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Fr. Stephen Shin’s Reflections on the Messages
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April 25, 2018
"Dear children! Today I am calling you to live your new life with Jesus. May the Risen One give you strength to always be strong in the trials of life and to be faithful and persevering in prayer; because Jesus saved you by His wounds and by His Resurrection gave you new life. Pray, little children, and do not lose hope. May joy and peace be in your hearts and witness the joy that you are mine. I am with you and love you all with my motherly love. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! Today I am calling you to live your new life with Jesus. May the Risen One give you strength to always be strong in the trials of life and to be faithful and persevering in prayer; because Jesus saved you by His wounds and by His Resurrection gave you new life. 

To better understand this message from Our Lady, it would be helpful to meditate on the Gospel for the Second Sunday of Easter, which is the same across all three liturgical years (ABC), found in John 20:19-31. This Gospel passage is divided into three parts.
      The first part recounts Jesus' first appearance to His disciples after His Resurrection. The disciples, filled with fear of the Jews, had locked themselves in a room. This room was the same Upper Room in Jerusalem where they had shared the Last Supper with Jesus just a few days earlier. But now, unlike the joy they had felt during that meal, they were consumed by fear and anxiety. After Jesus' arrest, their betrayal, and witnessing Jesus' suffering and death, the joy they once had was completely gone. The Upper Room, which once brought them comfort, now felt empty and fearful. The disciples were afraid the Jews might kill them too, so they kept the doors locked. Although they were physically alive, spiritually, they were dead—without Jesus, their lives felt like death itself, stripped of joy, happiness, peace, and hope.
      Then, the Risen Jesus appeared to them and said, "Peace be with you!" He showed them His hands and side, and they were overjoyed to see Him. Jesus gave them peace and joy, and the disciples rejoiced. Jesus said again, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." Despite their betrayal, Jesus reaffirmed their role as His apostles and sent them out to continue His mission. He then breathed on them, saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." Jesus breathed new life into them, reminding us of Genesis 2:7, where God breathed the breath of life into Adam. The disciples were now reborn with new life through Jesus' Resurrection and forgiveness.
       The second part of the story takes place a week later when Jesus appeared to the disciples again. This time, Thomas was present. Although the doors were locked, there is no mention of the disciples being afraid of the Jews. They no longer feared death because they had seen the Risen Lord. When Jesus appeared, He said again, "Peace be with you!" He then invited Thomas to touch His wounds and believe. Thomas responded, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus replied, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Through this second encounter, Jesus dispelled Thomas' doubts and deepened the faith of all the disciples.
      The third and final part of this Gospel is found in verses 30-31, where the purpose of John's Gospel is explained: "Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name."
Jesus came to give life to those who believe in Him, and through His Resurrection, He gave the disciples new life and the strength to live as His followers. Our Lady is calling us to live this new life with Jesus. Without faith in Jesus, especially in His Passion, Death, and Resurrection, we cannot fully understand that we have received new life in Him.
      Jesus knew the weakness and limitations of His disciples, and He knows ours too. He knew they would betray Him, yet He did not abandon them. Jesus, our High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses (cf. Heb 4:15), desires that we overcome our limitations through faith, and He helps us do so. "Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested" (Heb 2:18).
      Our lives are filled with trials. Just as one trial seems to pass, another often follows unexpectedly. However, in these moments, we must firmly believe that the Risen Jesus will give us the strength to remain steadfast, faithful, and patient, just as He gave strength to His disciples who trembled in fear. Jesus, who calmed their fears and brought them peace and joy, offers us the same through His Resurrection.
     Isaiah's prophecy, "By his wounds we were healed" (Is 53:5), reminds us that Jesus' wounds on the Cross were for our healing and salvation. Through His Resurrection, He gives us new life. His Passion, Death, and Resurrection are the Gospel of peace, salvation, and new life.

Pray, little children, and do not lose hope. May joy and peace be in your hearts and witness the joy that you are mine. I am with you and love you all with my motherly love. Thank you for having responded to my call.

Our Lady urges us to "pray and do not lose hope." As Christians, we are people of prayer and hope because we believe in the Risen Jesus, who is alive and with us. Therefore, no matter what situation we face, we should never lose hope. "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me" (Ps 23:4).
As we have seen in John 20, wherever the Risen Jesus is present, there is peace and joy. Let us invite Him into our hearts, homes, communities, and the world through prayer, so that His peace and joy may fill our lives.
      It is a great honor and joy to be children of Our Lady. She wants us to share the joy of being her children with the world. How can we do this? First, we must love Our Lady with all our hearts, just as Jesus did. The best way to express our love for her is through prayer, especially the Rosary. By calling upon her name and praying the Rosary humbly, we draw closer to her, and she comes into our hearts.
      When we hold the Rosary and pray with love for Our Lady, we can feel her presence with us. Praying the Rosary is like holding Our Lady's hand, allowing us to feel her maternal love.
   
