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Fr. Stephen Shin’s Reflections on the Messages
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May 25, 2024

 "Dear children! In this time of grace, I am calling you to prayer with the heart. Little children, create prayer groups where you will encourage each other to the good and grow in joy. Little children, you are still far away. That is why continue to convert anew and choose the way of holiness and hope so that God may give you peace in abundance. Thank you for having responded to my call."


Dear children! In this time of grace, I am calling you to prayer with the heart. 


As Our Lady says, this is indeed a "time of grace." Although we cannot see it with our eyes, God is living among us, and through His grace, we are able to live, glorify, give thanks, praise, and pray to Him. What greater grace could there be than the fact that the Lord is with us at this moment and that we can pray, expressing our love for Him and our desire to be with Him? Our Lady calls us to recognize that we are living within this grace and that the most important task we have is to pray with our hearts. She invites us to give everything we have to God, loving Him alone with all our hearts and calling upon His name.

      God alone must be our priority. Our hearts must belong solely to Him. Nothing and no one else should occupy that space in our hearts. When our hearts belong fully to God, we can live as His children, and God can dwell within us.

      When we offer our hearts to God, He takes first place in them. At that moment, we become free, unattached to anything, and we can pray to God with all our hearts. This is how we can put into practice Our Lady’s call to make prayer the first priority in our lives.


Little children, create prayer groups where you will encourage each other to the good and grow in joy. 


While calling each of us to personal prayer from the heart, Our Lady also wants us to pray together with others. She says, "Dear children, create prayer groups that encourage you to do good for each other and grow in joy." The first unit of such a prayer group is the family. When a husband and wife pray together, when parents and children pray together, that is the beginning of a prayer group. Through this family prayer group, family members encourage each other to do good, love and forgive one another, and grow in joy with God and Our Lady. Although this is the ideal, some families may not be able to pray together for various reasons. What should be done in such cases? Even if they cannot physically pray together, they can still pray for one another. Believing that prayer has a positive effect on the family, family members can pray for each other, especially for those facing the most challenging situations. Such prayer, offered with love, will have a greater effect than we can imagine.

      Jesus said, "Again, [amen,] I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Mt 18:19-20). This shows that the size of the prayer group does not matter. Two or three people praying together is enough. However, it is essential that even two or three people pray with one heart for their request to be accepted by God. To pray with one heart, we must let go of selfishness and embrace selfless love. The most important requirement for members of a prayer group is selfless love—respecting one another and putting the other person first. Without this, a prayer group cannot thrive.


Little children, you are still far away. That is why continue to convert anew and choose the way of holiness and hope so that God may give you peace in abundance. Thank you for having responded to my call.


Our Lady tells us, "You are still far away." What are we far away from? We are likely far from God and His commandments. To close the distance between ourselves and God, conversion is necessary. Conversion is not a one-time event but something that must happen continuously, every day and every moment. Since we are easily distracted, we need to keep turning our gaze back to God through ongoing conversion. Daily examination of conscience and monthly confession are the minimum requirements for maintaining this continual conversion.

      To draw near to God and live according to His commandments, we must choose the path of holiness and hope, as Our Lady advises. To grow in holiness, we must pray with our hearts, love God with undivided hearts, and avoid sin. We must place our hope not in the transient things of this world but in God, who is unchanging and eternal. By living this way, we will eventually find ourselves closer to God and living according to His commandments without even realizing it.
   
 
 
April 25, 2024
"Dear children! I am with you to tell you that I love you and to encourage you to prayer; because Satan is strong and every day his strength is stronger through those who have chosen death and hatred. You, little children, be prayer and my extended hands of love for all those who are in darkness and seek the light of our God. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! I am with you to tell you that I love you and to encourage you to prayer; because Satan is strong and every day his strength is stronger through those who have chosen death and hatred. 

There is a saying, "Know your enemy, know yourself, and you will win every battle." To win any battle, we must first know our enemy. If we don’t know who the enemy is or what power they have, how can we fight, let alone win?
      In life, we face various battles, but particularly, we engage in a spiritual battle every day. Our spiritual adversary, Satan, is real, even though we cannot see him. He exerts tremendous influence over us and the world, even trying with all his might to destroy humanity and the earth itself. Despite this, Satan deceives us into thinking he doesn't exist, disguising himself in ways that seem appealing, so we often fail to recognize his presence and influence. Satan is real, and his power is far stronger than we often realize. We must never forget this.
      In this month’s message and throughout other messages, Our Lady has reminded us that Satan is strong. However, she also reassures us that if we do not allow him, he has no power over us. Yet some people, by choosing death and hatred, unknowingly surrender themselves to Satan and fall under his control. Satan grows stronger through those who become his servants, spreading his evil influence.
      If Satan strengthens himself through those who serve him, we too need a strong ally. Our ally is Our Lady. Just as some choose death and hatred to join Satan’s army, we must choose life and love to join Our Lady’s army. Out of her love for us, Our Lady invites us to join her army voluntarily. As our commander, she encourages us with love and prayer to help us win the spiritual war against Satan and his forces.
      The saying "Know your enemy, know yourself, and you will win every battle" applies here. To win the spiritual battle against Satan, we must first know ourselves. Above all, we need to remember that we are children of God. Even if we are tempted by Satan, fall into sin, or lose our faith in God, He remains our Father, and we are His children. This truth never changes, no matter what happens. Whether we recognize it or not, God created us in His image. Moreover, God loves us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to be our Savior. Jesus died on the cross to forgive our sins and open the gates of eternal life for us. Saint Paul beautifully expresses God's love for us through Jesus:
      “What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him? Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who acquits us. Who will condemn? It is Christ [Jesus] who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? As it is written: “For your sake we are being slain all the day; we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8:31-39).
      We are children of God, created in His image. God gave His only Son, Jesus, for our sake, and Jesus, seated at the right hand of the Father, intercedes for us. Therefore, we have nothing to fear. However, the greatest danger lies in forgetting this truth and acting with arrogance, believing we are capable of everything on our own. This is when we are most vulnerable, as Satan, who waits for such moments, is ready to exploit our weaknesses and separate us from God. That’s why Saint Peter warns us: “Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour” (1 Pt 5:8).
      Although we are children of God, created in His image, we are also beings made from dust. Every year, on Ash Wednesday, the priest reminds us of this when he places ashes on our heads and says, "Remember, man, you are dust, and to dust you shall return." We are fragile beings, far weaker than we realize. We often misuse our free will to satisfy our uncontrolled desires, choosing evil over good and committing sin. Therefore, we must always remember that, although free will is a precious gift from God, it can also be a source of weakness.

