Jay and I have had many conversations over the years regarding negative people. It's very easy to be drawn into conversations leading nowhere, commiserating with encounters from situations I personally experienced in my past. It takes actual concentration to turn those conversations around, focusing on the positive. A few years ago I had a conversation with a young man. He complained about his job, and how unfair his boss was . . . yada, yada, yada. I've had difficult bosses in the past so I could understand the frustration. But with age comes wisdom, right? I took my shot at turning his annoyance into empathy by explaining we never know the lives people lead behind closed doors. Some wear their emotions on their sleeve and some hide despair appearing upbeat and happy. He listened and agreed we never know what's behind angry words. Then proceeded to complain some more! The lesson I took away from this conversation? I had some work to do, to prevail . . . practice positivity, not allowing negative talk to escape my lips to the best of my ability. My goal is remembering to be more of Him and less of me. I just pray He continues to intervene when I fail to follow my own advice!
In today's Gospel (Matthew 16:13-19) Jesus shows us how faith in Him leads to the gates of heaven:
When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
In Volume Two, our Blessed Mother gives us direction in trusting her Son:
"My children, I am anxious that you persevere in your conversions. There are many graces available to you so that you stay this course to holiness. Because I am a mother, your mother, I anticipate dangers that threaten my little ones. Beware of spiritual pride. Jesus intends to bring each of you to a high level of holiness in a relatively short time. At no time should you think this holiness comes from you. Your faith, your love of God, is God’s gift to you so do not hold yourself above your brothers and sisters who are not responding as fully and hence not receiving the same level of grace. My little one, you might wonder what it is you are contributing if everything is coming from Jesus. You are contributing your free will. You are contributing your time on earth. You are giving Jesus your heart and saying “Yes, Jesus, I want to be a saint.” Truly, little child of my heart, Jesus can do anything with a soul such as yours who has made a decision for heaven. Consider yourself now a soldier in the army of light. I anoint you as such and you work only for goodness. Prayer is your weapon and you are armed with the holiness acquired through your obedience. No evil can prevail against you. Such is the power you wield with Jesus as your leader. Fear nothing. We are with you. Be available to accept your direction through prayer so that as times change we can instruct you in everything. We are always available to you. I bless you now and entrust you to my Son, Jesus Christ. Serve Him faithfully and you will know heaven. How your loyalty will be rewarded. Truly, children, you will be overwhelmed with happiness. We have every answer, so bring every trouble to Us. I am with you and seek to help you as a mother helps her children through difficult times. When you need me, dear ones, I will be there, with additional guidance for your time."
Lay apostles, how are you handling negativity in your life? Whether it comes from your mouth or another's, be conscious of what you say and how you act. We can't force anyone to be happy or positive. This is a harsh reality. When an opportunity arises, I desperately try to lead others to this mission. The words of Christ and all of Heaven push me to be more humble, acquire patience and trust in Him always. But most importantly, love those I come in contact with on a daily basis. Responsibility for our actions is just that . . . our actions. So, focus on praying more. Read spiritual literature daily. Grow closer to Our Lord. It takes practice, patience, and perseverance. Shut out the negativity by remembering Christ is by your side . . . always!
Thank you, Lord, for helping me focus on the positive when there is so much negative in the world. But especially help me to prevail by shining Your Light to change the hearts of those you place in my path.
God bless,
Bonnie
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