 P.M. SUNDAYS - 3:00 P.M.
LADY OF LOURDES GROTTO (BEWND HOSPITAL) PANA, lL
MESSAGE FROM HEAVEN
SHARON Fitzpatrick LOCUTIONIST

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2008

MY DEAR DEAR PRECIOUS LITTLE CHILDREN,
HOW BLESSED YOU ARE MY LOVES TO HAVE COME INTO PRAYER WITH TWO OF MY
BELOVED PRIEST-SONS. HOW BLESSED YOU ARE TO COME INTO PRAYER WITH THE
MOTHER OF GOD. HOW BLESSED YOU ARE MY CHILDREN, HOW TRULY BLESSED YOU
ARE.

I GREET YOU THIS NIGHT WITH TRUE LOVE AND WITH ANTICIPATION OF YOUR
OPENNESS TO MY IMMACULATE HEART. I GIVE IT TO YOU FREELY AND WELCOME
YOU THERE. IT IS THERE THAT YOU FIND YOUR PEACE AND YOUR HOPE AND THIS
YOU FIND THERE BECAUSE MY SON ALSO DWELLS THERE. THESE ARE TIMES OF
TRIAL AND SUFFERING NOT JUST FOR YOUR NATION BUT FOR THE WORLD. THE
WORLD HAS BECOME BLINDED TO THE LIGHT WHICH IS THE TRUTH - THEY HAVE
CLOSED THEIR EYES AND EARS TO IT. YET THE LIGHT DOES NOT GO OUT, BUT
REMAINS CONSTANT. THE TRUTH IS CARRIED BY MY PRIESTS AND BY YOU THOSE
WHO ARE SIMPLE AND LITTLE. DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THE TRUTH, BUT STAND UP
FOR IT. BE STRONG IN YOUR FAITH AND IN YOUR LOVE. LET NOTHING SWAY YOU
- HOLD FAST TO THE TRUTH AND YOU SHALL FIND YOURSELVES IN THE NEW
HEAVENS AND THE NEW EARTH.

MY CHILDREN, BE ALERT TO ALL I HAVE TAUGHT YOU. PRAY WITH CONFIDENCE
AND LET NOTHING DISTURB YOU. YOU HAVE THE MOTHER OF GOD, YOU HAVE THE
ANGELS AND SAINTS, YOU HAVE GOD. YOU WILL BE CARED FOR AND YOUR NEEDS
MET. BE FOR EACH OTHER. FORGIVE EACH OTHER, LOVE EACH OTHER. YOU MY
CHILDREN ARE BEARERS OF THE TRUTH.

I DO NOT GIVE MY BLESSING THIS NIGHT, INSTEAD I GIVE TO EACH ONE MY
KISS. I AM GRATEFUL THAT MY LITTLE PRIESTS HAVE MADE THIS JOURNEY AND I
IMPRESS UPON THEIR HEARTS THE NEEDS OF MY CHILDREN. ONLY THE PRIEST
CAN GIVE THE BLESSING OF CHRIST AND I INVITE YOU MY SONS TO BESTOW
THIS BLESSING UPON THEM. LET THIS BLESSING COME FROM YOUR HEARTS AND
MAY YOUR HEARTS RADIATE LOVE FOR THESE, MY LITTLE ONES.

I THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS NIGHT WITH ME AND I THANK YOU FOR YOUR
LOVE YOU GIVE MY SON.

LET ALL OF YOU GIVE PRAISE AND THANKS TO GOD, AND MAY YOU DO THIS NOW
AND FOREVER.

FATHER MELVIN DOUCETTE

Believing in the Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist

Friday, June 20, 2008

Dear Friends,

"Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the Lord guard the city, in vain does the guard keep vigil. It is vain for you to rise early, or put off your rest, you that eat hard-earned bread, for he gives to his beloved in sleep." Ps 127:1-2

It is sunny this morning although there are a few clouds. It will be a nice day with the temperature over 20 degrees Celsius.

The retreat on Contemplative Prayer begins this evening at 7:00 p.m. in the prayer room. I will start with a conference followed by Holy Mass and confessions. Tomorrow we will start at 9:30 a.m. and I will have a Healing Mass tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. During these days of retreat there will be no messages.

On Monday, June 23, I will start my journey to the USA. On Monday evening I will go and sleep at my friends and we will leave together for Maine and Connecticut on June 24. I will be home at the beginning of July and there will be no message before July 4.

The Result of Believing in the Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist

Dr. Bob Rice in his booklet on the Holy Eucharist has this question asked him by his wife: "Do you think you could ever go back to the Protestant church again?"

His answer to the question was, "to whom shall I go?" It is the same answer given by Peter in John 6:66-68: "As a result of this, many (of) his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him.

