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Fr. Stephen Shin’s Reflections on the Messages
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November 25, 2022

"Dear children! The Most High has sent me to you to teach you prayer. Prayer opens hearts and gives hope, and faith is born and strengthened. Little children, with love I am calling you: return to God, because God is love and your hope. You do not have a future if you do not decide for God; and that is why I am with you to guide you to decide for conversion and life, and not for death. Thank you for having responded to my call."


Dear children! The Most High has sent me to you to teach you prayer. Prayer opens hearts and gives hope, and faith is born and strengthened. 


November 21st was the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which commemorates Mary being presented in the temple in Jerusalem as a child. Tradition tells us that Mary, at the tender age of three, was brought to the temple, where she lived for eleven years, serving by washing the sacred garments and being educated in prayer and service.

Mary’s early life was filled with prayer. From a young age, her parents, Joachim and Anne, taught her to pray and to long for the coming of the Messiah. She lived a life of constant prayer, which culminated in the Annunciation, where she received the angel’s message of becoming the Mother of God during prayer.

      Throughout her life, from her childhood to her time at the foot of the cross, and even after Jesus’ ascension, Mary remained deeply rooted in prayer. She was truly a woman of prayer, always open to God’s will and living in total dependence on Him.

      God, the Most High, has now sent Mary to us, to teach us how to pray. Why is this so essential? Because humanity, in many ways, has forgotten how to pray. Even within the Church, many priests, religious, and laypeople have grown negligent in prayer. God knows this and sends Mary to help rekindle the fire of prayer in our hearts.

      Mary has emphasized in previous messages that we should pray with our whole hearts, pray until prayer becomes a joy, and until it becomes our way of life. In this message, she speaks about the power of prayer. First, prayer opens hearts—our hearts, the hearts of others, and ultimately, the heart of God. Prayer allows God's love, grace, and mercy to flow into our lives and into the lives of others, especially through intercessory prayer.

      Secondly, Mary says that prayer gives hope. When we pray, we experience the reality of God’s presence, which shifts our focus from worldly worries to divine trust. Through prayer, we place our hope not in the transient things of this world but in the living God.

Lastly, prayer brings forth and strengthens faith. The more we pray, the more we trust in God’s power and grow in faith. Prayer is the lifeline that nourishes and deepens our relationship with God.


Little children, with love I am calling you: return to God, because God is love and your hope. 


Mary calls us with love—divine love that transcends human understanding. In 2009, she revealed this deep love, saying, “If you knew how much I love you, you would cry tears of joy.” This is the love of a mother who desires only the good for her children, a love that mirrors the unconditional and boundless love of God.

      God is love itself, without conditions or limits. Even when we stray or sin, He waits for us with open arms, ready to forgive. Because of this great love, we can place all our hope in Him. No matter how difficult or painful life may be, we can have hope because we know God is always with us, guiding us through His love and through Mary.

      Now is the time to turn back to God, who is our love, hope, and eternal home.


You do not have a future if you do not decide for God; and that is why I am with you to guide you to decide for conversion and life, and not for death. Thank you for having responded to my call.


God has given us the gift of free will, and every moment of our lives is filled with choices. As we reflect on our past decisions, we must ask ourselves: have we chosen wisely? If our choices have led us away from God, we may feel regret, but God is a God of mercy, always giving us new opportunities to choose Him.

      The most important choice we can make is to choose God. When we prioritize God’s will in our lives, we open ourselves to true happiness, not only in this life but also in eternity.

      Material wealth and success are not what define a meaningful future. Even if we possess everything the world can offer, without God, there is no true future. On the other hand, even if we lack worldly possessions, if we have God, we have everything we need.

      Let us choose God, placing all our love, trust, and hope in Him alone, knowing that in Him, we find true life and an eternal future.
   
 
 
October 25, 2022
"Dear children! The Most High permits me to be with you, and to be joy for you and the way in hope, because mankind has decided for death. That is why He sent me to keep instructing you that without God you do not have a future. Little children, be instruments of love for all those who have not come to know the God of love. Witness joyfully your faith and do not lose hope in a change of the human heart. I am with you and am blessing you with my motherly blessing. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! The Most High permits me to be with you, and to be joy for you and the way in hope, because mankind has decided for death. That is why He sent me to keep instructing you that without God you do not have a future. 

In the message from March 25, 2022, Our Lady said, "Humanity stands at a crossroads, which is why God has sent me to lead you on the path of holiness." This expression struck many deeply, as it was one of the most direct and intense messages regarding the state of humanity's spiritual crisis. The image of humanity standing at the threshold of life and death, salvation and destruction, brings to mind the sadness and compassion on the faces of both God and Mary.
      Now, seven months later, in this October 25th message, Mary uses even stronger language. She says that humanity has moved beyond the crossroads and has chosen death. Despite the warnings to choose life and salvation, humanity has instead opted for destruction. Like Adam and Eve in Genesis, who disregarded God's warning about the forbidden fruit and chose spiritual death, today's humanity has similarly ignored the repeated calls of Our Lady and has chosen to follow its own desires.
      Even though humanity has crossed the threshold into the room of death, it is not too late. There is still hope for humanity to turn away from this path. Just as the repentant thief on the cross received salvation at the last moment by acknowledging Jesus, humanity too has an opportunity to change. God is offering humanity one last chance through Our Lady. Mary's message reveals that God has not abandoned us despite our poor choices. In His infinite mercy, He has sent her to guide us back to the path of life and salvation.
      God’s love for humanity is so profound that He continues to reach out, offering redemption even to those who are spiritually lost. Just as the bronze serpent raised by Moses saved the Israelites who looked upon it, Mary is now our guide and intercessor, urging us to turn back to God. She reminds us that without God, we have no future, and only by fixing our gaze on Him can we find salvation and a renewed path to life.

