Called to be Peacemakers “Dear children! I am with you in this time of mercy and I am calling all of you to be carriers of peace and love in this world where, through me, little children, God is calling you to be prayer and love, and an expression of Heaven here on earth. May your hearts be filled with joy and faith in God; that, little children, you may have complete trust in His holy will. That is why I am with you, because He, the Most High, is sending me among you to encourage you to the hope; and you will be peacemakers in this peaceless world. Thank you for having responded to my call. ” Medjugorje Monthly Message, November 25, 2021 “That is why God is sending me ++++++++++ All through Christian history, the Blessed Mother has appeared to teach us what is important in our lives. It is always the same message, a return to Christ Jesus, and to live a life of the Spirit. In the world today, which is truly a world becoming more pointed both in the political, and religious sphere, I believe it is very important for Christians to study the works of the Spirit. The works of the flesh are obvious as stated in Paul’s letter to the Galatians Chapter 5: +++++15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, and factions.+++++ I do believe that when Jesus spoke to us and gave us the Sermon on the Mount, what he taught is actually the more rational and logical way to interact with others, rather than reacting. All through our history, we can see how badly we handle others who are different than us or disagree with us. Leading to war, oppression, and slavery, and to the sexual exploitation of many. Hardly a logical way to handle our problems. Perhaps one of the issues we Christians may need to face (of course me as well) is how do we react to those who disagree or even attack us. There is more tearing into each other than actually being led by the Holy Spirit. To be led by the Spirit is to grow in the freedom not to objectify those who are different, or who even hate and revile us. To restrain from adding more fuel to the fire. It is only by prayer, trust, and the courage to go against what is in our nature that is self-destructive, that we can get the strength to work with the Holy Spirit. We expand our hearts to see life through ‘The Mind of Christ’. The saints all through history have shown us how this looks. I believe that it is very important today for Christians to become more aware of our need to deepen our love and devotion to the Holy Spirit. +++++22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentlenesses, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking, and envying each other.+++++ It does sound impractical to act in this kind of loving manner towards all. Yet think about it, are the same tired cycles that we find ourselves in, are they practical? Or, are we being led down an even darker path when we rely on our fleshy way of doing things, without the help of healing grace offered to all in Christ Jesus. Many Christians do live the above life in the Spirit. I still struggle, but each day my trust grows in God’s mercy and love for me, and for all. Our Lady calls us all to a deep life of prayer. To unite ourselves to our Eternal High Priest, Jesus Christ, in our prayers for all. I have also met many people from other religions who manifest these gifts in the Spirit and feel a deep loving connection with them. “Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of your mercy”.-Fatima Prayer So, let us listen, and pray, and reach out in love, not in anger. At the same time speaking truth, and leaving it up to the Holy Spirit to water the seed, in God’s time, not ours.-Br.MD
