THE MEDJUGORJE WITNESS

Christ did not send me to baptise, but to preach the Good News, and not to preach in terms of philosophy in which the crucifixion of Christ cannot be expressed. The language of the cross may be illogical to those who are not on the way of salvation, but those of us who are on the way see it as God’s power to save. As scripture says: I shall destroy the wisdom of the wise and bring to nothing all the learning of the learned. Where are the philosophers now? Where are the scribes? Where are any of the thinkers of today? So you see now how God has shown up the foolishness of human wisdom? If it was God’s wisdom that human wisdom should not know God, it was because God wanted to save those who have faith through the foolishness of the message that we preach. And so, here are we preaching a crucified Christ; to the Jews an obstacle that they cannot get over, to the pagans madness, but to those who have been called, whether they are Jews or Greeks, a Christ who is the power and wisdom of God. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength. 

1 Corinthians 1 : 17-25 

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Dear children! I wish to tell you that the cross should be central these days. Pray especially before the cross from which great graces are coming. Now in your homes make a special consecration to the cross. Promise that you will neither offend Jesus nor abuse the cross. Thank you for having responded to my call.

Medjugorje Message, September 12, 1985

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Founder of the Benedictine Order, Patron of Europe, Father of Western monasticism. His life is faithfully reflected in the “Rule” named after him, the spirit of which is captured in the motto, Ora et Labora. 

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“Idleness,” writes St Benedict in the Rule, “is an enemy of the soul; That is why the brothers have to devote themselves to manual work, in some hours, in others, to reading books containing the word of God.” Prayer and work are not in opposition, but establish a symbiotic relationship. Without prayer, it is not possible to encounter God. The monastic life, however, defined by Benedict as “a school of the service of the Lord,” cannot be without concrete commitment. Work is an extension of prayer.

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source: Vatican News

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You who do not yet see God will, by loving your neighbour, make yourself worthy of seeing Him. By loving your neighbour, you cleanse your eyes so you can see God.

Love your neighbour, then, and see within yourself the source of this love of neighbour. There you will see God insofar as you are able.

St Augustine of Hippo

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Dear children! As a mother I beseech you, do not go on the way you have been going. That is a way without love toward neighbour and toward my Son. On that way, you will find only hardness and emptiness of heart, and not the peace that everyone is crying out for. Genuine peace will be had only by the one who sees and loves my Son in his neighbour. In whose heart my Son reigns, that one knows what peace is and tranquillity. Thank you having responded to my call. 

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Annual message to Mirjana, March 18, 1997

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There’s a narrow path that leads to the front door of my house. It’s made of square concrete slabs set in a bed of gravel stones. Everyday when I leave the house and walk along the path I tend to kick the small pebbles that have found their way onto the path back into touch, so to speak. It has almost become a daily ritual.

When I was a small boy I would be told of stories how my Irish ancestors would do back-breaking work in clearing stones and rocks from their land in order to plant and grow food to sustain their families. So numerous were the rocks and stones that the locality was named Rocktown. Sometimes large outcrops of rocks were blasted out of the ground and used to build houses and make stone or ‘flag’ floors.

Medjugorje is a place of stones, especially Apparition Hill and Mt Krizevac. Pilgrims pick up the stones and take them home as souvenirs. I have one as a reminder it came from holy ground. But removing stones from hills does create problems. When the rains fall the soil is more easily eroded and that in itself can create other dangers for the people living at the foot of the hills.

Then there are the ‘spiritual’ stones we hear so much of at Medjugorje – the so-called Five Stones, a term used to describe the main themes of Our Lady’s messages: unceasing prayer;  fasting; daily reading of Holy Scripture; monthly confession; celebration of the Eucharist. It is believed that Fr Jozo Zovko, parish priest at Medjugorje when the apparitions first began in 1981, coined the phrase ‘The Five Stones’. The reference came from the time David picked up five stones to use against Goliath. As it happened he only needed one to slay his enemy.

Yes, stones can be used as ammunition, as weapons against others. Only recently I saw a news item on TV where protesters were throwing stones at the police. Sometimes the stones we hurl at each other can be verbal, a cross word, words spoken in anger and in retaliation. Like the stones we lift from the ground to sling at others, the stones we spit out can also wound and hurt.

St Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was put to death by stoning (Acts 7 : 55); and then there was the time the scribes and Pharisees wanted to condemn the adulterous woman to death by stoning according to the Mosaic Law. They brought the matter to Jesus and he  responded by saying: “If there is one of you who has not sinned, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8 : 7)

Perhaps when Lent comes around next year I can look on the forty days as a time for throwing stones away (Ecclesiastes 3). I’m sure for every day of Lent, and with the help of God, I can discard a stone of some kind that weighs heavy on my heart, and so prepare a way for the Lord; and perhaps by doing this with unceasing prayer cultivate a heart for the Lord to plant faith, hope and love anew.

