On Jan 30, the Founder of my son's religious order (the Legion of Christ) went home to be with the Lord. Fr. Maciel holds the unique distinction of leading the Congregation for over 60 years, the longest of any Founder in history. The members of my family were individually blessed by this holy man. His writings and example reverberate within my heart. Thursday night, I was praying before the Blessed Sacrament and I received a sense that a baton has been passed to my generation. Let me explain. In considering the period of history that has and will cover the years from 1900-2040, I will divide them into five generations of about 30 years each. I know that is done rather arbitrarily; perhaps it will make better sense as you read. First Generation (1901-1929) This was the generation born in a century that was suppose to be the crowning achievement of scientific and human progress. Unfortunately, what was initially intoxicated with arrogance and nationalism, quickly sobered under the blows of WWI and the Stock Market Crash. Yet, God was at work. Think of the spiritual giants the Lord raised up: Sister Faustina, John Paul II, Mother Theresa, Father Maciel, Josemaria Escriva, and so many whom each of us can personally name. My Mom, Msgr. Watley, Fr. Regis, Fr. Norcott, the Fatima children, even Ronald Reagan are some who come to mind for me. They bore the qualities of humility, holiness, integrity, and leadership in different capacities during the 20th century. For the most part, they have moved on and we treasure the wisdom and legacy they have left us. Second Generation (1930-1962) This is my generation. From an American perspective, these were the years when the Free World stood tall against Nazism, Communism, and all those other 'isms" that threatened liberty and all God-fearing people. This is what I was taught and believed at a young age. Now that the giants are gone, we have the task of leading in the ranks of Mary's Army as The Definitive Battle looms ahead. Third Generation (1963-1992) The insidious attack from within occurred in this generation. The assassinations of Kennedy amd King, the smoke that entered the Church during the confusion following the Council, the sexual revolution and the promotion of abortion, the rise of militant homosexuality, and the emergence of radical terrorism, paved the way for God's response: Our Lady of Medjugorje and the rise of ecclessial movements within the Church to re-enkindle the flames of love among a remnant. Fourth Generation (1993-2013) This generation has seen the enshrinement in law of all ungodliness. What was evil is good; what was good has been reduced to intolerance. It is this generation that shall witness the time of the Warning and the Miracle: the greatest grace to be poured out since apostolic times. What an awesome privilege stands before us! Fifth Generation (2014-1940) This generation shall be born into the Dark Days of Chastisement, but those who survive will rejoice to experience the Era of Peace. The triumph of the Immaculate Heart and the Reign of the Sacred Heart is coming! In conclusion, I believe the banner has been passed from the First to the Second Generation. Virtually none of my generation will live to witness the Era of Peace, however, we do have the task of nurturing the grace of the Warning/Miracle in the hearts of successive generations. The love for the Eucharist and the Maternal love of Our Lady are the pillars to which the bark of Peter is anchored, and the second generation must lead by both word and example. Come Lord Jesus! Maranatha!
Thanks Terry. I always feel a little strange when I think that the world will carry on without me, when I'm dead!! Its true life really is like a night spent in a bad hotel, compared to what it to come, eternity. I was thinking today of the De La Salle Brother who taught me when I was very young. He used to read to us from a book n the early Christian Martyrs. One of the things he taught us was that the martrys in heaven get to wear a red sash to denote that they shed their blood for their faith!! (I have no idea where he got this information} I loved this notion and have nearly always had this great longing to be able to die for the faith. But it always seemed impossible, Ireland is such a Catholic Country, it seemed impossible. But looking to the future I do believe Good will some day grant me this great gift as He will to many of my generation and the one to come. I just pray and hope I and my brothers and sisters will be ready to make this sacrifice when the time comes. But when folks will not go to church in case they miss TV, I don't think they will stand up to the Islamic Religious Police.
Very insightful, Mario. Just one question. Some of those included as 3rd generation are in their thirties and fourties. Don't you think that they're plenty old enough to be included as baton-holders, or no?
Terry, This is a very good analysis. I pray that my children will withstand the onslaught and I entrust them to the arms of Holy Mother. Unlike you Padraig I have no desire to shed my blood. I am too much of a chicken but I trust in the lord that he will not try me beyond my strength. Mary
Rain, I sure do! My outline is anything but perfect. My point with the baton was to primarily indicate that my generation was now the eldest. A goodly number of survivors of the Chastisement could come from the Third Generation. In the Hearts of Jesus and Mary!