You, little children, be prayer and my extended hands of love for all those who are in darkness and seek the light of our God. Thank you for having responded to my call.

Upon hearing Our Lady’s message, “Pray for all those who are searching for the light of our God in the darkness and extend my loving hand to them,” a story from the Gospel of Luke came to mind. Let me share it with you:
      “A Pharisee invited him to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. “Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days’ wages and the other owed fifty. Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?” Simon said in reply, “The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven.” He said to him, “You have judged rightly.” Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment. So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The others at table said to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” But he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (Lk 7:36-50).
      In this story, the sinful woman, despite living in sin, longed to escape the darkness of her sins and sought God’s light. Her great fortune was that Jesus had come to her town. Although the invitation to dine came from Simon the Pharisee, it almost seems as if Jesus went to the house for the sake of the woman. Having heard about how Jesus forgave sinners and even dined with them, she mustered the courage to enter the Pharisee’s house. She didn’t say a word, but through her tears, the washing of Jesus’ feet, and the pouring of perfume, she demonstrated her repentance and asked for His love, forgiveness, and mercy. Jesus, knowing she was genuinely seeking God’s light, forgave her sins and extended His mercy to her.
      Simon the Pharisee, on the other hand, remained judgmental, even while witnessing her tearful repentance. He saw her but failed to truly see her heart. Spiritually, he was blind. Though he had invited Jesus into his home to share a meal, he didn’t recognize who Jesus truly was or understand how God worked. He didn’t grasp God’s nature.
      People living in darkness are those living in sin. Do they want to remain in that darkness? No. Even though they live in sin, they also wish to escape it because the light of conscience God planted in them still flickers. Therefore, we must not condemn them for their sin. They are God’s beloved children, as precious as we are. We must look upon them with mercy and compassion and help them, both humanly and spiritually, to escape the darkness. This is why Our Lady calls us to “pray for all those who are searching for the light of our God in the darkness and extend my loving hand to them."
   
 
 
March 25, 2024
"Dear children! In this time of grace, pray with me for the good to win in you and around you. In a special way, little children, pray united with Jesus on His Way of the Cross. Into your prayers put this humanity, which wanders without God and without His love. Be prayer, be light, and be witnesses to all those whom you meet, little children, so that the merciful God may have mercy toward you. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! In this time of grace, pray with me for the good to win in you and around you. In a special way, little children, pray united with Jesus on His Way of the Cross. Into your prayers put this humanity, which wanders without God and without His love.