Little children, be instruments of love for all those who have not come to know the God of love. Witness joyfully your faith and do not lose hope in a change of the human heart. I am with you and am blessing you with my motherly blessing. Thank you for having responded to my call.

To be instruments of God’s love, we must first experience and carry that love within ourselves. Without truly knowing and embodying God’s love, we cannot share it with others. One cannot give what one does not possess.
      However, experiencing God’s love is not something we can achieve by our own efforts alone—it is a gift. We must open our hearts and pray sincerely for the grace to receive this gift. Our Heavenly Father will not ignore the heartfelt prayers of His children who long for His love.
      Mary calls us to be instruments of love for those who still do not know God’s love. Just as God allows the sun to shine and the rain to fall on both the just and the unjust (cf. Mt 5:45), we too must be instruments of love for all, without exclusion. We must not worry about the size or scope of our acts of love; even small acts done with sincerity are enough. God sees the heart and values the intention more than the magnitude of the action.
      Human hearts are often fickle and subject to change due to circumstances, goals, and external pressures. While we can acknowledge the complexity of human nature, we must not place our ultimate trust in the ever-changing nature of the human heart. Instead, our hope must rest in God, who is unchanging and steadfast. Unlike human beings, God is faithful and trustworthy, and those who place their hope in Him will never be disappointed. As Padre Pio famously said, "Pray, hope, and don't worry." Let us, therefore, joyfully live out our faith, trusting fully in God’s guidance, and be witnesses to His love in the world.


 
   
 
 
September 25, 2022
"Dear children! Pray that the Holy Spirit may enlighten you that you be joyful seekers of God and witnesses of love without bounds. I am with you, little children, and, anew, I am calling all of you: take courage and bear witness to the good works that God is doing in and through you. Be joyful in God. Do good to your neighbor so that it will be good for you on earth and pray for peace, which is threatened because Satan wants war and peacelessness. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! Pray that the Holy Spirit may enlighten you that you be joyful seekers of God and witnesses of love without bounds. 

The Virgin Mary, as the Daughter of God the Father and the Spouse of the Holy Spirit, brought forth the Savior Jesus Christ into the world by the power of the Holy Spirit. She was the first to experience the power of the Holy Spirit in the most profound way. Having witnessed the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit, Mary urges us in this message to pray for the Holy Spirit to enlighten us. Why is Mary asking us to pray for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit? It’s because we tend to be stubborn, believing our own opinions and perspectives are always right, often becoming rigid in our ways. The Holy Spirit opens our eyes and helps us see the world and others through God's perspective, not our own.
      Just as the apostles were transformed after the experience of Pentecost, we too need the Holy Spirit to enter our hearts and renew us. The Spirit will help us to live according to God’s will, not our own. When we pray for the Holy Spirit to awaken us, we will no longer seek God out of obligation or fear but will do so joyfully, from the depths of our hearts. We will be empowered to bear witness to God’s boundless love and share that love with those around us. Let us pray continuously, as Mary taught Fr. Stefano Gobbi in her messages: “Come, Holy Spirit! Hear the powerful intercession of Your beloved spouse, Mary, and come!”

I am with you, little children, and, anew, I am calling all of you: take courage and bear witness to the good works that God is doing in and through you. 

Regardless of our age, in Mary's eyes, we are all her little children. She is with us, holding our hand and guiding us toward holiness and salvation. Her presence and companionship are manifestations of her immense love for us. However, many still do not fully grasp this love, which is why Mary repeatedly calls out to us.
      Just as we offer encouragement to someone who is discouraged, Mary encourages us to take heart. She is fully aware of the difficulties, challenges, and discouragement we face in our lives. Her words, "Take courage," are meant to comfort us and strengthen us to persevere. She reminds us that God is actively working in us and through us, performing good works. If God is working through us, what should we fear?
      The prophet Isaiah offers a similar reassurance from God: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine. When you pass through waters, I will be with you; through rivers, you shall not be swept away. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, nor will flames consume you” (Is 43:1-2). Therefore, regardless of the challenges we face, we must focus on the fact that God is with us, working for good through our circumstances.

Be joyful in God. Do good to your neighbor so that it will be good for you on earth and pray for peace, which is threatened because Satan wants war and peacelessness. Thank you for having responded to my call.

Mary desires for us to live joyfully, but not with fleeting or false happiness. She wants us to experience deep and enduring joy, which can only be found in God. True joy is rooted in God, who is the source of all goodness. Therefore, Mary calls us to "be joyful in God."
      Because God is the source of all goodness, He created everything with love and goodness. We are made in His image and are therefore called to live as good and loving beings. As we extend kindness to our neighbors, we not only store up treasures in heaven but also experience unexpected blessings in this life. God, who sees all things, rewards our acts of kindness toward others.
      However, Satan, the source of all evil, works tirelessly to destroy peace and bring about chaos. He seeks to disrupt peace in our hearts, homes, and the world at large. Mary, aware of Satan's destructive plans, urges us to pray for peace. The battle against Satan is spiritual, and thus we must use spiritual weapons—prayer and fasting—to counter his efforts. In this month’s message, Mary specifically calls us to pray for peace, which is under threat.
       As we strive to build peace in our hearts, homes, communities, and the world, let us respond to Mary’s call by committing ourselves to daily prayers for peace. Through our sincere efforts and prayer, we can combat the forces that threaten peace and contribute to a world filled with God's love and harmony.
   