 
 
March 25, 2018
"Dear children! I am calling you to be with me in prayer in this time of grace when darkness is fighting against the light. Pray, little children, confess and begin a new life in grace. Decide for God and He will lead you towards holiness; and the cross will be a sign of victory and hope for you. Be proud that you are baptized and grateful in your heart that you are a part of God’s plan. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! I am calling you to be with me in prayer in this time of grace when darkness is fighting against the light. Pray, little children, confess and begin a new life in grace. 

Jesus overcame the powers of evil and death through His crucifixion and resurrection. However, Satan, who is behind these powers, has not yet been completely defeated and continues to wreak havoc. At the end of time, when Jesus returns in glory, Satan will be utterly defeated and cast into eternal hell. Until then, Satan will fight fiercely, trying to distance us from Jesus and Our Lady. Although we know that Satan will ultimately lose, we must still be vigilant and avoid being influenced by his power. Satan, the force of darkness, attacks us at the moment we feel self-sufficient and think we are standing firm in our own strength. Our pride blocks Jesus and Mary from entering our hearts, leaving us defenseless and vulnerable to Satan's attacks. With his supernatural powers, Satan is a formidable foe, and we cannot defeat him with our own strength. We need a stronger ally, and that ally is Our Lady. Only she, the "woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and on her head a crown of twelve stars" (Rev 12:1), can stand by our side and protect us in the battle against Satan, the red dragon. That is why Our Lady says, "My dear children! In this time of grace, I am calling you to be with me in prayer as darkness battles against light. My dear children, pray and confess, and begin a new life in grace."
      Through the rosary and other prayers with Our Lady, we are protected from Satan's attacks, which seek to lead us into darkness, sin, and evil. At the same time, through the grace of prayer, we are drawn closer to the light, to goodness, and to Jesus, the source of all goodness.
      Jesus also taught us, "Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test" (Mk 14:38). He revealed the existence of temptation and the way to protect ourselves from it. Those who pray are on God's side and receive His strength, enabling them to resist Satan's temptations. That is why Our Lady continually urges us to "pray." She also tells us to "confess" in order to cleanse our souls from sin and evil. Through prayer and confession, our souls are purified, allowing us to live in a state of grace and begin a new life. As we approach the end of Lent, a time meant for spiritual rebirth in Jesus, prayer and confession are tools to prepare our souls for this new spring of life.

Decide for God and He will lead you towards holiness; and the cross will be a sign of victory and hope for you. 

Moses urged the Israelites to choose life, that is, to choose God, saying: "See, I have today set before you life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the Lord, your God, which I am giving you today, loving the Lord, your God, and walking in his ways, and keeping his commandments, statutes and ordinances, you will live and grow numerous, and the Lord, your God, will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. If, however, your heart turns away and you do not obey, but are led astray and bow down to other gods and serve them, I tell you today that you will certainly perish; you will not have a long life on the land which you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth today to witness against you: I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the Lord, your God, obeying his voice, and holding fast to him. For that will mean life for you" (Dt 30:15-20).
      Moses' call to choose God is a message that echoes throughout the Bible, from the time of creation through both the Old and New Testaments. The simple but profound truth is that those who choose God and follow His commandments will receive life, happiness, and blessing, while those who turn away from Him and follow false idols will experience death, misery, and curses. Our Lady reminds us of this truth by saying, "Decide for God." She encourages us because choosing God leads us to life, love, and the blessings He wants to give us. When we choose God, He draws us closer to Himself, allowing us to participate in His holiness and live more holy lives.
       It is not always easy to choose God, as illustrated by the Israelites who, despite witnessing firsthand the plagues of Egypt and the miracle of the Red Sea, abandoned God and worshipped a golden calf in Moses' absence (cf. Ex 32:1-6). Even after witnessing God's mighty works, they faltered. This story shows that choosing God is not always easy.
But just because it is difficult does not mean we should give up. Even Jesus, fully human like us, found it difficult to choose God's will when faced with the agony of the cross. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me" (Lk 22:42a). Yet, despite His distress, Jesus ultimately said, "Still, not my will but yours be done" (Lk 22:42b), choosing the Father's will. Through His passion and death, Jesus showed us that when we choose God and His will, the cross becomes a sign of victory and hope, bringing salvation and eternal life.

Be proud that you are baptized and grateful in your heart that you are a part of God’s plan. Thank you for having responded to my call.

Through baptism, we became part of God's people, disciples of Jesus, and members of the Church. We were forgiven of original and personal sin. We belong solely to God. What an incredible honor it is to be children of the Creator of all things! This is a privilege that cannot be traded for anything in this world. The fact that God is our Father should fill our hearts with pride and joy.
      Jesus revealed this heavenly Father to us. Before His ascension, He commanded His disciples, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit" (Mt 28:19). Through this command, countless people have been baptized, becoming disciples of Jesus, just as we were baptized. Baptism unites us with Jesus in a life-giving relationship. As Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). How could we not be proud of our baptism?
      St. Paul teaches us, “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit" (1 Cor 12:13). Through baptism, we have become members of the Body of Christ, the Church. This is an extraordinary grace and something for which we should be eternally grateful.
      Through baptism, we were freed from original sin and personal sin because we participated in the death and resurrection of Christ. As St. Paul explains, “Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life" (Rom 6:3-4).
      Our birth into this world and our baptism are not accidents. They are part of God's great plan for our salvation through Jesus Christ. St. Paul confirms this by saying, “He chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will" (Eph 1:4-5).
      Let us always give thanks to God for choosing us before the foundation of the world and making us part of His plan.
   