According to the Church’s liturgical calendar, March 25 is the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. However, today, March 25, the Church has moved this celebration to April 8, because Holy Week began yesterday with Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.
      Today, the second day of Holy Week 2024, Our Lady uses the phrase "this time of grace." Although every moment is a time of grace, it seems that Our Lady is particularly referring to this Holy Week as a special time of grace. Holy Week is the most grace-filled time, as it contains the central mysteries of our faith.
      Yesterday, on Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week, our Lord Jesus entered Jerusalem to suffer for us. Riding humbly on a donkey, He was met with great excitement from the crowd. Many spread their cloaks on the road, and others laid down leafy branches they had cut from the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is to come! Hosanna in the highest!" (Mk 11:9-10). "Hosanna" means "Save us!" The people recognized Jesus as the Savior and asked for deliverance. However, they expected Him to save them through worldly means, such as by using power and authority to free them from Roman oppression. Even the twelve apostles and Jesus' disciples had similar expectations. But Jesus came to save them in a way they did not understand—through His suffering and death on the cross. His entry into Jerusalem was not to ascend to a worldly throne, but to be crucified. Only through this path could He atone for humanity's sins and offer salvation.
      On Holy Thursday, Jesus instituted the Sacrament of the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Holy Orders during the Last Supper with His apostles in an upper room on Mount Zion, just outside Jerusalem's city walls. Jesus took bread and wine, consecrating them as His body and blood, and gave them to the apostles, thus instituting the Eucharist. After blessing the oils, He anointed Peter and John as priests, establishing the sacrament of Holy Orders. The other apostles were not immediately ordained, likely because of Judas' impending betrayal. Jesus did not ordain Judas, who was destined to betray Him and take his own life.
      After Jesus’ ascension and the descent of the Holy Spirit, Peter and John ordained the other apostles as priests, following Jesus' command. The entire Church, united under Peter, the first pope, celebrated the first Mass, thus fully instituting the Eucharist. The Eucharist, which commemorates Jesus' suffering, death, resurrection, and all that He is, and the sacrament of Holy Orders, which ordains those who celebrate the Eucharist, are two of the most important pillars of the Church. As St. Augustine said, "The Eucharist makes the Church, and the Church makes the Eucharist." Since the Eucharist cannot exist without the priest, and the Church cannot exist without the Eucharist, the priesthood is essential to the Church.
      On Holy Thursday night, after establishing the Eucharist and Holy Orders, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives to pray in agony, sweating blood. He prayed, "Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Take this cup away from me, but not what I will but what you will" (Mk 14:36). Soon after, a mob sent by the chief priests and elders, led by the traitor Judas, arrived with swords and clubs to arrest Him. Jesus was taken to the house of the high priest, where He was falsely tried, beaten, and mocked throughout the night. Early the next morning, He was sent to Pontius Pilate’s residence for trial.
      Good Friday came. After an unjust trial before Pilate, Jesus was severely scourged, His flesh torn, and His bones exposed. A crown of thorns was placed on His head, and He was subjected to mockery. Finally, Jesus was given the cross to carry. Upon seeing the cross, Jesus embraced it, offering a prayer of gratitude: "Father, thank You for allowing me to carry this cross to fulfill Your will."
      Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha, where He was crucified. From the cross, He prayed, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do" (Lk 23:34.) This prayer was initially directed at the Roman soldiers who nailed Him to the cross, the chief priests, scribes, Pharisees, and elders who mocked Him, but in reality, it was a prayer for all humanity, from the past, present, and future. We must remember that this prayer includes each one of us.
      One more thing to emphasize is that Jesus did not offer this prayer just once. He prayed it continuously during His trial before the chief priests and Pilate, while carrying the cross, and throughout His crucifixion.
      Another key point to remember is that Our Lady, united with Jesus in spirit, prayed this prayer with Him. This is why, in this month’s message, Our Lady says, "Dear children! In this time of grace, pray with me for the good to win in you and around you. In a special way, little children, pray united with Jesus on His Way of the Cross." Jesus and Mary triumphed over all evil with goodness. They kept only goodness in their hearts and prayed for its victory, even in the face of the greatest evil. Having personally experienced this, Our Lady invites us to unite with Jesus on His way of the cross and pray for humanity, which lives without God and His love, lost in sin.
      On Good Friday evening, Jesus' body was laid in the tomb, and the scattered apostles, along with other disciples and holy women, gathered in the upper room where the Eucharist had been instituted. But Our Lady went out alone. She retraced the way of the cross, starting from Pilate's residence, where Jesus had received His sentence, and slowly walked the path Jesus took, stopping at the places where He had fallen and bled, kissing the ground. She eventually made her way to Golgotha.
      Holy Saturday arrived. Our Lady once again walked the way of the cross, just as she had done the day before. As Jesus had foretold before His passion, Our Lady met the resurrected Jesus at 11 p.m. on Golgotha.
      Even though Our Lady experienced Jesus' resurrection, ascension, and the descent of the Holy Spirit, she continued to walk the way of the cross every day, starting from Good Friday. Although we now follow the 14 stations of the way of the cross, Our Lady established a path of 12 stations behind her house in Ephesus, Turkey, where she lived for nine years before her Assumption, and she prayed the way of the cross daily. Our Catholic Church has inherited this tradition, praying the way of the cross not only during Lent but whenever the opportunity arises. If we, like Our Lady, pray the way of the cross every day, especially in union with Jesus, it will help us live out Jesus' words: "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me” (Mk 8:34).

Be prayer, be light, and be witnesses to all those whom you meet, little children, so that the merciful God may have mercy toward you. Thank you for having responded to my call.

In the earlier part of this message, Our Lady said, "Pray." But in the latter part, she goes further, saying, "Become prayer." She also calls us to "become light." There is only one thing necessary for us to become prayer and light: unity with Jesus. To be united with Jesus, we must entrust ourselves entirely to Him. We must entrust everything to Jesus and let the prayer He offered in Gethsemane flow continuously from our hearts: "Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Take this cup away from me, but not what I will but what you" (Mk 14:36). By constantly praying to live according to God’s will rather than our own, and by seeking and following His will in even the smallest matters, we will fulfill this call.
      Seeing us live in this way, the merciful God will pour out His mercy upon us, and we will naturally become witnesses of our faith and God’s mercy to those who observe us.
   
 
 
February 25, 2024
"Dear children! Pray and renew your heart so that the good which you have sown may bear the fruit of joy and oneness with God. Darnel has seized many hearts and they have become unfruitful; that is why, you little children, be light, love and my outstretched hands in this world which yearns for God Who is love. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! Pray and renew your heart so that the good which you have sown may bear the fruit of joy and oneness with God. 