 
 
August 25, 2022
"Dear children! God permits me to be with you and to lead you on the way of peace, so that through personal peace, you build peace in the world. I am with you and intercede for you before my Son Jesus, that He may give you a strong faith and hope in a better future, which I desire to build up with you. You be courageous and do not be afraid, because God is with you. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! God permits me to be with you and to lead you on the way of peace, so that through personal peace, you build peace in the world. 

In this month’s message, the Virgin Mary speaks of God’s will in allowing her to be present with us, guiding us on the path of peace. She emphasizes that her presence and her messages are part of God’s divine plan. Why does God permit Mary to lead us on the way of peace? The reason is simple: God loves us. Because of His love, He sends Mary to be with us, to help and protect us, ensuring that we do not lose our way but instead walk the path of peace.
      If only we could fully comprehend the depth of God’s love for us through Mary’s presence. God expresses His love for us profoundly, as He says in the book of Isaiah: "Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you” (Is 49:15). The apparitions of Mary in Medjugorje, her messages, and her ongoing presence among us are clear signs that God has not forgotten us. He continues to show His love for us through her.
      Mary’s life, both past and present, revolves entirely around God’s will. She does only what God desires and allows, following His will with perfect obedience. She shows us that peace is given to us only when we live in accordance with God’s will. Her example teaches us that our first priority should always be to seek and follow God’s will. By doing so, we will receive the gift of peace and walk the path of peace alongside Mary.
      Mary often tells us that our role in God’s plan for the salvation of humanity is significant. It may seem that the efforts of one person are insignificant, but just as a small candle can light an entire room, each individual’s contribution to the greater good is essential. The vast ocean begins with individual drops of rain that gather into streams and rivers, eventually forming the sea. In the same way, all good, as well as all evil, begins with one person. Personal peace leads to collective peace, and that is how peace is built in the world—starting with us.

I am with you and intercede for you before my Son Jesus, that He may give you a strong faith and hope in a better future, which I desire to build up with you.

Love always seeks to be with the beloved. Mary, our loving Mother, desires to be with us and make this known to us. She not only wants to be with us in the present, but she also wishes to help us create a better future. Just as earthly parents work to provide a good future for their children, Mary desires, with even greater affection, to help us build a future filled with hope and peace. However, she does not do this alone—she invites us to work with her.
      Unlike some earthly parents who may impose their plans on their children, Mary respects our free will and gently guides us, offering counsel and support. She listens to us and works with us, never dismissing or undermining our role in creating a better future. Mary wants us to be active participants in this work, not passive recipients.
      However, Mary also reminds us that a strong faith and hope are necessary to build this better future, and only Jesus can grant these gifts. She intercedes for us before Jesus so that He may give us the strength we need to believe in and hope for the future. As Mary intercedes, we must also pray and ask Jesus to strengthen our faith and hope. It is crucial to remember that our future is not in our hands but in God’s hands.

You be courageous and do not be afraid, because God is with you. Thank you for having responded to my call.

This final part of Mary’s message is a reminder of God’s constant presence and protection, echoing the words of Jesus Himself: "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid" (Mt 14:27). These words were spoken when Jesus walked on water to reach His disciples during a storm. Though the disciples were struggling against the storm for hours, Jesus was always aware of their situation and came to them at the right moment, bringing peace and calming the storm.
      Similarly, in our own lives, we face storms of trials and challenges, often feeling as though we are alone. But just as Jesus saw the disciples from afar and came to their aid, God sees our struggles and never abandons us. Even when we cannot see Him, He is with us, protecting us and guiding us through life’s storms. When the storms of life rage, and we feel overwhelmed,    Mary’s voice reminds us: “God is with you, so take courage and do not be afraid.”
       Just as Jesus calmed the storm for His disciples, He will calm the storms in our hearts and lives. Mary’s message encourages us to trust in God’s presence and protection, to have courage, and to know that we are never alone.
   
 
 
July 25, 2022
"Dear children! I am with you to lead you on the way of conversion, because, little children, with your lives you can draw many souls closer to my Son. You be joyful witnesses of God's word and love, and with hope in the heart which conquers every evil. Forgive those who inflict evil on you, and go on the way of holiness. I am leading you to my Son, for Him to be the way, the truth and the life for you. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! I am with you to lead you on the way of conversion, because, little children, with your lives you can draw many souls closer to my Son. 

In this message, the Virgin Mary speaks words of encouragement, reminding us that through our lives, we can draw many souls closer to Jesus. It is as if Mary is saying, "I believe in you; you can do it," infusing us with positive energy and hope. Mary also reminds us that our goal should not only be our own salvation but also the salvation of others. She invites us to be examples with our lives so that others may be led to Jesus and experience His saving grace. Imagine the great blessings we would receive if we helped even one soul come closer to Jesus. If our focus has been on temporary, earthly goals, Mary calls us to reorient ourselves toward the eternal goal of salvation.
      Leading souls to Jesus is not easy, especially when it involves many souls, as Mary mentions. The most important aspect of this mission is our relationship with Jesus. If we do not know Jesus, love Him, or live according to His word, how can we lead anyone to Him? Our actions, not just our words, must reflect our love for Jesus and our adherence to His teachings. Words without the foundation of a lived example will eventually be exposed as hollow. Therefore, it is crucial that we truly know and love Jesus and live by His word in our daily lives.
      We all fall short and often sin. Therefore, we must regularly confess our sins, seek God’s mercy, and strive to be renewed in Christ. This is the process of conversion. Without conversion, we cannot fully know, love, or follow Jesus. Conversion is challenging, especially without divine assistance, because our human nature is often self-centered and inclined to justify our own actions. God, understanding this, sends Mary to guide and assist us on the path of conversion. As Mary says, “I am with you to lead you on the path of conversion.”

