In today’s gospel reading Jesus spells out that there can be no middle ground when it comes to his saving mission: “He who is not with me is against me; and he who does not gather with me scatters.” Luke 14 : 23
Jesus does not scatter the sheep for he is the Good Shepherd of hearts and souls.
We are all called to be part of his saving work. Our Blessed Mother is also called in this way and says so in her messages from Medjugorje: “God, out of love for man, has sent me among you to show you the path of salvation, the path of love.” Many listen to her voice and words from Medjugorje and respond to her gathering call to salvation. She, also, does not scatter the sheep, but gathers them for her Son.
Regrettably, there are some who listen to another voice and choose to attempt to scatter those who are called by the Mother of Jesus, who prefer to cast aspersions against the conversions and new life emanating from Medjugorje, challenging and doubting the work of the Holy Spirit, even in the face of the many miracles happening there. Some even go as far as to say that it is the devil’s work that brings about the resurrection of new life at Medjugorje, but they forget the truth of the words of Jesus when he says: “If satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand?”
satan cannot bring new life, only death; he is not with Jesus, only against him; he does not gather with Jesus or his Blessed Mother, he only scatters.
In her Medjugorje messages Our Lady warns on several occasions that satan is strong and desires to disrupt her salvation work, but we can be assured from today’s gospel reading that the kingdom of God is present when the strength of satan is defeated through the Sacrament of mercy and reconciliation, so visible at Medjugorje. The “strong man” is defeated daily by “someone stronger” at Medjugorje. The spoils are shared with the penitent who is given a new heart and a new spirit; new strength to stand and gather alongside Jesus and Mary.
Dear children; Again I call you to faith. My motherly heart desires for your heart to be open, so that it could say to your heart: believe. My children, only faith will give you strength in life’s trials. It will renew your soul and open the ways of hope. I am with you. I gather you around me because I desire to help you, so that you can help your neighbours to discover faith, which is the only joy and happiness of life. Thank you. October 2, 2008