God created us humans in His image, and one of the ways we resemble Him is by living according to goodness, as God is goodness itself. However, even though we were created good in the likeness of a good God, there are times when we choose evil over good due to our uncontrolled desires. Furthermore, Satan continually tempts and deceives us, trying to lead us into sin and evil, making it challenging to live a life of goodness. Nevertheless, we must make a conscious effort to live good lives and turn it into a habit. To achieve this, we need to continuously ask for God’s help and grace through prayer and regularly examine ourselves.
      Just as we stand in front of a mirror every day to check if there is anything on our face, if our hair is neat, or if our clothes are properly worn, we must also examine our lives and hearts daily through the spiritual mirror of prayer. We must reflect on our conscience every day, not just once at the end of the day but several times throughout the day, to foster the good and cut off the evil. We were created in the likeness of a good God, and we are always called by our Creator to nurture goodness in our hearts and practice it in our actions. Wherever we are—at home, at work, at school, in church, in our neighborhood, in society, or in the world—we must be people who sow goodness. For this, the continuous renewal of our hearts is essential.
      Jesus said, "For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, unchastity, theft, false witness, blasphemy. These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile” (Mt 15:19-20). If such things reside in our hearts, we must cast them out and replace them with good thoughts, love, mercy, forgiveness, dedication, self-control, patience, and other virtues. This is the renewal of the heart. However, this renewal of the heart is impossible without God's grace, in addition to our efforts. Thus, we must earnestly ask the Lord to give us a new heart, as He promised, “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh" (Ez 36:26).
      Our Lady desires for us to be people who sow goodness, and she hopes that the good we sow will bear the fruit of joy and unity with God. She urges us to pray and renew our hearts so that this may be accomplished. But what if, even after praying and renewing our hearts, the fruits of joy and unity with God are not borne? This may be because the good we thought we were sowing was not true goodness. Outwardly, it may appear to be good, but if the motivation behind it is self-satisfaction or self-interest, and we fail to discern this, then it will not produce the true fruits of joy or unity with God. Therefore, all the good we do must be pure, without any selfish motives, and based on love.
      “Lord, you have probed me, you know me: you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. You sift through my travels and my rest; with all my ways you are familiar. Even before a word is on my tongue, Lord, you know it all” (Ps 139:1-4). As this psalm states, God knows everything about us, even the hidden thoughts in our hearts. While we may deceive people with flattering words or disguised good deeds, we can never deceive God. Even if we can deceive people for a time, as Jesus said, "Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known" (Mt 10:26). All hidden things will ultimately be revealed.
      There is a saying, "If you plant beans, you will get beans; if you plant red beans, you will get red beans." It is impossible to plant beans and get red beans or vice versa. If the goodness we sow is true goodness and we add prayer and the renewal of our hearts, that goodness will certainly bear the fruit of joy and unity with God.

Darnel has seized many hearts and they have become unfruitful; that is why, you little children, be light, love and my outstretched hands in this world which yearns for God Who is love. Thank you for having responded to my call.

In Matthew 13:24-30, Jesus gives the parable of the weeds, and in the following verses (36-43), He explains its meaning. He tells us that the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them in the wheat field is the devil. Though the weeds will be burned at the end of the world, He allows them to grow alongside the wheat to protect the wheat. In other words, God tolerates the children of the evil one to protect the children of the kingdom. Jesus specifically identifies the children of the evil one as "those who cause others to sin and all who do evil."
      In this month’s message, for the first time, Our Lady uses the word "darnel," which she has never used before. She says, "Darnel has seized many hearts and they have become unfruitful;" As mentioned earlier, darnel represents the children of the evil one, Satan’s offspring, those who cause others to sin and commit injustice. These people disrupt and confuse many hearts, preventing good fruits from being borne within them. If we look around, we will see many people who resemble weeds. Some of them sin and live wicked lives while pretending otherwise, subtly or overtly leading others to sin and commit injustice. These people are not only present in the world but also within the Church, causing great harm. Recognizing the gravity of this situation, Our Lady tells us, “Darnel has seized many hearts and they have become unfruitful."
      Our Lady awakens us to the severity of the situation caused by the weeds and urges us to be light, love, and her outstretched hands. Even though it may seem as if the weeds are taking over, the world still longs for the God of love. She calls on us to help direct many hearts toward God. Instead of darkness, we must be light; instead of hatred, we must be love. Our Lady asks us to be her hands, touching and comforting the hearts of all people, guiding them as God’s good children.
   
 
 
January 25, 2024
"Dear children! May this time be a time of prayer."

Dear children! May this time be a time of prayer.