You be joyful witnesses of God's word and love, and with hope in the heart which conquers every evil. Forgive those who inflict evil on you, and go on the way of holiness. 

Our heart is the core of our being, and the state of our heart directs the course of our lives. If we commit ourselves to rejecting evil and choosing only good, our lives will naturally move in that direction. If we firmly decide that evil will have no place in our lives, it will not be able to take root. Of course, our weaknesses may cause us to stumble, but with hope in a heart that conquers all evil, we will receive God’s grace and strength to overcome. Only in a pure heart can God’s word and love reside, and only those with such a heart can joyfully bear witness to them.
      Forgiving those who negatively influence us is one of the most difficult challenges, but it is also essential for our well-being. Harboring resentment and the desire for revenge only damages our own hearts. If we allow negative influences to fester, our lives and peace will be disrupted. By forgiving those who have hurt us, we free ourselves from the burden of hatred and allow peace to flourish within. This is the path to defeating evil.
      If our hearts are filled with bitterness and revenge, we are in a state of inner turmoil that resembles hell itself. It becomes nearly impossible to pray or lead a holy life. This is why Mary emphasizes the importance of forgiving those who harm us, so we can continue on the path of holiness.

I am leading you to my Son, for Him to be the way, the truth and the life for you. Thank you for having responded to my call.

Jesus’ words, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6), were spoken during the Last Supper when He instituted the Eucharist. Mary reminds us of this profound truth, reiterating that Jesus is the path we must follow, the truth we must believe, and the life that gives us eternal salvation. Jesus demonstrated how we should live through His example. He showed us that the only truth worth following is Himself and that true life comes through His death and resurrection.
      Each time we hear Jesus’ words, “I am the way and the truth and the life,” we are reminded of our purpose as His disciples—to live in, through, and with Jesus. It is our destiny to follow the path He has set for us.
      A personal story comes to mind when I reflect on this. When I was in high school, a young priest at my parish, Father Gabriel Kim, suffered from chronic kidney failure and eventually lost his sight due to complications. Not long after losing his sight, he passed away. During his time in the hospital, Cardinal Stephen Kim of Seoul visited Father Gabriel and celebrated Mass with him in his hospital room. The Cardinal allowed Father Gabriel to preside, assisting him as he recited the Mass prayers from memory. After the consecration, it was time to pray the Lord’s Prayer. There was a long silence, and Cardinal Kim wondered if Father Gabriel had forgotten this part of the Mass. But after a deep pause, Father Gabriel spoke: "Your Eminence, now that I have lost my sight and everything else, I have come to truly understand that Jesus is my way, my truth, and my life. Let us now pray the Lord’s Prayer, the prayer He taught us.”
      This story always comes to mind when I hear the words of Jesus, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” It reminds me of the depth of that statement and how it encompasses our entire journey of faith.
   
 
 
June 25, 2022
"Dear children, I rejoice with you and thank you for every sacrifice and prayer, which you have offered for my intentions. Little children, do not forget that you are important in my plan of salvation of mankind. Return to God and prayer that the Holy Spirit may work in you and through you. Little children, I am with you also in these days when Satan is fighting for war and hatred. Division is strong and evil is at work in man as never before. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children, I rejoice with you and thank you for every sacrifice and prayer, which you have offered for my intentions.

When the Virgin Mary was carrying Jesus in her womb, she visited her cousin Elizabeth, who, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the child in my womb leaped for joy" (Luke 1:39-56). In response, Mary sang the Magnificat: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden.”
      Mary had every reason to be fearful. She was an unmarried woman carrying a child, a situation that, according to the law, could result in her being stoned to death. Yet, Mary was not afraid. She rejoiced because she trusted that God, her Savior, was with her. Her heart leaped for joy in the assurance of God’s presence.
      On this 41st anniversary of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje, which also coincides with the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Virgin Mary expresses her joy. Why does she rejoice with us? The answer lies in the fact that our Savior, God, is present with us. Because God is alive and with us, we should also rejoice with Mary in Him.
      Mary always works for God's glory and for our salvation. The intentions she calls us to pray for are not just for her sake but ultimately for our good and our salvation. This is why the sacrifices and prayers we offer for her intentions are truly for our benefit, yet Mary graciously thanks us for them.
      While we may feel that our sacrifices and prayers are small, they are incomparable to the immense sacrifices made by Jesus and Mary for our salvation. Thus, we should offer thanks to Mary for her intercession and reflect on the profound sacrifices Jesus and Mary continue to make for us.

Little children, do not forget that you are important in my plan of salvation of mankind. 

Mary is not just the Mother of Catholics but the Mother of all humanity. Her love and concern extend to every person, and she desires the salvation of all. Though God alone has the power to save all souls, Mary plays a vital role in God’s plan for the salvation of humanity, as she was chosen to be the Mother of the Redeemer. She now invites us to join her in this mission, reminding us of the significance of our role in her plan for the salvation of the world.
      But what is our role in this divine plan for salvation? First and foremost, we must strive to live righteous lives in the eyes of God. Like the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, which were destroyed for the lack of ten righteous people (cf. Gn 19:1-28), we must become the righteous ones in today’s world. Additionally, we must go beyond just our personal concerns, offering sacrifices and prayers for the conversion of sinners and the salvation of all souls.
      We can start each day with a simple yet profound prayer: "Lord, I offer this day to You for Your glory and for the salvation of humanity, including myself. I love You, I trust in You, and I thank You." From this foundation, we should strive to align all our actions and thoughts with this intention throughout the day.