Jesus then said to the Twelve, 'Do you also want to leave?' Simon Peter answered him, 'Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.'"

Dr. Rice asked this question: "Why is it that so many Catholics come to receive the Holy Eucharist with such lack of respect?" It is true that many Catholics are cold to the Holy Eucharist and indifferent to Christ's real presence.

Some do not even believe that Jesus is truly present in the host and in the chalice. Some do believe mentally but not in their heart. The problem is that many Catholics do not understand the awesome gift they have in the Holy Eucharist.

We can ask the following question to the Catholics according to Dr. Rice: "Why is it that many Catholics hurry to get out of church?" The priests tell us that the Holy Eucharist is the center of our faith and the most important part of the Mass.

So why is Holy Communion always rushed through? If we believe that Jesus is really present in the Holy Eucharist, we should be in awe. We should fall down in adoration before God! We would want to spend as much time with Him as possible.

So, one should not be in a hurry to get out of church to watch a football game or TV. All Catholics need to fall in love with Jesus once more!

Father Melvin

P.S. May the Lord bless you all.

Fr Doucette - The Real Presence of Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist - Tue, June 17, 2008

FATHER MELVIN DOUCETTE
 

The Real Presence of Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist

  uesday, June 17, 2008

This morning I will celebrate Holy Mass at 9:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church, Palmer Road, as the priests are gone to the Eucharistic Congress in Quebec City. There will be Eucharistic Adoration at our church the whole day.

 The Real Presence of Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist

 In Dr. Bob Rice's book on the Holy Eucharist, the following question is answered: does the bread and wine really become the Body and Blood of Our Lord at the consecration at Mass?

The Lord sent him to read St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians and this is what it says, For I received from the Lord what I also handed onto to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and after he had given thanks, broke it and said, This is my body that is for you.

Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, This is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.

Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup.

For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are ill and infirm, and a considerable number are dying. 1 Cor 11:23-30

 He received these words from the Lord, Bob, if I would have meant for the bread and wine to simply be symbols of my Body and Blood, I would have said to my disciples, listen my friends, this bread and wine are only symbols of my Body and Blood. But that is not what I said. I said this is my Body this is my Blood.

 It is a fact that the Protestant pastor cannot consecrate a cracker and grape juice into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The only person who can consecrate the bread and wine and have them become the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Catholic priest. That privilege is reserved for the Catholic priest alone.

 Father Melvin

   To access archive, please click on:
http://groups.google.com/group/father-melvin-doucettes-letters

 "In Mary's virginal womb the Sacred Heart of Jesus was fashioned beneath her own heart and commenced to beat in unison with it.  And there, in that first-ever tabernacle of the real presence, began the admirable alliance that would never end—the covenant of love and collaboration between the Eucharistic Heart of the Redeemer and the Immaculate Heart of Mary" (Fr. Richard Foley, S.J.).

St. Maria Michaela Desmaisieres, Religious, Spain (1809-1865)—Feast, June 15 An ardent promoter of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, St. Michaela spent  entire nights before the Blessed Sacrament.  She started a congregation, the Handmaids of the Blessed Sacrament and of Charity, to teach and house poor girls and spread Perpetual Adoration.

  
Mother Teresa 

"The Eucharist is connected with the Passion. If Jesus had not established the Eucharist we would have forgotten the crucifixion. It would have faded into the past and we would have forgotten that Jesus loved us. There is a saying that to be far away from the eyes is to be far away from the heart.

Father, I feel unworthy to receive Holy Communion, I am unworthy!" Reply; "it is true, we are not worthy of such a gift, but it is one thing to receive unworthily in the state of mortal sin and another to be unworthy. We are all unworthy; but it is He who invites us, and He who desires it. Let us humble ourselves and receive Him with our hearts full of love" )LdP,55).

Archbishop Fulton Sheen

"Though He Who was rich became poor for our sake, yet He would not be an earthly king by force. A poor blind man could stop Him on the roadway to be cured of his blindness, but not all the masses with their universal acclaim and suffrage could make Him king.

Then He laid His finger on their error, `You seek Me not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were satisfied' (John 6: 26).

They sought Him not for the higher part of their being, but for their stomachs; not for His morality, but for their economics; not for His saving grace, but because of the dormancy of the spiritual in their souls."

Beware of those who promise the world!

"When loaves are more valued than the Divine Power Which multiplied them; when streams are more admired than the fountains that produced them, the world will accept any kind of a king who promises bread and plenty."