The message from Our Lady this month, which marks the start of 2024, is very brief. It is only one sentence. However, when I first encountered this message, I felt an overwhelming impression. I believe that, in this single sentence, Our Lady is telling us exactly what is most needed at this time.
      What is most necessary and important to us as we live through these current times? Is it a house, a job, health, a car, food, clothes, or something else? Of course, as we live in this world with our physical bodies, these are certainly essential and important. Yet, as we enter 2024, Our Lady tells us that what we need most is not those things, but prayer.
      Does it make sense to place prayer as the top priority in our lives and turn this time into a time of prayer, even when we are struggling without a job or facing financial hardships? From a worldly and human perspective, it might not make sense. But through the lens of faith, it is a perfectly fitting statement. Let us slowly read and reflect on the following words of the Lord:
     "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil” (Mt 6:25-34).
      Through this passage, Jesus tells us that when we seek God's kingdom and His righteousness first, everything else we need will also be given to us. Although many saints have lived by this teaching, let us reflect on the life of one saint who put this into practice long ago.
      January 17 was the feast day of Saint Anthony. He was born into a wealthy family in Komana, Egypt, in the mid-3rd century. After both his parents passed away, he was left with only his younger sister. At that time, he was about eighteen to twenty years old and took on the responsibility of caring for the household and his sister.
      Not long after his parents’ passing, he began to ponder on his way to church, "Why did the apostles abandon everything to follow the Savior? Why did the early Christians, as described in the Acts of the Apostles, sell their possessions and distribute the proceeds to the poor under the direction of the apostles? How great and glorious must be the reward they hoped to receive in the kingdom of heaven!" As these thoughts filled his mind, he entered the church and heard the Gospel reading in which Jesus tells the rich young man: “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to [the] poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me" (Mt 19:21).
      Immediately after leaving the church, Anthony gave away the entire 37 acres of land he had inherited from his parents to the villagers. He sold all his other possessions and kept only a small portion for his sister, distributing the remainder to the poor.
      On his next visit to the church, he heard the passage from Matthew 6:25-34, which we just reflected on. After hearing these words, he left the church and gave away the rest of his remaining possessions to the poor. He entrusted his sister to the care of trusted virgins and began a life of asceticism near his home, working with his hands, remembering Saint Paul's words: "If anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat" (2 Thes 3:10). He spent a portion of his earnings on food and gave the rest to the poor.
      He also took Jesus' words to heart: "When you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you" (Mt 6:6). "Pray always without becoming weary" (Lk 18:1). He prayed for long hours and studied the scriptures so diligently that he almost memorized them.
      Until his death in 356, he lived as a hermit, followed by many, and is known as "the Father of Monasticism" for his significant influence on monastic life in the Western Church.
     Anthony gave everything he had to the poor and lived a life of labor, asceticism, and prayer in obedience to the words of Jesus, particularly focusing on Matthew 6:25-34. Our Lady, Queen of Peace of Medjugorje, has encouraged families to read and meditate on this passage together every Thursday through one of the visionaries.
      How can we seek God's kingdom and His righteousness? Our Lady tells us that the answer is "prayer." Prayer is the key that opens the doors to the kingdom of heaven. Through prayer, we can enter God's kingdom, and God's kingdom can enter us. Prayer helps us understand God's will, know what He deems righteous, and gain the strength to put it into practice.
      Does prayer bring food? Yes, it does. Does prayer provide clothes? Yes, it does. Does prayer give us water? Yes, it does. Why is that? Because through prayer, we come into possession of God, who can provide all these things. Not in a mechanical or controlling sense, but in the sense that we can fully entrust ourselves to His good providence.
      Now is the time for prayer!
   
 
 
December 25, 2023
"Dear children! I am carrying my Son Jesus to you to fill your hearts with peace, because He is peace. Little children, seek Jesus in the silence of your heart that He be born anew. The world needs Jesus, therefore seek Him through prayer, because He gives Himself daily to each of you." Today Our Lady came solemnly dressed with little Jesus in her arms. Jesus extended His hand in a sign of blessing as Our Lady prayed over us in Aramaic.

Dear children! I am carrying my Son Jesus to you to fill your hearts with peace, because He is peace.

In Catholic Mass, outside the seasons of Advent and Lent, we recite or sing the Gloria, praising God and asking for peace. It begins, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of goodwill!” Whenever I sing these words, I am reminded of that first Christmas when the angels sang this hymn over the shepherds in Bethlehem: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests" (Lk 2:14). This angelic hymn reveals why Jesus came—to give glory to God and bring peace to humanity.
      But notice the second part of the hymn: "peace to people of goodwill." While Jesus came to bring peace to everyone, this hymn clarifies that this peace is for those "of goodwill." How can we be people of goodwill, pleasing to God? The answer is repentance. Acknowledging our sins, seeking forgiveness, and living according to God’s commandments is the path to repentance.
      Though Jesus came to bring peace, He made it clear that repentance is the first step. As He began His ministry, Jesus said, " This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel" (Mk 1:15). His entire public life was a call to repentance. When some towns in Galilee refused to repent despite witnessing His miracles, He sternly rebuked them: "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes" (Mt 11:21).
      Now, through the apparitions of Our Lady, Jesus continues to call humanity to repentance. Since June 24, 1981, in Medjugorje, Our Lady has been appearing daily, urging humanity to repent. She emphasizes that without repentance, there is no peace, no future. We must take her words seriously and respond to her call: “Dear children! Today I invite you to conversion. This is the most important message that I have given you here…” (February 25, 1996).

Little children, seek Jesus in the silence of your heart that He be born anew. The world needs Jesus, therefore seek Him through prayer, because He gives Himself daily to each of you.

From the moment we wake until we fall asleep, we are surrounded by noise. Our minds, too, are constantly racing with thoughts and worries. In this message, Our Lady calls us to seek Jesus in silence. Inner silence begins with external silence—finding a quiet place and time free from distractions.
      The best place to find this silence and seek Jesus is in a church, especially before the Blessed Sacrament. Even if the Eucharist is not exposed, sitting before the tabernacle, gazing upon Jesus in love and reverence, helps quiet our hearts. It’s essential to develop the habit of adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, fostering inner silence.
      More important than silent adoration, however, is participation in Mass. The Mass is the highest form of prayer, where Jesus becomes present in the Eucharist, offering Himself to us. Every day, through the Mass, the miracle of Jesus' birth happens again as He comes to dwell among us. How can we not attend this incredible event daily if possible?
      Jesus Himself tells us: "Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you…. I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst” (Jn 6:27, 35).
      Every time we offer the Lord's Prayer, we ask, "Give us this day our daily bread." Jesus hears our petition at every daily Mass. He becomes our daily bread in the form of the Eucharist each day. Let us make participating in daily Mass, to receive the Eucharistic Jesus, our daily bread who leads us to eternal life, the most important and prioritized task of our day. 

Today, Our Lady, dressed in splendor, came carrying the infant Jesus in her arms. As she prayed in Aramaic, Jesus extended His arms in a gesture of blessing.