 
 
February 25, 2018
"Dear children! In this time of grace I am calling all of you to open yourselves and to live the commandments which God has given you, that they may lead you through the Sacraments on the way of conversion. The world and worldly temptations are testing you, but you, little children, look at God’s creatures which He has given to you in beauty and humility and, little children, love God above everything and He will lead you on the way of salvation. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! In this time of grace I am calling all of you to open yourselves and to live the commandments which God has given you, that they may lead you through the Sacraments on the way of conversion. 

Nothing can enter a closed space. If we close ourselves off to the grace that God offers us, no matter how much grace He wants to give, it will not be able to reach us. First, we must open ourselves to God so that His grace can enter our hearts and souls. Our Lady asks us to open ourselves during this time of grace. Let us open the doors of our hearts and souls to the grace that God wishes to give us.
      To live according to God's commandments, we must first have a sense of reverence and fear of God. Without this reverence, how can we live by His commandments? God gave us these commandments not to restrict our freedom but to make us more free and happy.
      Our Catholic Church accepts the Ten Commandments given through Moses as the main commandments that we Christians must follow as the new people of God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that the Ten Commandments are to be observed by Christians as guidelines for living as God’s people. These commandments were given to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt so that they could continue living in freedom, life, happiness, and blessing.
     In addition, Jesus stated that He did not come to abolish the commandments but to fulfill them. (cf. Mt 5:17). He summarized all the commandments into love of God and love of neighbor, saying that we must love God with all our heart, mind, and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves (cf. Mk 12:28-34). Furthermore, Jesus gave us a new commandment: "Love one another as I have loved you" (Jn 13:34).
      Loving God and loving our neighbor are not optional but are commandments that we must follow. Yet, because we have not been living by these commandments, Our Lady reminds us, "I am calling all of you to live the commandments that God has given you." To live these commandments faithfully, we must first reflect on how our lives have strayed from them. We need to examine our consciences and lives to see where we have failed to love God and our neighbor, and take time for conversion. Through the Sacrament of Confession, we can acknowledge our sins, receive forgiveness, and resolve to live by the commandments again.

The world and worldly temptations are testing you, but you, little children, look at God’s creatures which He has given to you in beauty and humility and, little children, love God above everything and He will lead you on the way of salvation. Thank you for having responded to my call.

In Genesis 1, after God created the world, including humans and all that is within it, He saw that it was good. All of God's creations are good because they were created by a good and loving God. The relationships between God and His creations, between God and humanity, and between humans and all other creatures were harmonious. However, this good relationship was shattered by original sin, triggered by disobedience to God's word and excessive human desire. The pride, unrestrained desires, and thoughtless actions of Adam and Eve, who succumbed to Satan’s temptation to "become like God," caused this fall.
      This story from Genesis continues to play out today. Satan still tries to convince humanity that we can be the masters of the world, and he manipulates human minds through various media to believe this. He tempts us to place worldly things above God and inflames immoral, excessive, and reckless desires. To protect ourselves from these temptations, we must first recognize that God is the creator and master of all creation, including ourselves. We must acknowledge that the created world is not an object for our domination or desires but a precious gift from God, and humbly thank Him for the goodness He has embedded in it.
      The relationship between the Creator and creation is clear: only God is the Creator, and everything else is His creation. Therefore, God alone deserves all glory, honor, and love above everything else. The Bible tells us repeatedly to love God above all, and only then will He show us the path of salvation. Our Lady, knowing this well, says to us, "Little children, love God above everything and He will lead you on the way of salvation. Thank you for having responded to my call."
   
 
 
January 25, 2018
"Dear children! May this time be for you a time of prayer, so that the Holy Spirit, through prayer, may descend upon you and give you conversion. Open your hearts and read the Sacred scripture, that through the testimonies you also may be closer to God. Above everything, little children, seek God and the things of God and leave earthly ones to the earth, because Satan is attracting you to the dust and sin. You are called to holiness and created for Heaven; therefore, seek Heaven and the things of Heaven. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! May this time be for you a time of prayer, so that the Holy Spirit, through prayer, may descend upon you and give you conversion.

