Good in the heart and on the earth (Teresa Gazhiiova)

Our Lady  tells us about the destructive power of the wind of peacelessness, selfishness and sin which is catching hold of many hearts and leading them into perdition. The wind is a natural force which can’t be stopped. But they say that the wind which tears up the sails shapes them into wings. We can also use the wind in order to receive the energy. We can also protect ourselves from it with fences, trees or walls. Mother of God uses  this parable about the wind in order to teach us about a spiritual struggle at this time. It is good for us to hear what is going on in the spiritual world in order to be able to orient ourselves, adapt ourselves and respond wisely. 

The destructive wind is unpredictable therefore we should be wise and simple according to Jesus’s words: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Mathew 10:16).

God sends Mary to earth to remind us about it and She has been leading us tirelessly on the path of conversion for almost forty four years. We are able to protect ourselves from the winds of peacelessness, selfishness and sin only in this way.

We feel the wind of peacelessness when we move away from God. The regular daily prayer is peace. Mary calls us to return to God and prayer. There is a special invitation to pray the Rosary in May. “Therefore, dear children, do not be afraid. If you pray, satan cannot injure you even a little bit because you are God’s children and He is watching over you. Pray and let the rosary always be in your hand as a sign to Satan that you belong to me” (February 25, 1988).

God’s word is a word of peace. 

Thanks to daily contemplation we become the carriers of peace. Jesus teaches us to stop the wind of selfishness with humility, love and care for neighbours. It is when we acknowledge others to be better as in the parable about the prayer of pharisee and tax collector in the temple area. Pharisee is a selfish person and considers himself to be better than others and despises them. The tax collector beats his breast and prays from afar: “God, have mercy on me, a sinner!”. He went home justified (Lk. 18:9-14).

If we focus on sincere prayer and love then selfishness will cease.

The wind of sin can be stopped by a sincere and frequent confession and forgiveness. If the strong wind blows then you have to close your window, renounce sin and the opportunities for sin. Therefore fasting, renunciation and frequent Eucharist are very important. Thereby, when we are strengthened we have the grace of choosing love for God and neighbor and love will dwell in our hearts. Slovak blessed Zdenka Shelingova who was tortured brutally during communist regime, is known for her quote: “Nothing frightens me even the wind that has bent down the thick clouds because it will last only for a moment. My trust grows as I know there is my beloved Sun behind the clouds”.

Who can teach us better than Mary to walk  stubbornly on the path of conversion and become a firm rock which cannot be shaken by even the strongest wind? St. Bernard has written about this:

“O you, whoever you are, who feel that in the tidal wave of this world you are nearer to being tossed about among the squalls and gales than treading on dry land, if you do not want to founder in the tempest, do not avert your eyes from the brightness of this Star.  When the wind of temptation blows up within you, when you strike upon the rock of tribulation, gaze up at this Star, call out to Mary. Whether you are being tossed about by the waves of pride or ambition or slander or jealousy, call out to Mary.  When rage or greed or fleshly desires are battering the skiff of your soul, gaze up at Mary. When the immensity of your sins weighs you down and you are bewildered by the loathsomeness of your conscience, when the terrifying thought of judgement appalls you and you begin to founder in the gulf of sadness and despair, think of Mary. In dangers, in hardships, in every doubt, think of Mary, call out to Mary. Keep Her in your mouth, keep Her in your heart. Follow the example of Her life and you will obtain the favour of Her prayer. Following Her you will never go astray. Asking Her help, you will never despair.  Keeping Her in your thoughts, you will never wander away. With your hand in Hers, you will never stumble. With Her protecting you, you will not be afraid. With Her leading you, you will never tire. Her kindness will see you through to the end”.

Prayer

Mary, we thank You for Your tireless love for us. We appeal to Your Heart, to Your Immaculate Heart which is our refuge. Help us to follow Your example. Help us to persevere on the path of conversion in love for God and neighbors so that we may have good in our hearts and on earth. Amen.