It’s unusual to see a description of the apparition included with the monthly message, but this unique detail helps us grasp the significance of this Christmas message.
      Visionary Vicka has described Our Lady as having beautiful blue eyes, slightly curly black hair, and wearing a gray dress with a white veil. On special occasions, she is adorned in golden garments and jewelry, as she was in this apparition, where she carried the baby Jesus in her arms.
      What’s particularly extraordinary is that Mary prayed in Aramaic, her native language and that of Jesus. Why would she pray in Aramaic now, after 2,000 years? Perhaps it is to remind us of the first Christmas in Bethlehem, inviting us back to that holy night. Moreover, it could be to show us that Medjugorje, like Bethlehem, is a place where Jesus is born again in the hearts of those who seek Him.
      Interestingly, this month’s message does not end with the usual, "Thank you for having responded to my call." Instead, this phrase appears in the annual message to visionary Jakov Colo, given the same day. Reading both messages together offers a fuller picture of what Our Lady wishes to convey this Christmas:

“Dear children, today with my Son in my arms, I desire to call all of you to pray to the little Jesus for the healing of your heart. Children, often in your hearts sin rules which destroys your life and you cannot feel God's presence. That is why, on this day of grace, when grace is spreading throughout the whole world, surrender your life and your heart to the Lord, so that the Lord may heal them with His grace. Only with pure hearts will you be able to experience the birth of Jesus anew in you, and the light of His birth will illuminate your life. I bless you with my motherly blessing. Thank you for having responded to my call" (December 25, 2023, to Jakov Colo).
   
 
 
November 25, 2023
"Dear children! May this time be interwoven with prayer for peace and good deeds, so that the joy of the expectation of the King of Peace may be felt in your hearts, families and in the world which does not have hope. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! May this time be interwoven with prayer for peace and good deeds, so that the joy of the expectation of the King of Peace may be felt in your hearts, families and in the world which does not have hope. Thank you for having responded to my call.

In the October message, Mary said, “Winds of evil, hatred and peacelessness are blowing through the earth to destroy lives.” In this month’s message, she follows up by saying, “Let this time be filled with prayer for peace and good deeds.” The language may differ, but both messages carry the same meaning: now, more than ever, we need peace and goodness. And where can we find them? Only in God, the source of all peace and goodness.
      But how can we receive these gifts from God? Through humble, sincere prayer, asking Him to bestow them upon us. Additionally, when we commit to living peacefully with others and practice good deeds, God, in His infinite love and grace, will grant us the gifts of peace and goodness.
      Just as we wear warm clothes to protect ourselves from the cold, “the winds of evil, hatred, and the absence of peace” require us to spiritually arm ourselves through prayer and good deeds. Mary encourages us to strengthen our hearts and souls with these spiritual defenses. Without them, how can we endure this time and protect ourselves in the battle against evil?
      Mary continues to appear daily to three visionaries—Marija, Vicka, and Ivan. Wherever they are, Mary appears at 6:40 PM during the summer and 5:40 PM in wintertime. Marija, who receives the monthly messages on the 25th, delivered this message on November 25, which coincided with the vigil for the Feast of Christ the King.
      As I celebrated the vigil Mass for the Feast of Christ the King on November 25, I received this message from Mary and translated it into Korean, sharing it with the Apostles of Queen of Peace   and its members. It was a timely reminder of the joy of awaiting Christ, the King of Peace.
      Jesus Christ is not only the King of all creation, but He is also the King of Peace. In the preface of the Mass for Christ the King, we hear that God the Father anointed His only Son with the oil of gladness, making Him the eternal priest and universal king. His kingdom is one of truth and life, holiness and grace, justice, love, and peace. He offered Himself on the cross as the perfect sacrifice for peace, establishing His kingdom and presenting it to the Father.
       As the King of Peace, Christ came to save us from sin and death, and as He promised, He will return at the appointed time. Our task is to wait for His return with joyful anticipation, praying with all our hearts. Only through sincere prayer can we feel the joy of waiting for Him. If we live distracted by worldly concerns without prayer, we will never experience this joy.
      This is why Mary urges each of us to pray deeply, to gather our families for prayer, and to encourage all people to pray—so that our hearts, homes, and the entire world can be filled with the joy of awaiting the King of Peace.
   
 
 
October 25, 2023

"Dear children! Winds of evil, hatred and peacelessness are blowing through the earth to destroy lives. That is why the Most High sent me to you, to lead you towards the way of peace and unity with God and people. You, little children, are my extended hands: pray, fast and offer sacrifices for peace - the treasure for which every heart yearns. Thank you for having responded to my call."


Dear children! Winds of evil, hatred and peacelessness are blowing through the earth to destroy lives. That is why the Most High sent me to you, to lead you towards the way of peace and unity with God and people. 


On February 24, 2022, the war between Russia and Ukraine began, and it is still ongoing, causing suffering not only for both countries but for the entire world. Recently, another major conflict erupted between Hamas and Israel. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched thousands of rockets at Israel, triggering a massive military response and the declaration of war. This war, like the one between Russia and Ukraine, is not limited to the two parties involved but has ripple effects throughout the Middle East and the world, much like wind spreading from one place to another.

      Behind all wars, though unseen, is the presence of Satan. He spreads evil and hatred, pushing humanity to wage war to destroy peace and life. Satan not only incites conflicts between nations but also within communities, families, and individual hearts. Additionally, he uses mass media, the internet, and social networks to amplify evil, stir up hatred, and disrupt peace, fueling divisions among people.