It is now the year 2018, and as always, Our Lady begins the first message of the year with the words, "Dear children!" These words, though repeated in each message, carry a deep meaning. They remind us that Our Lady loves us constantly and unconditionally. Throughout the 36 years and 7 months of her apparitions in Medjugorje, except for a few rare cases, she has addressed us as "beloved children" in every message. Even when we distance ourselves from her, she has said, "I love you," showing her unwavering love for us. As we begin this new year of 2018, we must remember that we are still loved by Our Lady, that she is our mother, and that she is with us.
      All of Our Lady’s messages come from her maternal love for us. As children, our response should be to open our hearts to these messages, accept them deeply, and strive to live according to them. She tells us, "May this time be for you a time of prayer," emphasizing the urgency of prayer. Therefore, we cannot say, "I’ll pray tomorrow or later when I have time." We must commit to prayer now, regardless of our circumstances. When we put prayer first and act on it, we can begin to pray "here and now." This prayer is for ourselves. Our Lady knows that what we need most right now is prayer for our own well-being, which is why she says, "I hope that this time will become a time of prayer for you."
      Just before His Ascension, Jesus told His apostles, "And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high" (Luke 24:49). The apostles followed this command and remained in Jerusalem, but they did not wait idly. Together with Our Lady and other disciples, they gathered in the Upper Room, where the Last Supper took place, and devoted themselves to prayer. As recorded in Acts:
      "Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. The First Community in Jerusalem. When they entered the city they went to the upper room where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers” (Acts 1:12-14).
      They prayed constantly, and after several days of prayer, on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the 120 members of the early Church. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter and the other apostles began to boldly proclaim the death and resurrection of Jesus, leading 3,000 people to conversion through baptism. The Holy Spirit transformed the apostles and disciples into new people, unafraid to spread the Gospel of Jesus. They received the grace of true conversion.
      Our Lady, having experienced the descent of the Holy Spirit both in private prayer and within the early Church, knows that prayer invites the Holy Spirit, who brings conversion. That is why she tells us, "Through prayer, the Holy Spirit will come down upon you, and you will experience conversion."

Open your hearts and read the Sacred scripture, that through the testimonies you also may be closer to God. 

Our actions stem from our hearts, not just our minds. When we make decisions, we often say, "I will do what my heart desires." If we desire holiness, we seek and act in holy ways. If we desire worldly things, we pursue worldly actions. Our Lady urges us to open our hearts to holiness, to open our hearts to God. She invites us to read the scriptures, where we encounter God’s love, His works, and His desire for us to live faithfully. The Bible is full of stories of faith and betrayal, of how humanity has responded to God. By reading scripture, we learn more about God and how we should live.
      St. Jerome said, "Ignorance of scripture is ignorance of Christ." The best way to know the scriptures is to read them. While Bible study can help, nothing compares to reading scripture prayerfully. We mustn’t claim ignorance as a reason to avoid scripture. Our Lady encourages us, "Open your hearts and read the scriptures." When we pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and read the scriptures with an open heart, the Holy Spirit will help us understand and grow closer to God. Let’s make time daily to read scripture.

Above everything, little children, seek God and the things of God and leave earthly ones to the earth, because Satan is attracting you to the dust and sin.

According to Genesis, God formed man from the dust of the earth, but it was only after He breathed life into him that man became alive. Without God’s breath, we are mere dust. Satan wants to rob us of God’s breath, suffocating us spiritually and reducing us to dust. He tempts us to sin because sin blocks our access to God, preventing us from receiving true life and freedom. Without God, even if we possess everything in this world, our lives are empty. Satan knows this well, so he distracts us with earthly things and keeps us from seeking God. Jesus warns us, “No one can serve two masters.He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon" (Mt 6:24).
      While we need food, clothing, and shelter, these should not dominate our lives. They are tools, not our life’s purpose. Jesus tells us to seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness,* and all these things will be given you besides" (Mt 6:33). Trust in God to provide what we need.

You are called to holiness and created for Heaven; therefore, seek Heaven and the things of Heaven. Thank you for having responded to my call.

God created us in His image, so we are called to live holy lives. St. Paul reminds us that “God did not call us to impurity but to holiness” (1 The 4:7), and St. Peter urges us to "be holy in all your conduct" (1 Pt 1:15). Our Lady reaffirms this, reminding us that we are called to holiness.
      The letter to the Hebrews tells us, "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14). Holiness is the condition for seeing God, both in this life and in Heaven.
      Some argue that we should focus on living in harmony here on Earth rather than seeking Heaven. While it is essential to create peace on Earth, this world is not eternal; it will pass away. Our final destination is Heaven, where we will see God face to face. Our Lady tells us to seek Heaven and eternal life with God, and in doing so, we will also find peace and joy on Earth.
   
 
 
December 25, 2017
"Dear children! Today I am bringing to you my Son Jesus for Him to give you His peace and blessing. I am calling all of you, little children, to live and witness the graces and the gifts which you have received. Do not be afraid. Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you the strength to be joyful witnesses and people of peace and hope. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! Today I am bringing to you my Son Jesus for Him to give you His peace and blessing. 