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

 Today, I took part in a one-day retreat. When I was at the last conference, the priest was speaking of how much the world needs God's mercy, and that this seems to be a special time when people have great need of prayer and God's mercy. Then I heard a voice in my soul: These words are for you. Do all you possibly can for this work of My mercy. I desire that My mercy be worshiped, and I am giving mankind the last hope of salvation; that is, recourse to My mercy. My Heart rejoices in this feast. After these words, I understood that nothing can dispense me from the obligation which the Lord demands from me.       (998)

Let the glory and praise to The Divine Mercy rise from every creature throughout all ages and times.       (1005)

Praise and glory be to You, O Holy Trinity, Eternal God. May the mercy springing from Your very bowels protect us from Your just anger. Let the praise of Your incomprehensible mercy resound everywhere. All Your works bear the seal of Your unfathomable mercy, O God.       (1007)

MEDJUGORJE DAY BY DAY

These thoughts for a day are taken from a daily meditation book based on the Messages of Our Lady of Medjugorje by Father Richard J. Beyer, Ave Maria Press.

JUNE 20 - GIVE ME ALL YOUR PROBLEMS The anniversary of the Medjugorje apparitions (JUNE 25) seems to be very important to Our Lady, for she begins preparing us for it days in advance. For instance, on this day in 1985, she said:

Dear children, for the coming feast day, I wish to call you to open your hearts to the Master of all hearts. Give me all your problems and worries! I want to comfort you in all your trials. Truly, I wish to fill you with peace, joy, and love for God (Weekly Message JUNE 20,1985).

St Peter speaks of the good fruit which trials can bear:

In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith being more precious than gold that, through perishable is tested by fire may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (1 Pt 1:6-7).

Reflections:

Problems and trials are a part of life, of course, but there are several ways of dealing with them.

Rather than holding onto them through worry and fear, Our Lady asks us to, "Give me all your problems and worries," a way of saying "Let go, and let God." This trusting surrender to the Lord of our problems is the spirit behind this passage by St. Francis de Sales

Do not look forward to the trials and crosses of this life with dread and fear. Rather, look to them with full confidence that, as they arise, God, to whom you belong, will deliver you from them.

He has guided and guarded you thus far in life. Do you but hold fast to his dear hand and he will lead you safely through all trials. Whenever you cannot stand, he will carry you lovingly in his arms.

Application:

Offer this prayer by St. Francis whenever you feel burdened with problems

Medjugorje Day By Day June 21- SURRENDER YOURSELVES

 "Jesus Christ, my Lord and my God, whom I believe to be really present in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, receive this most profound act of adoration to supply for the desire I have to adore You unceasingly, and in thanksgiving for the sentiments of love which Your Sacred Heart has for me in this Sacrament" (St. Margaret Mary Alacoque).

Mother Teresa  

To make sure that we do not forget, Jesus gave us the Eucharist as a memorial of his love ... When you look at the Crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you then, when you look at the Sacred Host you understand how much Jesus loves you now."

Meditations by Padre Pio -

Father, why do you cry when you receive Jesus in Holy Communion?" Reply: "If the Church can utter the words: speaking of the incarnation of the Word in the womb of the Immaculate Virgin, what should be said of us miserable creatures?

But Jesus said to us: 'He who does not eat my Flesh and does not drink my Blood will not have life everlasting,' so then let us approach Holy Communion with great love and fear. Let the whole day be a preparation and thanksgiving for Holy Communion" (LdP,55)

Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Both body and soul must be fed

"Let it not be forgotten that He Who promised the spiritual did not deny bread to the poor. Our hopes and our liberties are sold too cheap when they are bartered away to him who feeds the body and leaves the soul unsatisfied."

Today, I took part in a one-day retreat. When I was at the last conference, the priest was speaking of how much the world needs God's mercy, and that this seems to be a special time when people have great need of prayer and God's mercy.

Then I heard a voice in my soul: These words are for you. Do all you possibly can for this work of My mercy. I desire that My mercy be worshiped, and I am giving mankind the last hope of salvation; that is, recourse to My mercy.

My Heart rejoices in this feast. After these words, I understood that nothing can dispense me from the obligation which the Lord demands from me.       (998)

Let the glory and praise to The Divine Mercy rise from every creature throughout all ages and times.       (1005)

Praise and glory be to You, O Holy Trinity, Eternal God. May the mercy springing from Your very bowels protect us from Your just anger. Let the praise of Your incomprehensible mercy resound everywhere. All Your works bear the seal of Your unfathomable mercy, O God.       (1007)

MEDJUGORJE DAY BY DAY

These thoughts for a day are taken from a daily meditation book based on the Messages of Our Lady of Medjugorje by Father Richard J. Beyer, Ave Maria Press.

JUNE 21 - SURRENDER YOURSELVES

In anticipation of the anniversary, the Virgin calls us to surrender ourselves to God:

Dear children, until the anniversary day, I call you, the parish, to pray more and to let your prayer be a sign of surrender to God.