      Mary sees how serious the situation is, which is why she says: “Dear children! The winds of evil, hatred, and lack of peace are blowing across the entire earth to destroy life.” She speaks of the entire earth, not just isolated regions. Imagine how Mary feels as she watches these winds of destruction—she isn’t like a distant television viewer watching tragic news with detachment. As a loving mother, she sheds tears of sorrow, embracing her children who are suffering and dying.

      The Most High has sent Mary to lead us to the path of peace and unity with God and others because this is the only way to counter and extinguish the winds of evil and division.

      Mary, sent as God’s emissary of peace, emphasizes prayer above all. Through prayer, we come to know God, strengthen our faith, and find the path to true peace. Peace is a gift only God can bestow, and to walk the path of peace, we must draw closer to God and unite with Him.

      Efforts like diplomacy and political negotiations are valuable but alone cannot bring true peace. Without God’s presence, there is no genuine peace.

      Satan, whose name means "adversary" or "accuser," is also known by the Greek word "Diabolos," meaning "the one who divides." His mission is to separate humanity from God and sow division among people, leading to destruction and death.

      But God desires unity—between Himself and humanity, and among people themselves—because unity brings salvation and life. Therefore, the Most High sends Mary to guide us to this unity and peace, amidst the destruction caused by evil.


You, little children, are my extended hands: pray, fast and offer sacrifices for peace - the treasure for which every heart yearns. Thank you for having responded to my call.


Unlike Satan, who tempts Adam and Eve by saying, “Your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods, who know good and evil” (Gn 3:5), Mary humbly surrenders herself to God, saying, “I am the servant of the Lord; May it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38). Just as Mary calls us her "dear children," we, in turn, should clothe ourselves in the same humility and allow her to guide us completely.

      When Mary says, “You, little children, are my outstretched hands,” she identifies with us, considering us not merely tools but extensions of herself. As her outstretched hands, our primary mission is to pray, fast, and offer sacrifices for peace—the treasure that every heart longs for. These are actions that anyone, anywhere, can perform. They don’t require special knowledge, wealth, or talent, only the will to serve as Mary’s hands, dedicated to the salvation and peace of the world.
   
 
 
September 25, 2023
"Dear children! I am calling you to strong prayer. Modernism wants to enter into your thoughts and steal from you the joy of prayer and of meeting with Jesus. That is why, my dear little children, renew prayer in your families, so that my motherly heart may be joyful as in the first days, when I had chosen you, and day and night prayer resounded - and Heaven was not silent but abundantly bestowed peace and blessing on this place of grace. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! I am calling you to strong prayer. Modernism wants to enter into your thoughts and steal from you the joy of prayer and of meeting with Jesus. 

Nothing in life is achieved without effort. No result can be gained by doing things half-heartedly. It’s the same in the spiritual realm as it is in the worldly matters. No one becomes good at prayer or grows in faith by doing nothing. To attain holiness, we must put in a lot of effort and dedicate time.
      In this month’s message, the Virgin Mary says: "Dear children! I am calling you to strong prayer." She isn’t just asking for prayer; she’s urging us to pray with all our strength. This requires a greater effort than our usual prayer routine. It means investing more time, effort, and focus into prayer. Since our energy is limited, praying with all our strength implies prioritizing prayer above everything else.
      Why is Mary urging us to pray with all our strength? It’s because of the threat of modernism. But what is modernism? While there are various definitions, one interpretation is that it opposes tradition and authority, advocating individualism, rationality, and freedom. Why is Mary concerned about modernism? Because it rejects God’s authority, placing humans and their reason at the center of everything, pushing God and His commandments aside.
      Mary clearly states: "Modernism wants to enter into your thoughts and steal from you the joy of prayer and of meeting with Jesus." What happens when modernism enters our minds? God’s place is lost. Human reason and freedom become the highest values, excluding God’s word and mystery from daily life. People begin to build a world without God.
      Since modernism places humans and their reason at the center, it leads people away from prayer. Why would someone pray to God if they believe human reason is the ultimate power? According to modernism, prayer is seen as outdated and irrational, something unnecessary. However, this is a grave misunderstanding. God must remain at the center of everything. His word and mystery should guide our hearts, minds, and souls. Without Him, humanity loses its true purpose. Prayer is the path that allows us to reunite with God and maintain that union. Prayer is not an intellectual exercise but a heartfelt conversation. It reminds us that we are not the masters of our lives—God is. This recognition brings a joy that nothing in the world can give, which is why we must pray with all our strength.
      Modernism, with its emphasis on de-mythologizing, denies the divinity of Jesus. It portrays Him merely as a moral teacher or prophet rather than as the God who came to save humanity. As a result, it diminishes the possibility of a personal relationship with Jesus through prayer. This is why Mary warns that modernism seeks to steal the joy of encountering Jesus.

That is why, my dear little children, renew prayer in your families, so that my motherly heart may be joyful as in the first days, when I had chosen you, and day and night prayer resounded - and Heaven was not silent but abundantly bestowed peace and blessing on this place of grace. Thank you for having responded to my call.