In this month’s message, Mary, referring to Jesus as her Son, reminds us of her humble origins as a virgin from Nazareth, a small village of only 400 people at the time. When Philip told Nathanael about Jesus, the latter expressed doubt, saying, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" (Jn 1:46). Yet, God chose this insignificant town and a humble woman, Mary, to be the mother of His Son, Jesus.
      Mary was supposed to give birth in Nazareth, but God had other plans. Jesus, as the Messiah, had to be born in Bethlehem, the city of David, to fulfill the prophecy. Due to a Roman census, Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. This shows God’s providence in ensuring His Son was born in Bethlehem, the ancestral home of David.
Bethlehem, too, was a small town with only about 300 residents, compared to Jerusalem’s 40,000. Yet, it was in this small village that God chose to bring His Son into the world. The first people to witness the newborn Jesus, apart from Mary and Joseph, were shepherds in the nearby fields, as described in the Gospel of Luke:
      "Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest. and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Lk 2:8-14).
      The shepherds believed the message and went to Bethlehem to see the child. They were filled with joy and praised God for what they had witnessed.
This event from 2,000 years ago is not merely a story of the past. Just as Mary brought the Savior into the world in Bethlehem, she continues to bring Jesus to us today through places like Medjugorje. In the same way Bethlehem was a small, unnoticed village, so was Medjugorje, where the Virgin Mary has appeared since 1981. The population of Medjugorje in 1981 was very small, much like Bethlehem, but it has grown over the years.
      God chose Medjugorje to be a new Bethlehem, where through Mary’s apparitions, we are reminded that Jesus lives and that He alone can bring us true peace and blessing. Just as the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem to see Jesus, we too must respond to Mary’s call, listen to her message, and adore Jesus as our living God, King of Peace, and Savior.

I am calling all of you, little children, to live and witness the graces and the gifts which you have received. Do not be afraid. Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you the strength to be joyful witnesses and people of peace and hope. Thank you for having responded to my call.

God is merciful and love itself. The graces He gives us are expressions of His boundless mercy and love. These graces, freely given, must be received with gratitude and treasured.
The Holy Spirit bestows different gifts upon us for the common good. When we humbly use these gifts for God’s glory and the salvation of others, they are put to their proper use. St. Paul speaks of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the following way:
      "Now in regard to spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be unaware. You know how, when you were pagans, you were constantly attracted and led away to mute idols. Therefore, I tell you that nobody speaking by the spirit of God says, “Jesus be accursed.” And no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the holy Spirit. There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit” (1 Cor 12:1-7).
      God, in His great love, has given us many graces and gifts. These gifts are not meant to be kept to ourselves but should be used for the glory of God and the good of others. Let us reflect on the specific gifts we have received, give thanks for them, and make a plan for how we can better use them to serve God and others.
      As St. Paul says, "If we live by the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit" (Gal 5:25). We have nothing to fear because the Holy Spirit is with us. We are never alone. Having received the fullness of the Holy Spirit through baptism and confirmation, we live with the Spirit’s guidance and should always pray for His help. Whenever we feel fear or uncertainty, we must kneel and pray for the Holy Spirit to come and dispel our fears.
      "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law" (Gal 5:22-23). When we pray earnestly for the fruits of the Spirit, the Holy Spirit will not refuse. By relying on the strength and fruits the Holy Spirit provides, we can live out and bear witness to the graces and gifts we have received from God. We will become people who seek peace and never lose hope in any situation.
   
 
 
November 25, 2017
"Dear children! In this time of grace, I call you to prayer. Pray and seek peace, little children. He who came here on earth to give you His peace, regardless of who you are and what you are – He, my Son, your Brother – through me is calling you to conversion, because without God you do not have a future or eternal life. Therefore, believe and pray and live in grace and the expectation of your personal meeting with Him. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! In this time of grace, I call you to prayer. Pray and seek peace, little children.

Mary reminds us that this is a time of grace, an opportunity for us to turn to prayer and seek peace. Just as we acknowledge simple acts as grace, like the strength to survive or endure hardships, so too must we recognize the abundant grace we live in every day. Even amid daily struggles, the presence of family, health, work, and the ability to face life’s challenges is a sign of God’s grace. Gratitude for these graces should naturally lead us to prayer, as Mary calls us to turn the gifts we've received into a source of spiritual renewal.
      As the end of the year approaches, this is a good time to reflect on how we have used the grace given to us. Rather than being swept up in the festive and busy atmosphere of year-end gatherings, we should turn to quiet moments of gratitude and prayer, thanking God for all the blessings of the past year. In this way, we can find the peace that comes only from encountering the Prince of Peace, Jesus, in prayer.

He who came here on earth to give you His peace, regardless of who you are and what you are – He, my Son, your Brother – through me is calling you to conversion, because without God you do not have a future or eternal life. 

Psalm 139 reminds us that God knows everything about us: "Lord, you have probed me, you know me: you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. You sift through my travels and my rest; with all my ways you are familiar. Even before a word is on my tongue, Lord, you know it all” (Ps 139:1-4). God knows our innermost thoughts and actions, whether we live in faith or sin, whether we are selfless or selfish, or whether we long for heavenly things or are consumed by worldly desires. Jesus, as the Son of God, knows everything about us—our weaknesses, sins, and faults—but despite all of this, He came to bring us peace. He became our brother, sharing in our humanity, to extend His peace to us, purely out of His divine love and mercy.
      The proper response to this overwhelming mercy is to make Jesus the center of our lives. True conversion happens when we remove anything that stands between us and Jesus, allowing Him to take first place in our hearts. Conversion is about letting go of everything that distracts us from Jesus and making Him our priority.
      A converted heart is one reconciled with God, where God takes control, leading the way. When we have faith in God and trust in His guidance, we can confidently say, like the psalmist, "The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing... Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me" (Ps 23:1, 4).
      A life led by God has a future, and that future is eternal, stretching beyond this world into heaven. This is the promise for those who respond to Jesus' call to conversion.