“I shall pour clean water over you and you will be cleansed; I shall cleanse you from all your defilement and all your idols. I shall give you a new heart, and put a new spirit in you. I shall remove the heart of stone from your bodies and give you a heart of flesh instead.” (Ezekiel 36)

How often our lives and our hearts are broken, separated and sliced into pieces of pain because of sin – and yet our fragmented failings, our shattered souls, all the irregular bits and scraps, the sharp and blunt stones which we hurl to hurt each other, and so ourselves, are all seen and gathered by the Maker – and with loving care and patience he crafts a new creation, a miraculous mosaic of beautiful brokenness.  (BG)

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Do you wish to be great? Then begin from what is slightest. Do you plan to construct a high and mighty building? Then think first about the foundation of humility.

When people plan to erect a lofty and large building, they make the foundations all the deeper. But those who lay the foundation are forced to descend into the depths.

St Augustine of Hippo, Sermon 69, 2

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When we live our lives as missions, we become aware that there is a home from where we are sent and to where we have to return. We start thinking about ourselves as people who are in a faraway country to bring a message or work on a project, but only for a certain amount of time. When the message has been delivered and the project is finished, we want to return home to give an account of our mission and to rest from our labours. One of the most important spiritual disciplines is to develop the knowledge that the years of our lives are years “on a mission.”  (Henri Nouwen)

• Our Lady has been appearing at Medjugorje on a mission for 44 years – for some, a life-time. She is with us because, as she says, “God, in his mercy, sends me.” She is a missionary making us fully aware that there is a home from where we have been sent and to where God desires us to return. Through God’s merciful love Mary is chosen to be the bearer of Light along the way.

We are all God’s choice, his creation, chosen in different ways to be witnesses and missionaries of his merciful love.

Pope Francis was a very visible choice to the merciful love of God in the world. Even his papal coat of arms bears the motto: Chosen Through Mercy.

Cardinal Christoph Schönborn once said of Medjugorje: “When you look at a place like Medjugorje, you can see a superpower of mercy. Many merciful deeds were born here or they were supported here.”

In Mark’s Gospel (5 : 1-20) Jesus said to the man he had healed of an unclean spirit: “Go home to your people and tell them all that the Lord in his mercy has done for you.” The man, in fact, had begged Jesus to be allowed to stay with him, but Jesus had other plans. He sent him on a mission. So the man went off and proceeded to spread throughout the Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him. And everyone was amazed.

Countless are the unclean spirits that have been banished from the lives of pilgrims visiting Medjugorje these past 44 years. Countless are the resurrections to new life. Countless are the pilgrims who have come to their full senses through the mercy and grace of God present at Medjugorje.

And because of the joy and happiness experienced at Medjugorje it is sometimes very difficult to leave the place – described by some as heaven on earth. But leave we have to. There is a mission to undertake.

The mission that Jesus gave to the man from Gerasene is the same mission Jesus has for everyone visiting Medjugorje, to become a witness to his Divine Mercy and healing.

Invoke the Father, he is waiting for you. Come back to him. I am with you because he, in his mercy, sends me. (part Medjugorje message, November 2, 2009)

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I suppose there is the ‘twin’ in all of us, the one who doubts and the one who believes, the one who doesn’t trust the word of another and the one who does.

When our perspective is limited it often requires us to take on trust the word of another. A lack of trust can close our eyes and ears to the truth. When we begin to lay down conditions for our trust and belief, we are tempted to become subjective. We speak in the first person. We say “unless I...” and “I refuse...”. The first person becomes more important than the truth of the message or placing trust in the witness. Then, invariably, we choose to remain in this state of doubt or disbelief until our conditions for proof are met.

This is not a reflection on the witness or the truth of the message, just on our own set limitations.

And there are occasions we are inconsistent when it comes to believing or trusting the word of another. Sometimes it simply comes down to choosing what we want to believe, comfortable with what is presented, remaining unchallenged, convinced that we will not have to make any changes because of what we see or hear. Conversion, changing our outlook, even our belief, can be perceived as a painful and discomforting process. Easier not to accept or trust the messenger.

Thomas was able to hold out with his doubts and disbelief for eight whole days after he disputed the resurrection of Jesus, but when the Risen Christ came through closed doors to speak to him there was no protest, just complete surrender to the peace that Jesus offered. When the heart of Jesus speaks to our heart, there can never be any denial of the truth. He offers peace in place of conflict.

This experience often happens to pilgrims at Medjugorje. Many go there with doubt, distrust and suspicion about the testimonies they have heard. There can be a resistance, a closed heart, conditions set, proof demanded. I know this to be true. I did so myself. But as the week progresses there comes a time when Jesus speaks to the heart of every pilgrim, walks through the closed door and makes himself known, often in a most unexpected way.

