TIME  OF  GRACE (Teresa Gazhiiova)

Since the beginning of apparition  in Medjugorje Our Lady has been telling us that we live in time of grace as God permits Her to appear to us and help us. Medjugorje is a continuation of Fatima. It prepares us for a new time, triumph of Her Immaculate Heart and time of peace. She calls us: “Use this time for your personal conversion. I have come to call the world to conversion for the last time. Afterwards, I will not appear any more on this earth. Make haste to convert” (02.05.1982).

So, this time isn’t a time of fear as mass media writes but a time of grace. Mary calls us to the most wonderful thing She could wish for her children – that is life in hope, joy and peace. Even if it seems impossible in some situations and  in some corners of the world, especially where wars are unleashed. Amid the weapon’s clang and increasing social tensions She teaches us the inner position: to be peacemakers and lovers of life. She never demands something impossible from us. She always helps and advises us how to fulfill what She calls us for.

The Acts of the Apostles describe the events that took place after Jesus’s death. The disciples were disoriented and scared and hid. Mary played an important role then. She prayed with them, encouraged and united them. At some point thunder from heaven had been heard and the strength of the Holy Spirit had filled them. The frightened men turned into the brave disciples. They received courage to go out and proclaim the Gospel fearlessly and with joy. They filled the whole earth with Jesus’s teaching.

Today when there are so much restlessness, uncertainty and fear Her call sounds again like a silent but powerful outlet: “Don’t lose your hope, be those who believe, who carry peace and rejoice even with the little things”. First we are called to be peacemakers at our homes, in our families and communities, at work and in our thoughts. Peace is born in the silence of prayer, in trust in God, in forgiveness and good. The lovers of life at Mary’s school especially love life which is fragile, wounded, hidden within another person as well as in unborn, old people and broken ones.

We are unable to do it alone. We need the Holy Spirit. Mary is aware of His work. She received the courage to accept God’s gift and surrender to Him by the power of the Holy Spirit. The spirit of courage isn’t a world’s bravery from high positions and authority but it’s the bravery from heaven, it’s courage to believe even when we tremble with fear, to love even when it hurts, to walk when the way is dark. Mary experienced it therefore She understands us. Every day even the simplest one may become a gift and a step on the way of holiness if we live it with the Holy Spirit.

Our Mother reminds us that we are not alone. She is with us. She loves us. She thanks us. The visionaries say that the most beautiful message Mary has given us is: “I love you. If you knew how much I love you, you would cry of joy”.

Ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with a strength of God’s love and convert us and the world around us.

Prayer

Mary, thank You that You love us as we are. You said that no matter how old we are, You need us for Your plans of peace now and wherever we are. Intercede for us in order that we were able to listen to the encouragement of the Holy Spirit and have courage to humbly fulfill everything He will tell us. Amen