Return to God and prayer that the Holy Spirit may work in you and through you. Little children, I am with you also in these days when Satan is fighting for war and hatred. Division is strong and evil is at work in man as never before. Thank you for having responded to my call.

We are living in a time of intense spiritual warfare, as described in Revelation 12 and 13, where the battle between Mary and Satan is ongoing. As children and apostles of Mary, we are called to be spiritual warriors in this fight. To succeed, we must be spiritually trained and armed, and this is only possible through prayer and through our union with God.
      If we follow Jesus’ command to "pray always" (Lk 18:1) and continually seek to return to God, our Father will give us the greatest gift—the Holy Spirit (cf. Lk 11:13). When the Holy Spirit fills us, it is no longer we who act, but the Spirit working within us. Just as the Holy Spirit empowered the Apostles at Pentecost to boldly proclaim the Gospel, so too will the Spirit work in and through us.
      In 2020, Mary mentioned Satan twice, in March and October. In 2021, she also spoke of Satan twice, in March and June. However, by the middle of 2022, she has already mentioned Satan four times—in January, February, March, and now May. This frequent mention underscores that Satan’s influence is growing, and "evil has never been more active in humanity than now." Why is this? Satan knows his time is short, and he is fighting with all his strength to lead as many souls as possible away from God and into eternal destruction.
      Nevertheless, Satan will ultimately be defeated. Mary’s Immaculate Heart will triumph, and Satan will be cast into hell forever. Mary reassures us of her presence with the words: “Even during these times when Satan is fighting for war and hatred, I am with you.” This echoes the words of Jesus: “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world” (Jn 16:33).
      Despite the darkness, we can be certain of the final victory, and we are called to stand firm, knowing that Mary is with us, guiding and protecting us in this battle.
   
 
 
May 25, 2022

"Dear children! I am looking at you and thanking God for each of you, because He permits me to still be with you, to encourage you to holiness. Little children, peace is disturbed and Satan wants peacelessness. That is why, may your prayer be even stronger so that every unclean spirit of division and war may be stilled. Be builders of peace and carriers of joy of the Risen One in you and around you, for the good to win in every man. Thank you for having responded to my call."


Dear children! I am looking at you and thanking God for each of you, because He permits me to still be with you, to encourage you to holiness. 


The words "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word" (Lk 1:38) were spoken by the Virgin Mary to the angel Gabriel, who brought her a message from God. Through this response, Mary demonstrated her complete willingness to obey God's will. Her obedience to God's word and will was not just a one-time act but continued throughout her life and into eternity.

      For the past 40 years and 11 months, the Virgin Mary has appeared to us through Medjugorje, acting according to God's will. Her mission to encourage us toward holiness is also part of God's divine plan. Mary continues to act in perfect harmony with God's will, and this is the virtue we must seek to emulate in our own lives. Our will is insignificant compared to God's will. As Mary lived and still lives according to God's will, we, too, must strive to seek and follow God's will in everything.

      Jesus taught us to pray, "Your will be done, on earth as in heaven" (Mt 6:10). He desired that we always seek to align our lives with God's will. However, we often live as though we are asking for "our will to be done on earth as it is in heaven." It is time to return to living in accordance with God's will rather than our own desires. This is the first step toward repentance and holiness.

      We are not alone. Just as Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to His disciples to guide them, God the Father has sent us the Virgin Mary as our protector. She watches over us with loving eyes, and nothing can harm us because her protective gaze never leaves us. We should never forget that Mary's gaze is filled with love, protection, and concern for us. She values each one of us deeply and gives thanks to God for entrusting us to her care.


Little children, peace is disturbed and Satan wants peacelessness. That is why, may your prayer be even stronger so that every unclean spirit of division and war may be stilled. 


Throughout the world, from Russia's invasion of Ukraine to various conflicts and acts of violence, peace is being threatened. This unrest instills fear in people's hearts, and the negative influence spreads faster than ever in our interconnected world. Even if we experience peace in our own homes, news of wars and disasters constantly disrupts our inner peace. Behind this disruption lies Satan, the spirit of division and war. Mary alerts us to this reality, saying, "Little children, peace is being disturbed, and Satan desires a world without peace."

      Wherever God is present, there is peace. Wherever Satan is, there is division, war, and hatred. To combat the spirit of division and war, we must turn to prayer, entrusting everything to God’s power. Yet, as Mary sees, our prayers are not yet strong enough to combat the evil forces. This is why she urges us: "Your prayer must become much stronger."

      Just as a scale tips when one side becomes heavier, the world’s imbalance must be corrected through fervent prayer. Only through spiritual warfare—prayer, fasting, and sacrifice—can we overcome the evil forces at work. This is the only way to achieve victory in this spiritual battle.


Be builders of peace and carriers of joy of the Risen One in you and around you, for the good to win in every man. Thank you for having responded to my call.


To become builders of peace within ourselves and in our surroundings, we must first receive the peace of the Lord. This peace comes through prayer, repentance, faith, and fasting. When we walk along these paths, God will grant us the gift of peace. Once we have received this peace, we can naturally radiate it to those around us, without any force or effort. The same applies to sharing the joy of the Risen Lord. When we experience this joy in our own hearts, others will sense that it comes from the Risen Christ.