His words to Thomas still echo in my heart: “Doubt no more, but believe.” And though temptation to doubt and to sin will always be put before my unspiritual self, I am always moved to say: “My Lord and my God” with absolute conviction that I have been set free through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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Jesus asked the sons of Zebedee, “Can you drink this chalice that I must drink?” Matthew 20 :22

There was a time when the Catholic Church would not allow the faithful to partake in drinking the Precious Blood. The privilege was reserved for priests.

In Bohemia during the early fifteenth century, the Hussite movement, formed after the execution of John Hus, declared that “The sacrament of the most Holy Eucharist shall be freely administered in the two kinds, that is bread and wine, to all the faithful in Christ who are not precluded by mortal sin – according to the word and disposition of Our Saviour.”

The Catholic Church opposed this and a crusade was fought against the Hussites. Some of the moderate Hussites were known as Calixtines and fought under the banner which featured a gold chalice on a red background. 

Eventually an agreement was reached between the Calixtines and the Church which “granted communion in both kinds to all who desired it, but with the understanding that Christ was entirely present in each kind”. 

However, in 1462, Pope Pius II declared the agreement null and void and prohibited communion in both kinds.

The famous Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers includes several references to the Hussite Wars and, most notably, one of its leaders, Jan Žižka.

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• Hussites

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A blessing on the man who puts his trust in the Lord, with the Lord for his hope. He is like a tree by the waterside that thrusts its roots to the stream: when the heat comes it feels no alarm, its foliage stays green; it has no worries in a year of drought, and never ceases to bear fruit.

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Jeremiah 17 : 7-8

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From that day forward, Joshua made them woodcutters and water carriers for the community, and bound them, down to the present day, to wait on the Lord’s altar wherever the Lord may choose. (Joshua 10 : 27)

The summer heat in Medjugore and throughout Europe is challenging, to say the least, and it can be difficult to find a cool and shady spot to settle and be quiet.

Sometimes it must be like this for Jesus when he tries to find a restful place in our heart that is often unbearable with the heat generated by our hurried and busy lives.

But there is a heartfelt heat that Jesus welcomes – a burning desire to love and be loved. A sacred heart.

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Many Christians were put to death by the Emperor Nero, after the burning of the City of Rome in 64, for which they were held responsible. Their death was recorded by the historian Tacitus, and also by Pope Clement l in his letter to the Corinthians.

“Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired. Nero offered his gardens for the spectacle, and was exhibiting a show in the circus, while he mingled with the people in the dress of a charioteer or stood aloft on a car. Hence, even for criminals who deserved extreme and exemplary punishment, there arose a feeling of compassion; for it was not, as it seemed, for the public good, but to glut one man's cruelty, that they were being destroyed.”

Tacitus, Annals XV, 44

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Two little sparrow birds sitting on a wall.

One named Peter, one named Paul.

Fly away, Peter! Fly away, Paul!

Come back, Peter! Come back, Paul!

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Made a visit to a local Aldi supermarket last Wednesday, the 44th anniversary of the Medjugorje phenomenon. The car park has been extended and resurfaced, and there’s a bank of bays set aside for recharging electric vehicles, all marked with a pattern of blue crosses!

Dear children, Also today I thank the Almighty that I am with you and that I can lead you towards the God of love and peace. The ideologies which destroy you and your spiritual life are transitory. I am calling you, little children: return to God, because with God you have a future and eternal life. Thank you for having responded to my call.

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Now on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother spoke up. “No,” she said “he is to be called John.” They said to her, “But no one in your family has that name”, and made signs to his father to find out what he wanted him to be called. The father asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they were all astonished. At that instant his power of speech returned and he spoke and praised God. All the neighbours were filled with awe and the whole affair was talked about throughout the hill country of Judaea. Luke 1 : 59-65

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As preparation for the 44th anniversary of the Medjugorje phenomena, the visionary Marija Pavlovic-Lunetti has invited pilgrims in Medjugorje to join her each morning on Apparition Hill to pray for World Peace. During this time of prayer Marija receives an apparition of Our Lady.

The nine-day novena ends on June 24, the Feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist, the same day the Queen of Peace first appeared at Medjugorje.

When Jesus gave his farewell discourse to his apostles he said: “Peace I bequeath you, my own peace I give you, a peace the world cannot give, this is my gift to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (John 14: 27)

So is “World Peace” achievable? After 44 years of apparitions and much prayer, is the world in a better state, at peace with itself? Sure, everyone seemingly wants peace. Even Donald Trump has his heart fixed on receiving a Nobel Peace prize.

But as the Queen of Peace constantly reminds us in her messages, Satan constantly thwarts and disrupts the best laid plans for World Peace. That’s his job.