Therefore, believe and pray and live in grace and the expectation of your personal meeting with Him. Thank you for having responded to my call.

Conversion begins with faith and is deepened through prayer. Prayer is our personal encounter with Jesus. Just as we build relationships with others through frequent conversations, so must we spend time with Jesus in prayer to grow closer to Him. Without regular, personal encounters with Jesus, our relationship with Him cannot grow, and neither can our faith.
      Mary encourages us to live with the expectation of meeting Jesus personally, and to live in the grace that such encounters will bring. By doing so, we can deepen our connection with Him and receive the peace and joy that flow from His presence in our lives.
   
 
 
October 25, 2017
"Dear children! I am calling you to be prayer in this time of grace. You all have problems, afflictions, sufferings and lack of peace. May saints be models to you and an encouragement for holiness; God will be near you and you will be renewed in seeking through your personal conversion. Faith will be hope to you and joy will begin to reign in your hearts. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! I am calling you to be prayer in this time of grace. You all have problems, afflictions, sufferings and lack of peace. May saints be models to you and an encouragement for holiness.

The Virgin Mary is not merely calling us to pray, but to become prayer itself. Why is this so important? It is because prayer is an urgent necessity for us. Mary acknowledges that we all have problems, suffering, and pain, and that we lack peace. In the midst of these challenges, what do we need the most? Prayer. Only through prayer can we find the strength and answers to our problems, suffering, and pain, and only through prayer can we receive true peace.
      The saints lived earthly lives just like us, filled with struggles. They too faced problems, suffering, and moments of peacelessness. But in those times, they sought refuge in the Eucharist, knelt before the cross, and held the rosary, calling upon Jesus and earnestly asking for Mary's intercession. Their deep, faith-filled prayers were always answered. Jesus, who became human like us and experienced all things except sin, understands our struggles, as does Mary, who also lived a human life on earth.
      When Mary mentions our problems, suffering, and pain, she does so as a loving mother who shares in our trials, not as a detached observer. A mother experiences her child's suffering as her own, and Mary is no different. She deeply feels our lack of peace and offers us two remedies: prayer and following the example of the saints.

God will be near you and you will be renewed in seeking through your personal conversion. Faith will be hope to you and joy will begin to reign in your hearts. Thank you for having responded to my call.

The saints were people who believed deeply in God’s constant presence in their lives and experienced it daily. They strove to live holy lives, imitating God and seeking unity with Him. They continually sought renewal through daily repentance and efforts to transform their lives.
      Though we may carry problems, suffering, and pain, we can hold onto hope because we believe that God is near us and will not abandon us. This belief—that God is with us and helps us with His love—fills us with hope. Even in the face of overwhelming challenges, the hope of God's help allows us to remain joyful. St. Paul reminds us of this when he says, “What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? As it is written: “For your sake we are being slain all the day; we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.” (Rom 8:35-37). He also encourages us: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!" (Phil 4:4).
   
 
 
September 25, 2017
"Dear children! I am calling you to be generous in renunciation, fasting and prayer for all those who are in temptation, and are your brothers and sisters. In a special way I am imploring you to pray for priests and for all the consecrated, that they may love Jesus still more fervently; that the Holy Spirit may fill their hearts with joy; that they may witness Heaven and Heavenly mysteries. Many souls are in sin, because there are not those who sacrifice themselves and pray for their conversion. I am with you and am praying that your hearts may be filled with joy. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! I am calling you to be generous in renunciation, fasting and prayer for all those who are in temptation, and are your brothers and sisters. 

In her August message, the Virgin Mary mentioned that Satan is strong. Satan, with little time left, is relentlessly trying to drag as many people as possible into the abyss of sin. Although this month’s message does not directly mention Satan, the phrase "those facing temptation" implies that Mary is referring to Satan’s influence.
      Satan has been a tempter since the creation of the world. He tempted Eve, the first mother of humanity, leading her and Adam into original sin, causing them to lose eternal life. Satan also attempted to tempt Jesus, the Son of God, in the wilderness for forty days, but Jesus resisted his temptations. Now, in these final times, Satan is using every possible evil, such as addiction to drugs, immorality, gambling, and greed for wealth and power, to lure humanity—including Christians—into sin.
      We may not be fully aware of how many people are struggling with Satan's temptations or falling into sin. However, Mary knows everything and reminds us that those who are tempted are our brothers and sisters. She urges us to help them by fasting, praying, and sacrificing for their sake, knowing that our efforts will give them the strength to overcome temptation. To respond to this message, we must first think of those around us who are struggling with temptation and pray, fast, and sacrifice for them, as well as for countless others who are unknown to us but are also under Satan's influence.
       Our spiritual solidarity with those facing temptation will weaken Satan's grip and ultimately protect us from his temptations as well. We must also remember that none of us are free from Satan's temptations. Just as we pray for others, we must also rely on their prayers and sacrifices to protect us from falling into sin. Together, we can draw strength from knowing that others are praying and sacrificing for us as we do for them.