      Although our individual efforts to build peace and spread joy may seem small and insignificant, they contribute to a greater collective impact. Like a single drop of water, which may seem minor, many such drops together form streams, rivers, and eventually oceans. In the same way, our individual contributions of peace and joy will, in time, create a sea of goodness in the hearts of humanity.

      Thus, Mary calls us to be the ones who build peace and spread the joy of the Risen Lord so that goodness may triumph in everyone. This is the path she is urging us to take, and we must respond to her call.



   
 
 
April 25, 2022
"Dear children! I am looking at you and I see that you are lost. That is why I am calling all of you: return to God, return to prayer - and the Holy Spirit will fill you with His love which gives joy to the heart. Hope will grow in you, also for a better future, and you will become joyful witnesses of God's mercy in you and around you. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! I am looking at you and I see that you are lost. That is why I am calling all of you: return to God, return to prayer.

Yesterday was Divine Mercy Sunday, also known as the second Sunday of Easter. In 2000, on April 30, Pope John Paul II canonized Sister Faustina Kowalska from Poland and officially established Divine Mercy Sunday, to be celebrated annually. Born in 1905 to a poor family, Sister Faustina received little formal education, yet she had great devotion to Jesus and Mary, and she prayed fervently. In 1925, she joined the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, living a life of humility and service as a cook, gardener, and porter until her death at the age of 33 in 1938.
      Sister Faustina received many visions and revelations, but Jesus entrusted her specifically with the mission of spreading devotion to Divine Mercy. He gave her three main tasks: to spread the image of Divine Mercy, to promote the recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and to establish Divine Mercy Sunday as a feast for the whole Church. While the first two tasks gradually spread through various channels, the third seemed impossible to achieve at the time.
      In 1978, Cardinal Karol Wojtyła of Poland was elected pope, breaking a 400-year tradition of Italian popes. No one had expected him to become pope. Taking the name John Paul II, this Polish pope was very familiar with Sister Faustina and the Divine Mercy devotion. Born in 1920 in Wadowice, near the convent of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, he had lived in the same time period as Sister Faustina. As pope, he canonized her, and during the canonization, he fulfilled her mission by officially establishing Divine Mercy Sunday for the entire Church—a miraculous and mysterious event that took nearly 70 years to accomplish.
      Our God is a God of mercy. Out of love and mercy for the world, God sent His only Son to offer Himself as a sacrifice on the cross. Anyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins, salvation, and eternal life. When Mary visited Elizabeth while carrying Jesus in her womb, she proclaimed in her Magnificat that God is merciful, and His mercy extends from generation to generation. Mary gave us Jesus, the manifestation of God’s mercy. As the daughter of the merciful Father and the mother of the Son, who is the embodiment of mercy, Mary is the woman of mercy, the mother of mercy, and her mercy is directed toward her children—us.
      When we have no interest in someone, we say we don’t even glance at them. Our gaze reveals what we hold in our hearts. When we love someone, however, we keep looking at them, even when they are not visible, constantly thinking of them.
      In this month’s message, the Virgin Mary says, "Dear children! I am looking at you and I see that you are lost. That is why I am calling all of you: return to God, return to prayer" She calls us "dear children," indicating that our relationship with her is like that of a mother and her children, the closest of human relationships. While earthly mothers may abandon their children, our heavenly mother never does. She never stops loving us. When Mary watches over us, her gaze is filled with infinite love and mercy. If we could meet her gaze, we would likely be moved to tears.
      Although Mary loves us deeply, she does not want us to live in sin. While she desires our salvation and does not condemn us, she truthfully states, "I know that you are lost." She then provides the solution: "That is why I am calling all of you to return to God and to prayer." Here, the key phrase is "all of you." When Mary says, "I know that you are lost," some might think, "She’s not talking about me." But is that really true? In varying degrees, we are all lost. We must ask ourselves how often we forget about God and live as though He is not present in our lives. We should reflect on whether prayer has become a joy for us, whether our lives themselves have become prayers, and whether prayer holds the highest priority in our lives. After serious reflection, we should recognize that we, too, need to return to God and prayer. We should also pray for the world, so that all people, lost like us, may return to God and prayer, responding to Mary’s call.

And the Holy Spirit will fill you with His love which gives joy to the heart. Hope will grow in you, also for a better future, and you will become joyful witnesses of God's mercy in you and around you. Thank you for having responded to my call.

Mary assures us that when we return to God and place prayer at the center of our lives, the Holy Spirit will be given to us as a gift. This is the greatest gift of all, for it is the gift of God Himself. Possessing the Holy Spirit means possessing everything; nothing else on earth can compare. When we experience the love of the Holy Spirit—the love of God—we realize that nothing else can take its place.
      We all hope for a better future and work towards it. However, our plans do not always unfold as we expect. Ultimately, our lives are in God's hands, and He is the true master of our future. The psalmist reminds us of this: "Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build. Unless the Lord guard the city, in vain does the guard keep watch. It is vain for you to rise early and put off your rest at night, to eat bread earned by hard toil—all this God gives to his beloved in sleep" (Ps 127:1-2).
Instead of relying solely on our plans and efforts, we must turn to God, who opens the way for a better future. When we return to God and place Him at the center of our lives, He will lead us toward a future beyond our imagination.
      It is through these experiences that we come to witness God’s mercy. When things that seem impossible by human effort alone become reality, we experience God’s greatness and mercy. A biblical example is the story of the blind beggar in Jericho. He was sitting by the roadside when he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. He cried out, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!" People tried to silence him, but he persisted, shouting, "Son of David, have pity on me!" Jesus stopped and asked, "What do you want me to do for you?" The man replied, "Lord, please let me see." Jesus said, "Have sight; your faith has saved you." Immediately, the man could see again (cf. Lk 18:35-41).
      The blind beggar had no power to restore his own sight. Yet, though he had never seen or met Jesus before, he had heard of Him and developed faith in his heart. He had prayed constantly. When the opportunity came, he cried out for mercy, and Jesus restored his sight. From that moment, his life changed forever. He would have carried the memory of that mercy within him and shared it joyfully with everyone he met.
      Likewise, when we experience God’s mercy, we become joyful witnesses of His love and grace, not only within ourselves but also to those around us. We share the hope of a better future and testify to the power of God's mercy.
   