Was it Our Lady who once said all wars start in the heart? From this, I understand that first and foremost the challenge for all of us is to endeavour to obtain peace in our own hearts. It’s there for the taking, the peace given by Jesus, not the world; to experience and know in our hearts that ALL of us are truly loved by our Creator. But recognising this truth can be difficult for some, to believe that God’s love is greater than our sins.

The Queen of Peace gave one of her most important messages of many when she appeared to Marija on the third day of the Medjugorje phenomenon and said: “Peace, peace, peace, only peace. Reconcile with God and each other.” A simple but most powerful message.

Peace in our hearts and accepting God’s merciful love begins with the Sacramental gift of Reconciliation. From there the source of peace flows into the world, and so our heart, mind and soul can rest in God’s everlasting love and a peace the world cannot give.

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“To stop me from getting too proud I was given a thorn in the flesh, an angel of Satan to beat me and stop me from getting too proud! About this thing, I have pleaded with the Lord three times for it to leave me, but he has said, “My grace is enough for you: my power is at its best in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12 : 7-9

Pride made angels fall, unseated Saul, is dipped in gall, accuses all.

Pride just builds up walls, is deaf to calls, won’t play ball, won’t cross the hall.

    In my weakness, Lord, be my strength, and your grace be enough for me.

    May your power be at its best when the thorn is piercing me.

Pride is love declined, a heart unkind, is less inclined, leaves friends behind.

Pride is a poisoned mind, a path that winds, a chain that binds, blind to signs.

    In my weakness, Lord, be my strength, and your grace be enough for me.

    May your power be at its best when the thorn is piercing me.

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Dear children! This is a time of grace. As nature renews itself for a new life, you also are called to conversion. Decide for God. Little children, you are empty and do not have joy, because you do not have God. Therefore pray until prayer becomes your life. In nature seek God who created you, because nature speaks and fights for life and not for death. Wars are reigning in hearts and nations, because you do not have peace and you do not see, little children, a brother in your neighbour. Therefore return to God and to prayer. Thank you for having responded to my call.

Medjugorje message, March 25, 2019

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The lamp of the body is the eye. It follows that if your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light. But if your eye is diseased, your whole body will be in darkness. If the, the light inside you is darkness, what darkness that will be! Matthew 6 : 22-23

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• The eyes belong to the Medjugorje seer, Vicka Ivankovic-Mijatovic

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“Come to terms with your opponent in good time while you are still on the way to court with him, or he may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. I tell you solemnly, you will not get out till you have paid the last penny.”

Matthew 5 : 25-26

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On the seventh day God completed the work he had been doing. He rested on the seventh day after all the work he had been doing. God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on that day he had rested after all his work of creating.

Genesis 2 : 2-3

This morning, Israel and Iran entered the seventh day of their most recent conflict without any sign of resting from their destructive actions as more missiles were fired at each other’s territories.

“Come to me all you who labour and are overburdened,” said Jesus “and I will give you rest.”

In her Medjugorje messages Our Lady also speaks of rest. In her message given to the seer Marija Pavlovic-Lunetti on May 25, 2008, she said, Dear children! At this time when you are thinking of physical rest, I call you to conversion. Pray and work so that your heart yearns for God the Creator who is the true rest of your soul and your body. May He reveal His face to you and may He give you His peace. I am with you and intercede before God for each of you. Thank you for having responded to my call.

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Lord, this day is almost done,

Tired and weary, I have come

With my burdens and distress,

To rest in your gentleness.

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A very wise Irish priest who accompanied a pilgrimage group to Medjugorje stood up at dinner one evening and asked for everyone’s attention. He had sensed there was conflict within the group; people were complaining, sniping, gossiping, getting angry and out of sorts with themselves and each other. (Yes, this kind of behaviour can happen on pilgrimages). The priest was very brief in his address to the group. He simply invited everyone to pray the Lord’s prayer and to take every word to heart.

Since then, I have never forgotten the power of this prayer to bring the peace of Jesus into any situtation that is disturbing. Disappointment and a sense of injustice can lead to anger and resentment, but we are called to forgive each others failures and mistakes. Even when others seemingly fail to carry out the the will of the Father, we too fail if we ‘dig in’ and choose not to forgive.

The greatest gift we all possess if the ability to forgive. We can choose to use it sparingly, we can multiply it over and over again, or we can bury it. We are blessed with the freedom to choose and the devil isn’t slow to push the choices he would want us to make.

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Our Father, who is in Heaven,

hallowed be your name.

Your Kingdom come, your will be done,

on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses 

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil.

Amen

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Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You have learnt how it was said: Eye for eye and tooth for tooth. But I say this to you: offer the wicked man no resistance. On the contrary, if anyone hits you on the right cheek, offer him the other as well; if a man takes you to law and would have your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone orders you to go one mile, go two miles with him. Give to anyone who asks, and if anyone wants to borrow, do not turn away.’

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Matthew 5 : 39-42

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