Dear children, I know that you are all tired, but you don't know how to surrender yourselves. During these days, surrender yourselves completely to me! (Weekly Message 6-13-85)

Perhaps the greatest example of surrender was that of Job, who remained faithful in prosperity and poverty, in illness and in health, in joy and in tragedy. His simple words were:

"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord (Job 1:21)."

Reflection:

Surrender to God is one of the most difficult tasks of the spiritual life, for we are ingrained with a self-centeredness and egotism (original sin) that impels us to seek control not only over our own lives, but over everyone and everything around us. Left unchecked, this sometimes unconscious attitude leads inevitably to emptiness and despair.

However, turning from self to God allows us to enter a new life of God-centeredness, oneness, and joy that we were created for. Instead of moving inward, we move outward, and become free. It all begins, as Our Lady says, with a conscious choice.

Application:

Today, let us make that choice -- using a special prayer written by St. Therese of Lisieux, "The Little Flower":

"I consider that `all is vanity but to love God and serve him alone.' The grace which I especially ask, O Jesus, is never to offend you. My gifts are all unworthy, and so I offer you my very soul, O most loving Savior.

I fear only one thing, my God, to keep my own will.

Take it, therefore, for I choose all that you choose. O my Beloved, I offer myself to you, that you may perfectly accomplish in me your holy designs, and I will not allow anything created to be an obstacle to their accomplishment."

 Pope Benedict XVI wrote of the Most Holy Eucharist, "The One whom we adore—as I was saying—is not some distant power.  He has knelt down before us to wash our feet. 

And that gives to our adoration the quality of being unforced, adoration in joy and in hope, because we are bowing down to enter into a love that does not make slaves of us but transforms us. 

So let us ask the Lord that he may grant us to understand this and to rejoice in it and that this understanding and this joy may spread out from this day far and wide into our country and our everyday life" (God is Near Us).

 
Mother Teresa 

And the only way you can get through is knowing through prayer and reflection that God is with you through it all. "Jesus I trust in you."

Meditations by Padre Pio -

My children, we can never prepare ourselves too much for Holy Communion (AP).

Archbishop Fulton Sheen

They misunderstood the King in their midst

"Jesus fed bread to the multitudes in the desert. Having fed the hungry masses, they `sought to make Him king' (John 6: 15). It is ever in the human heart, when it loses its love of the spiritual, to worship those who promise full stomachs or economic power.

They wished to make Jesus king in opposition to all the kings of the earth; instead of surrendering themselves to Him and His sublime doctrine about sin and redemption, they willed to have Him submit to them.

They did not want to be drawn up to Him, but to draw Him down to them. However sincere and enthusiastic they were, they were, nevertheless, bent on pulling Divinity down to the level of the human."

O most sweet Jesus, who have deigned to allow miserable me to gain a knowledge of Your unfathomable mercy;

O most sweet Jesus, who have graciously demanded that I tell the whole world of Your incomprehensible mercy, this day I take into my hands the two rays that spring from Your merciful Heart; that is, the Blood and the Water;

and I scatter them all over the globe so that each soul may receive Your mercy and, having received it, may glorify it for endless ages.

O most sweet Jesus who, in Your incomprehensible kindness, has deigned to unite my wretched heart to Your most merciful Heart, it is with Your own Heart that I glorify God, our Father, as no soul has ever glorified Him before.       (836)

MEDJUGORJE DAY BY DAY

These thoughts for a day are taken from a daily meditation book based on the Messages of Our Lady of Medjugorje by Father Richard J. Beyer, Ave Maria Press.

JUNE 19 - LET PEACE RULE

The Blessed Mother speaks of peace today:

Dear children, today I invite you to peace. As the Queen of Peace I have come to deepen within you my motherly peace. Dear children, I love you and I wish that all of you experience God's peace which enriches every heart. I invite you to become carriers and witnesses of my peace to this unpeaceful world.

Let peace rule over all the earth, which is devoid of peace and yet longs for it. I bless you with a mother's blessing (Monthly Message July 25, 1990),

St. Peter also urges us to seek peace:

Those who desire life and desire to see good days, let them keep their tongues from evil and their lips form speaking deceit; let them turn away from evil and do good; let them seek peace and pursue it (1 Pt 3:10-11).

Reflection:

To be truly at peace we must put our lives and talents to use in serving God and our neighbor in the service of love.

The prizes that the world values money, fame, or pleasure never truly satisfy. God never allows even one human being whom he has created to be content with anything short of himself.

As St. Augustine wrote, "Our hearts are restless until they rest in thee." And so Our Lady reminds us that peace is a gift" which only God gives and which enriches every heart." This is the peace that comes from purpose in our lives, from loving and serving God and neighbor.

Application:

Today, pray that through your life, talents, and prayers, you may become, as Our Lady says, "a carrier and witness of my peace to this unpeaceful world.