In a special way I am imploring you to pray for priests and for all the consecrated, that they may love Jesus still more fervently; that the Holy Spirit may fill their hearts with joy; that they may witness Heaven and Heavenly mysteries. 

The Second Vatican Council, in its document Presbyterorum Ordinis, speaks about the priesthood, saying, “Through this ministry, the Church is constantly being built up on earth as the People of God, the Body of Christ, and the Temple of the Holy Spirit.” Priests are an extraordinary gift from Jesus to the Church. They bring the living Jesus into the world every day through the Eucharist and administer the sacraments, such as confession, allowing the streams of mercy and grace to flow from Heaven to Earth. They also preach the Word of God, making the Gospel resound and helping people live in its blessings. Without priests, the Church cannot exist, and they play a central role in its life and growth.
       Religious brothers and sisters are also treasures of the Church. The Second Vatican Council, in Perfectae Caritatis, says, “From the very beginning of the Church, men and women have set out to follow Christ more freely and more closely by practicing the evangelical counsels... Many among them, prompted by the Holy Spirit, have also set up religious families... Such diversity marvelously contributes to the building up of the Church.” Religious life is a precious calling that strengthens the Church through prayer, sacrifice, and the living out of the Gospel in daily life.
      Mary specifically asks us to pray for priests and religious to love Jesus with greater passion. Their primary need, as Mary highlights, is love for Jesus—passionate, burning love. Without this, they cannot fully live out their vocations. Just as Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” before entrusting him with the care of His flock, so too must priests and religious love Jesus wholeheartedly to carry out His mission. Let us pray that they may deepen their love for Him.
       Priests and religious cannot find fulfillment in worldly pleasures. Only heavenly joy can bring them true happiness, which is why Mary asks us to pray that the Holy Spirit will fill them with joy. If we see a priest or religious struggling, we should pray to God the Father and ask the Holy Spirit to fill them with divine joy.
       Furthermore, priests and religious are called to bear witness to the mysteries of Heaven, surpassing worldly wisdom and knowledge. We must support them in prayer so that they can fulfill their mission, as their spiritual growth benefits the entire Church. Helping them grow spiritually ultimately helps us grow as well.

Many souls are in sin, because there are not those who sacrifice themselves and pray for their conversion. I am with you and am praying that your hearts may be filled with joy. Thank you for having responded to my call.

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah teaches us the importance of righteous intercession. Because of their sinfulness, especially sexual immorality and homosexuality, Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by fire and brimstone. Before this happened, God revealed His plan to Abraham, and Abraham interceded on behalf of the cities, asking God to spare them if there were fifty righteous people. The number gradually decreased to ten, but there were not even ten righteous people, and the cities were destroyed. However, Abraham’s intercession saved his nephew Lot and his family.
       This biblical lesson is still relevant today. Like Sodom and Gomorrah, the world today is full of sin and shows little sign of repentance. There are not enough righteous people praying for the conversion of sinners.
       This year marks the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima, where she appeared to the three children, Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco. Her main message was that the world was full of sin, and God’s anger was overflowing. She urged people to pray and make sacrifices for the conversion of sinners.
      Now, 100 years later, Mary is giving the same message at Medjugorje: "Many souls remain in sin because there are no people willing to sacrifice and pray for their conversion." We are called to be the Abraham of our time, offering prayers and sacrifices for the conversion of sinners. We cannot respond like Cain, who said, "Am I my brother’s keeper?" (Gn 4:9). God is our Father, and we are all brothers and sisters, regardless of race, religion, gender, or nationality. If someone is in sin and heading toward destruction, we share in the responsibility for them.
       Mary prays for our hearts to be filled with joy, and in return, we should pray with her for the conversion of all souls and that the Holy Spirit fills every heart with divine joy. Let us join her in this mission.
   
 
 
August 25, 2017
"Dear children! Today I am calling you to be people of prayer. Pray until prayer becomes a joy for you and a meeting with the Most High. He will transform your hearts and you will become people of love and peace. Do not forget, little children, that Satan is strong and wants to draw you away from prayer. You, do not forget that prayer is the secret key of meeting with God. That is why I am with you to lead you. Do not give up on prayer. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! Today I am calling you to be people of prayer. Pray until prayer becomes a joy for you and a meeting with the Most High. He will transform your hearts and you will become people of love and peace. 