 
 
March 25, 2022

"Dear children! I am listening to your cry and prayers for peace. For years, Satan has been fighting for war. That is why God sent me among you to guide you on the way of holiness, because humanity is at a crossroad. I am calling you to return to God and to God's Commandments that it may be good for you on earth, and that you may come out of this crisis into which you have entered because you are not listening to God who loves you and desires to save you and lead you to a new life. Thank you for having responded to my call."


Dear children! I am listening to your cry and prayers for peace. For years, Satan has been fighting for war. That is why God sent me among you to guide you on the way of holiness, because humanity is at a crossroad.


Though we may not be able to see the Virgin Mary like the visionaries can, she sees us, the world, and everything happening on it. She sees with merciful eyes, just as Jesus did (cf. Mt 14:14). Therefore, she can say, “Dear children! I am listening to your cry and prayers for peace."

      The war between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing for a month. Soldiers and civilians alike have been killed in large numbers. About 10 million Ukrainians, one-quarter of the population, have become refugees, fleeing to neighboring countries. Cities and homes have been destroyed, and many are suffering without food or water. Despite all this, there seems to be no end in sight, and the threat of chemical or nuclear weapons looms.

      Amid this devastation, people around the world—especially in Russia and Ukraine—are crying out and praying for peace. On March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation, Pope Francis, along with bishops from around the world, consecrated humanity, particularly Russia and Ukraine, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in a special prayer.

     The Virgin Mary assures us that she hears our cries and prayers for peace. This is reminiscent of the scripture passage: "God heard their moaning and God was mindful of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" (Ex 2:24). Mary does not ignore the cries of her children who pray fervently for peace amidst the war instigated by Satan. She offers our prayers to God, interceding for peace on our behalf.

      Mary also warns that humanity is at a crossroads. This is an exceptionally strong and direct statement, highlighting the gravity of our current situation. While we may not fully see it, Mary understands just how perilous our situation is and urges us to make the right choice, knowing the consequences of not doing so.

     Humanity now stands between life and death, salvation and destruction. The choice is ours, but the responsibility for the consequences also falls on us. God and Mary respect our free will, but they do not want us to choose the path of death and destruction. That is why Mary says, "Humanity stands at a crossroads, and that is why God has sent me among you to guide you on the path of holiness." To choose the path of life and salvation, we must walk the path of holiness, living according to God's will. Satan constantly tries to block us from this path, so God sends Mary to guide us and remind us that the path of holiness is the way forward.

      God, who is love itself, never withdraws His love for His children, even in the last moments. If He did, He would not be love, nor would He be our true Father. We must be deeply grateful that our heavenly Father, out of love, sends Mary as His messenger to warn us of the danger we are in and guide us toward making the right choice for life and salvation. Only a mother's love and concern can prompt such action.


I am calling you to return to God and to God's Commandments that it may be good for you on earth, and that you may come out of this crisis into which you have entered because you are not listening to God who loves you and desires to save you and lead you to a new life. Thank you for having responded to my call.


Now is the time for us to be like the prodigal son in Luke 15, who returns to his father saying, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you." God is the only one who can give us true life and salvation. No worldly power or person can grant us that.

In the parable of the prodigal son, the younger son believed he could be happy once he received his inheritance from his father. After receiving it, he left home, spent it recklessly, and ended up with nothing but sin and hunger. This was the result of listening only to his inner desires, which led him away from his father's guidance.

      When the prodigal son had lost everything and found himself in a desperate situation, he finally decided to return home. Upon his return, he found life, regained his dignity and freedom, and experienced mercy and joy that he had never known in the foreign land. Similarly, when we return to God and His commandments, we will experience the same.

       The crisis we face as individuals and as humanity stems from our failure to listen to God’s word and our tendency to go our own way. Despite God’s repeated guidance on how to live a life that leads to salvation, humanity often turns a deaf ear, following its own desires instead. When we do this, Satan takes advantage and urges us to follow our cravings rather than God’s word, just as he did in the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis—a story that continues to play out today.

      The way out of the crisis we find ourselves in is to return to God and His commandments. To do this, we must adopt the simplicity and humility of a child. As Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Mt 18:3).

      Mary exemplifies this childlike simplicity and purity before God. When we pray the "Hail Mary" and call her "full of grace," her response, like an echo, is always "God." Mary entrusted herself completely to God, and His will was everything to her. When the angel Gabriel told her that she would conceive the Son of God by the power of the Holy Spirit, she responded, "May it be done to me according to your word" (Lk 1:38), fully accepting God’s will even though it could have cost her life. Under the law at that time, an unmarried woman found pregnant could be stoned to death. Yet, by embracing God’s will, Mary entered into that crisis, and the result was that God became man, Jesus Christ, and saved humanity from sin and death.

