Todays Gospel (Luke 21:12-19) immediately brought to mind Anne a lay apostle, the "founder" of the Jesus Christ the Returning King apostolate which I base my writings on. She is fearless in the face of adversity. She continues working for Christ despite the critical words of unbelievers (or as I think of them . . . people too fearful to follow the words of Jesus and all of heaven because it may mean letting go of worldly beliefs). We were blessed to have Anne and Fr. Darragh here in Florida for a week, with two Eucharistic Days of Renewal in Melbourne and Ocala. An added bonus was Fr. Stefan, a Scottish priest traveling with them to learn more about the mission. So many messages came from the talks . . . some I have passed on to loved ones in need of solace recently. Immerse yourself in the Volumes, go to directionforourtimes.org and learn about this mission and the people who make it what it is . . . a rescue mission for souls. Thank you, Anne, Fr. D, and Fr. Stefan for truly showing kindness, compassion and love while we were blessed with your presence. Ireland is so lucky to have you all!!!
Gospel for today:
Jesus said to the crowd: “They will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
In Volume Four, Jesus has this to say to His priests, but it applies to every one of us:
"Think for a moment in earthly terms. Consider that a king travels away from his kingdom, and during his absence many servants become unfaithful. They flaunt their disobedience and generally make a mockery of the perfect order the king had designed for the harmony of his kingdom. This results in great pain and disorder and threatens the unity of the kingdom. Because of the disarray, the kingdom is no longer fit to defend against its enemies, who gradually, and with great glee, take over the kingdom and impose their own order, which is against everything this wise and benevolent king had worked to create for his subjects. Now imagine that this enemy was neither strong, nor wise. The enemy was disorganized and had small numbers in comparison. The advantage that the enemy utilized was that most of the king’s subjects had become lazy and groggy during the absence of their king. So it was with relative ease that the enemy infiltrated and overcame. But not all of the good king’s subjects were asleep. There were many who remained alert, and appalled by the disorder, sought to warn their fellow subjects. These faithful ones warned that the king would return and because he was a just king, he would punish the weak ones who made decisions against the kingdom. Some listened, some did not. Either way, the faithful ones persevered and refused to be drawn into the dark celebrations of the infiltrators. They were often ridiculed for their adherence to the laws of the good king. They found that often they suffered in other ways. Many lost material advantages, some lost family relationships because of their faith, and some dear subjects gave their lives in defense of the king. Now, imagine that this good king has been consistently apprised of this state of affairs. When his journey is complete, he hastens to return to his people. Imagine his feelings upon consideration that this beautiful and harmonious kingdom he created for his people has been turned into a lawless and ugly place where his faithful servants are persecuted. I am that King. The only difference is that I have infinite power, infinite wisdom, and I read each soul with a glance. I am returning."
Lay apostles, prepare. Prepare now for His Return. Generations of children count on you to lead them on the path to heaven. Take responsibility and be bold. Jesus is ready to help . . . all you need to do is ask!
Thank you, Lord, for Anne, Fr. Darragh and all the lay apostles I have been blessed to know. You are building quite an army, My Lord!
God bless,
Bonnie
Gospel for today:
Jesus said to the crowd: “They will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
In Volume Four, Jesus has this to say to His priests, but it applies to every one of us:
"Think for a moment in earthly terms. Consider that a king travels away from his kingdom, and during his absence many servants become unfaithful. They flaunt their disobedience and generally make a mockery of the perfect order the king had designed for the harmony of his kingdom. This results in great pain and disorder and threatens the unity of the kingdom. Because of the disarray, the kingdom is no longer fit to defend against its enemies, who gradually, and with great glee, take over the kingdom and impose their own order, which is against everything this wise and benevolent king had worked to create for his subjects. Now imagine that this enemy was neither strong, nor wise. The enemy was disorganized and had small numbers in comparison. The advantage that the enemy utilized was that most of the king’s subjects had become lazy and groggy during the absence of their king. So it was with relative ease that the enemy infiltrated and overcame. But not all of the good king’s subjects were asleep. There were many who remained alert, and appalled by the disorder, sought to warn their fellow subjects. These faithful ones warned that the king would return and because he was a just king, he would punish the weak ones who made decisions against the kingdom. Some listened, some did not. Either way, the faithful ones persevered and refused to be drawn into the dark celebrations of the infiltrators. They were often ridiculed for their adherence to the laws of the good king. They found that often they suffered in other ways. Many lost material advantages, some lost family relationships because of their faith, and some dear subjects gave their lives in defense of the king. Now, imagine that this good king has been consistently apprised of this state of affairs. When his journey is complete, he hastens to return to his people. Imagine his feelings upon consideration that this beautiful and harmonious kingdom he created for his people has been turned into a lawless and ugly place where his faithful servants are persecuted. I am that King. The only difference is that I have infinite power, infinite wisdom, and I read each soul with a glance. I am returning."
Lay apostles, prepare. Prepare now for His Return. Generations of children count on you to lead them on the path to heaven. Take responsibility and be bold. Jesus is ready to help . . . all you need to do is ask!
Thank you, Lord, for Anne, Fr. Darragh and all the lay apostles I have been blessed to know. You are building quite an army, My Lord!
God bless,
Bonnie
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