Mary TV daily Reflection 4/23/2013

          

You pray, just pray and don't stop for a minute! 

 (c)Catey Nolan 2013   

J.M.J.

April 23, 2013

Dear Family of Mary!

"My dear children! Satan is so strong and with all his might wants to disturb my plans which I have begun with you. You pray, just pray and don't stop for a minute! I will pray to my Son for the realization of all the plans I have begun. Be patient and constant in your prayers. And don't let Satan discourage you. He is working hard in the world. Be on your guard!" (Message conveyed by Vicka from Our Lady. January 14, 1985 -Monday)

Again in the early days, Our Lady spoke about the enemy, and how he wanted to disrupt her plans and stop what she was building in Medjugorje. And one of his big weapons seems to have been discouragement. It is the same for us today. If he can build a case in our heads against the plans of God and Our Lady, showing us how impossible it all is, then he can stop us from cooperating with those plans. Discouragement tells us that it is no use, we will not make it, this will never work, why try... And if we listen to that voice, we will quit trying.

I am reminded of a conversation that St. Faustina had with the Lord about discouragement. She was very tempted by discouragement, and wrote honestly of her struggle in her Diary. Here is an excerpt:

1488 Conversation of the Merciful God with a Soul Striving after Perfection.

Jesus: I am pleased with your efforts, O soul aspiring for perfection, but why do I see you so often sad and depressed? Tell Me, My child, what is the meaning of this sadness, and what is its cause?

Soul: Lord, the reason for my sadness is that, in spite of my sincere resolutions, I fall again into the same faults. I make resolutions in the morning, but in the evening I see how much I have departed from them.

Jesus: You see, My child, what you are of yourself. The cause of your falls is that you rely too much upon yourself and too little on Me. But let this not sadden you so much. You are dealing with the God of mercy, which your misery cannot exhaust. Remember, I did not allot only a certain number of pardons.

Soul: Yes, I know all that, but great temptations assail me, and various doubts awaken within me and, moreover, everything irritates and discourages me.

Jesus: My child, know that the greatest obstacles to holiness are discouragement and an exaggerated anxiety. These will deprive you of the ability to practice virtue. All temptations united together ought not disturb your interior peace, not even momentarily. Sensitiveness and discouragement are the fruits of self-love. You should not become discouraged, but strive to make My love reign in place of your self-love. Have confidence, My child. Do not lose heart in coming for pardon, for I am always ready to forgive you. As often as you beg for it, you glorify My mercy.

Soul: I understand what is the better thing to do, what pleases You more, but I encounter great obstacles in acting on this understanding.

Jesus: My child, life on earth is a struggle indeed; a great struggle for My kingdom.

But fear not, because you are not alone. I am always supporting you, so lean on Me as you struggle, fearing nothing. Take the vessel of trust and draw from the fountain of life-for yourself, but also for other souls, especially such as are distrustful of My goodness.

Soul: O Lord, I feel my heart being filled with Your love and the rays of Your mercy and love piercing my soul. I go, Lord, at Your command. I go to conquer souls. Sustained by Your grace, I am ready to follow You, Lord, not only to Tabor, but also to Calvary. I desire to lead souls to the fount of Your mercy so that the splendor of Your mercy may be reflected in all souls, and the home of our Father be filled to overflowing. And when the enemy begins to attack me, I shall take refuge behind the shield of Your mercy. (1488, Diary of St. Faustina)

Jesus told St. Faustina that the greatest obstacles to holiness are discouragement and an exaggerated anxiety. No wonder Our Lady warned about discouragement in this message. It is a powerful deterrent, the way to stop us from trusting in the Lord and moving ahead!

"Be patient and constant in your prayers. And don't let Satan discourage you." This is Our Lady's advice at moments that are difficult. Be patient and pray. In fact she said, "You pray, just pray and don't stop for a minute!" Don't stop for a minute! Constant, fervent prayer will help us to overcome the temptation to discouragement. Staying close to Jesus and Mary, through prayer, is the best battle plan for us. By our trust we can overcome all temptation, and help Our Lady in her plans for love and peace.

Let's not stop! Let's pray, hope and believe all that God has said to us. We can overcome all temptation with Our Lady at our side and Jesus in our hearts! This is the time of the Triumph!

In Jesus, Mary and Joseph!

Cathy Nolan

©Mary TV 2013