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| Holy Mass celebrated in Medjugorje this evening at the Youth Festival © Emzed |
Dear children; Today I call you to be born anew in prayer and through the Holy Spirit, to become a new people with my Son; a people who knows that if they have lost God, they have lost themselves; a people who knows that, with God, despite all sufferings and trials, they are secure and saved. I call you to gather into God’s family and to be strengthened with the Father’s strength. As individuals, my children, you cannot stop the evil that wants to begin to rule in this world and to destroy it. But, according to God’s will, all together, with my Son, you can change everything and heal the world. I call you to pray with all your heart for your shepherds, because my Son chose them. Thank you. August 2, 2011
In Mary’s days on earth the people would travel in groups when they journeyed long distances and across the desert. Alone they were easy prey for bandits and thieves that camped in the hills waiting for opportunities to commit evil. Travelling as part of a caravan, there was less likelihood of an attack; strength in numbers.
So, too, when we make our spiritual journey through life. Alone we can get lost and waylaid. United in the Body of Christ, God’s family, we are protected, strengthened and nourished through prayer, the grace of sacraments, shared faith and mutual support as we journey toward holiness. The Church is our strength, our rock. Outside of the Church, as individuals, we are at our weakest, parched in a dry desert. This latest message of Our Lady and the reference to her Son choosing our shepherds, is a wonderful reminder of the words spoken by Jesus: “You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it.” Matthew 16
These words are brought to light in Thursday’s Gospel reading, August 4, which is also the feast day of John Vianney, patron saint of parish priests.