Just as parents have dreams for their children, our Heavenly Mother, Mary, has dreams for us, her children. She does not wish for us to chase after worldly things such as status, wealth, or fame. Instead, she desires that we become people of prayer. Why does she call us to be people of prayer? Because prayer is what we need the most and what benefits us the most. Mary, knowing the immense good that comes from being a person of prayer, calls us to this for our own sake.
      To become a person of prayer, we do not need any special human qualifications. It is not reserved only for priests or religious. Anyone can become a person of prayer as long as they have the desire and commit themselves to pray daily with all their heart.
     If we respond to Mary’s call and become people of prayer, we will experience joy that the world cannot give. Prayer leads us closer to God, the true source of joy. This joy is unlike anything that people or material things can provide, and it will inspire us to deepen our prayer life.
      Prayer also brings us into an intimate encounter with God. When we become people of prayer, the distance between us and the Most High disappears. We realize that God is not distant or unreachable but present with us here and now. We come to know that He dwells with us and within us.
      Through prayer, our hearts meet God’s heart, and as a result, our hearts are transformed to become more like His. It is like metal placed in a furnace—it melts, losing its previous form, and becomes something new. Similarly, when we become people of prayer, God transforms our hearts, as He promised through the prophet Ezekiel: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh" (Ezekiel 36:26).
      Prayer drives out all negativity, such as hatred and anxiety, from our hearts, and instead fills us with love, peace, and all positive things. This is because when we pray, we invite the God of love and peace into our hearts.
      If the effects of prayer are so great, why hesitate to pray? From this moment, let us resolve to follow Mary’s call and become people of prayer, starting right now.

Do not forget, little children, that Satan is strong and wants to draw you away from prayer. You, do not forget that prayer is the secret key of meeting with God. That is why I am with you to lead you. Do not give up on prayer. Thank you for having responded to my call.

Even when we make a firm resolution, we often fall into sin and drift away from prayer, not only because of our weak will but also due to Satan's influence. Satan is cunning and works subtly to tempt us and draw us away from prayer without us realizing it. He knows all too well that when we pray, we grow closer to God and align ourselves with Him, so Satan does everything he can to prevent us from praying. He distracts us with television, movies, the internet, magazines, or games, causing us to waste time on worldly pleasures. He makes us delay prayer, using excuses like busyness or fatigue, which ultimately weakens our desire to pray. Over time, we lose interest in prayer and become too worldly, no longer even yearning to pray.
      We must examine how much we are praying and how much we desire to pray. We need to be aware of how deeply Satan has infiltrated our lives, keeping us from prayer, and work to change the habits that distance us from it.
      Not every key can open every door. Each door has its own unique key, and only the right key can unlock it. Mary tells us that prayer is the "secret key" to encountering God. Prayer is the only key that opens the door to meeting God. Given how essential prayer is, how can we give up on it? To give up on prayer is to give up on encountering God, and to give up on encountering God is to give up on eternal life.
      Mary’s words, “That is why I am with you to lead you. Do not give up on prayer. Thank you for having responded to my call," should remain in our hearts as we strive to pray more fervently and never abandon our commitment to prayer.
   
 
 
July 25, 2017
"Dear children! Be prayer and a reflection of God's love for all those who are far from God and God's commandments. Little children, be faithful and determined in conversion and work on yourselves so that, for you, holiness of life may be truth; and encourage each other in the good through prayer, so that your life on earth may be more pleasant. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Dear children! Be prayer and a reflection of God's love for all those who are far from God and God's commandments. 

Prayer is a conversation with God, a language of our relationship with Him. Through prayer, we draw closer to God, come to love Him, and ultimately become one with Him. It is through prayer that we become people of God. That’s why Mary asks us not only to be people who pray but to become prayer itself. To reach this state, the amount and quality of our prayers must be overwhelming. This cannot be achieved by simply offering occasional prayers. We must not be content with the current amount or quality of our prayers, but strive to increase both.
      Through baptism, we have been forgiven of all our sins and become children of God, disciples of Christ, and members of the Catholic Church. This is a great blessing and honor. However,  God did not call us as His children solely for our own salvation. He desires that all people come to know Him as Father and be saved, and He wishes to use us as instruments for this purpose.
Understanding this, Mary tells us, "Be prayer and a reflection of God's love for all those who are far from God and God's commandments." But how can we reflect God's love if we do not carry it within us? To be a reflection of God's love, we must first experience His love and hold it within ourselves. Prayer is essential for this. While prayer is an act of devotion that expresses our love for God, it is also an act of surrender, allowing God to love us fully. Through prayer, we and God come to love each other, ensuring that His love remains in us, enabling us to reflect it to others.

Little children, be faithful and determined in conversion and work on yourselves so that, for you, holiness of life may be truth; and encourage each other in the good through prayer, so that your life on earth may be more pleasant. Thank you for having responded to my call.

Repentance is not something that happens only once in our lifetime. If we had a first moment of repentance, it was merely the beginning of many more to come throughout our lives. Repentance is a continuous process, requiring our unwavering faithfulness and firm will.
      As the scripture says, "I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy" (Leviticus 11:44), the ultimate goal of Christian life is holiness—becoming saints. To achieve this, we must faithfully and resolutely repent, become prayer itself, and follow God and His commandments. There is no other way. This is the only truth that leads to a life of holiness.
      In previous messages, Mary has reminded us that this earthly life is passing away, and that she has come to lead us to Heaven. Yet, despite this, she wants us to live more joyfully and peacefully while we are here on earth, and to live this way together with others. Mary desires that we live not only in human relationships but also in communion with one another in God. Therefore, she says, "Encourage one another by doing good through prayer, so that your life on earth may be more joyful." Doing good through prayer and encouraging one another means recognizing that God is at the center of all our relationships and trusting in His power and providence. It is also something that can only be done by those who harbor respect and love for others in their hearts.
   
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