Since 1981, from the early days of the apparitions, Mary has constantly emphasized the importance of family prayer. She has repeatedly urged families to pray the Rosary together, read the Bible, and make prayer the centerpiece of their family life. Why does she stress family prayer so much? Because Satan knows that by destroying families, he can weaken both society and the Church, as families are the foundational cells of both. Mary teaches that family prayer invites Jesus into the heart of the family, and His grace and blessings bring peace and happiness.
      In this message, Mary asks us to renew prayer in our families. If we are not praying together as a family, we should start by gathering at least once a week for prayer. If we already pray once a week, we should strive to pray together daily. If family prayer has become a mere formality, we need to rekindle the enthusiasm and sincerity we had at the beginning.
      During the early days of the apparitions in Medjugorje, families gathered to pray the Rosary, read the Bible, meditate, and attend Mass together. As a result, the sounds of prayer echoed day and night, and the village was filled with peace and blessings. Mary was deeply pleased by this.
      Now, she desires the same for our families—that we, too, pray together so that our homes may become places of grace, filled with peace and blessings. By renewing family prayer, we can protect our homes, society, and the Church from the threats of modernism and the attacks of Satan. Let us believe in the power of prayer, especially family prayer, and respond with all our strength, knowing that miracles will follow.
   
 
 
August 25, 2023
"Dear children! In this time of grace, I am calling you to prayer with the heart. May your hearts, little children, be raised in prayer towards Heaven, so that your heart may feel the God of love who heals you and loves you with immeasurable love. That is why I am with you, to lead you on the way of conversion of heart. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! In this time of grace, I am calling you to prayer with the heart. May your hearts, little children, be raised in prayer towards Heaven, so that your heart may feel the God of love who heals you and loves you with immeasurable love. That is why I am with you, to lead you on the way of conversion of heart. Thank you for having responded to my call.

The Blessed Mother has often mentioned "this time of grace" in her messages, and once again in this month’s message, she reminds us of the grace-filled period we are living in. We cannot help but feel gratitude for the God who grants us grace and for the Virgin Mary, who delivers it to us. The words of Psalm 8:5 come to mind: "What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?" The Virgin Mary calls this a time of grace, inviting us to reflect on God’s grace and give thanks for His immense love.
      However, as I read this message, I couldn’t help but sense that Mary might be urging us to prepare for a time when this grace-filled period comes to an end. It’s as if she is saying, "This time of grace is nearing its conclusion, so prepare for what comes after." Though we don’t know when that will be, we must remember that this time of grace will eventually end, and we should prepare ourselves accordingly. We must not make the same mistake as the Israelites, who did not recognize the time of their visitation by the Savior, Jesus Christ. To avoid repeating their error, we should deeply reflect on the following words from the Gospel:
      “As he drew near, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If this day you only knew what makes for peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will raise a palisade against you; they will encircle you and hem you in on all sides. They will smash you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another within you because you did not recognize the time of your visitation” (Lk 19:41-44).
      On June 26, 1981, the third day of her apparitions in Medjugorje, the Virgin Mary appeared to the six visionaries together. Later that day, as visionary Marija was descending from Apparition Hill, Mary appeared to her again, with a cross behind her and a sorrowful expression. She said, "Peace, peace, peace, only peace! Peace must reign between God and man and between men." The Blessed Mother came to this world to show us the way to peace. She introduced herself as the Queen of Peace, and for 42 years, she has been teaching us how to reach peace. The first and most important step, she tells us, is prayer. Prayer leads to conversion, strengthens faith, fosters self-sacrificing love, and ultimately brings the gift of peace. Therefore, Mary calls us to pray without ceasing until prayer becomes our very life.
      In this month’s message, she also reminds us of the importance of praying with the heart, something we often overlook. Of course, prayer involves our lips, ears, and eyes, but most importantly, it requires the heart. Without heartfelt prayer, we risk becoming hypocrites. Sometimes, even those who attend daily Mass and seem to pray fervently can be self-centered, proud, and devoid of peace because their prayers are not heartfelt. They may be praying out of habit or for self-satisfaction. How unfortunate! Mary urges us to avoid this mistake and pray sincerely from the heart.
     "Little children, be raised in prayer towards Heaven." Mary's words naturally remind us of the introduction to the Eucharistic Prayer during Mass, where the priest and congregation exchange the following words: "The Lord be with you," "And with your spirit," "Lift up your hearts," "We lift them up to the Lord," "Let us give thanks to the Lord our God," "It is right and just." During Mass, we lift our hearts to the Lord. Though our bodies remain on earth, our hearts should always be lifted toward heaven. When our hearts are continually oriented toward heaven and the Lord, we can walk the path of holiness even while living in this world. Lifting our hearts to heaven is an act of offering, for the heart is the center of our being. In prayer, we continually entrust our hearts to the Lord, and He, in turn, transforms them to be more like His, making our hearts holy.
      When we lift our hearts to heaven in prayer, our hearts reach the hands of our heavenly Father. What will He do with them? If our hearts are wounded, He will heal them. If they are stained, He will cleanse them. If they are hardened, He will soften them. In the most extreme cases, if our hearts are beyond healing, He will give us new hearts. We can expect this because God has already promised through the prophet Ezekiel: "I will sprinkle clean water over you to make you clean; from all your impurities and from all your idols I will cleanse you. I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh" (Ez 36:25-26).
      When we lift our hearts to God in prayer, He brings them into His own heart, filling them with His immeasurable love. Our hearts cannot help but feel this divine love.
      For all of this to happen, we must repent with our hearts. However, we cannot do this on our own. We are too self-centered and prone to straying from God and His commandments. That’s why we need someone to guide us and keep us on the right path. For 42 years, the Virgin Mary has been appearing daily in Medjugorje to fulfill that role. She tells us, "That is why I am with you, to lead you on the way of conversion of heart."
      In this time of grace, as our Mother stays with us, calling us to heartfelt prayer and guiding us on the path of repentance, let us respond wholeheartedly to her call.
   
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