      Responding to Mary’s call is responding to God’s call. It means listening to God’s word and the messages He gives us through Mary, then living according to that word and those messages. Even if we encounter difficulties or crises as a result, we will not be destroyed. On the contrary, God will draw closer to us and help us emerge from those difficulties.  

       Choosing to follow God and His commandments is our only path to salvation.
   
 
 
February 25, 2022
"Dear children! I am with you and we pray together. Help me with prayer, little children, that Satan may not prevail. His power of death, hatred, and fear has visited the earth. Therefore, little children, return to God and to prayer, to fasting and to renunciation, for all those who are downtrodden, poor, and have no voice in this world without God. Little children, if you do not return to God and His Commandments, you do not have a future. That is why He sent me to you to guide you. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! I am with you and we pray together. 

The Virgin Mary tells us that she is with us. Why is she with us? Because she is our mother, and she does not abandon her children like orphans. She is with us because she loves us and wants to help us draw closer to Jesus. She is with us to lead us on the path of salvation and peace, teaching us how to live lives of conversion and holiness. She is with us to remind us that nothing is more important than God in our lives. She is also here to teach us that prayer is the key to all these things.
      Throughout her life on earth, the Virgin Mary prayed with others. Her parents, Joachim and Anne, were members of a devout community and lived holy lives, longing for the coming of the Savior. They lived modestly, gave generously to others, and prayed fervently. Born into such a family, Mary learned to pray with them from an early age.
       At the age of three, Mary was chosen to live and serve as a virgin in the temple in Jerusalem, where she spent 11 years praying with her teachers and fellow virgins. Later, she prayed with St. Joseph and Jesus during their time in Egypt and throughout their 30 years together as the Holy Family in Nazareth. One can only imagine the immense joy Mary experienced praying with her Son, who is both fully human and fully divine.
      As Jesus began His public ministry, Mary followed Him, praying with women such as Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna. She spiritually guided them and prayed with them as they cared for Jesus and His disciples. After Jesus' ascension, Mary prayed with the apostles and other disciples. Notably, on the day of Pentecost, while gathered in the Upper Room with Mary, the apostles received the Holy Spirit.
      Just as Mary prayed with others during her time on earth, she now prays with us. Though we may not see her, we are never praying alone. When we pray, the Virgin Mary is with us, praying alongside us.

Help me with prayer, little children, that Satan may not prevail. His power of death, hatred, and fear has visited the earth. Therefore, little children, return to God and to prayer, to fasting and to renunciation, for all those who are downtrodden, poor, and have no voice in this world without God. 

Mary is not only with us in prayer, but she also asks us to help her through prayer. Although we are her "little children" and seemingly weak, she calls on us to help her in the fight against Satan. Just as children eagerly help their mothers with pride, we, too, should joyfully assist Mary in this spiritual battle. 
      Why does Mary fight against Satan? Not for herself, but for all of humanity. She fights for us, to protect and defend us from Satan's powers of death, hatred, and fear. By helping her in prayer, we are ultimately helping ourselves, ensuring that Satan does not triumph over us.
      On February 24, 2022, one day before this message was given, Russia invaded Ukraine, igniting a war. The media cites various reasons for this conflict, such as Ukraine's desire to join NATO, Russia's perception of this as a threat, or a desire to install a pro-Russian government in Ukraine. These are human reasons, and many other factors may be at play. However, the Virgin Mary's message reveals a deeper spiritual dimension: behind this war is the influence of Satan. War brings death, destruction, hatred, and fear—traits that originate from Satan alone. 
Though this war is between Russia and Ukraine, its effects ripple across the world, affecting many nations. Satan uses this conflict to spread his influence of death, hatred, and fear throughout humanity and the entire earth.
      To counteract Satan's power, Mary calls us to return to God, prayer, fasting, and renunciation. This is especially crucial for the oppressed, poor, and voiceless in a world that has turned away from God. The season of Lent, a time of prayer, fasting, and penance, is soon approaching. Jesus set an example for us when He spent 40 days and nights in the desert, praying and fasting, and overcame Satan's temptations through the Word of God. Though Jesus is God, He renounced everything and became fully human, obedient to God's will even unto death on the cross. Through His sacrifice, Jesus opened the door to eternal life, bringing love, joy, salvation, and peace to all humanity.

Little children, if you do not return to God and His Commandments, you do not have a future. That is why He sent me to you to guide you. Thank you for having responded to my call.

The Virgin Mary's message that we will have no future if we do not return to God and His commandments echoes the words God spoke to the Israelites through Moses long ago. The Book of Deuteronomy records this as follows:
     "See, I have today set before you life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the Lord, your God, which I am giving you today, loving the Lord, your God, and walking in his ways, and keeping his commandments, statutes and ordinances, you will live and grow numerous, and the Lord, your God, will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. If, however, your heart turns away and you do not obey, but are led astray and bow down to other gods and serve them, I tell you today that you will certainly perish; you will not have a long life on the land which you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth today to witness against you: I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse.   Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the LORD, your God, obeying his voice, and holding fast to him. For that will mean life for you, a long life for you to live on the land which the LORD swore to your ancestors, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give to them" (Dt 30:15-20).
      As the Israelites experienced, when they followed God's commandments, they received life, happiness, and blessings. But when they turned away from God, they encountered death, suffering, and curses, losing their future.
      We have the example of the Israelites to guide us. By returning to God and His commandments, we can choose life, happiness, and blessings, securing a bright future. Let us heed Mary's advice and prioritize returning to God and His commandments, making Him the center of our lives. By living according to His laws, we can trust that He will open the way to our future.
   
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