In 2007 a friend and I traveled to Medjugorje at the prompting of Mother Mary. This holy site gained prominence during the Bosnian War, an international genocidal conflict that raged between 1992 and 1995. Mother Mary's visitations began there in 1981 and continue to this day. While unspeakable war raged around Medjugorje, this little village survived intact, was never penetrated by war. It was a place of refuge foundationed in the power of prayer.
At the beginning of our visit we were graced to hear the reflections of Father Svet, a gentle Franciscan priest. Father Svet talked about the concept of crucifixion. Specifically, he posited that today, 2000 years after the crucifixion of Christ, crucifixion is even more pervasive than at any other time in history. He said that the crucifiers become the crucified and vice versa in an unending cycle of unspeakable violence.
I had previously not given thought to this idea beyond contemplating the murder of Jesus. Father Svet's words had a profound impact on me. I agreed with him. Everywhere in the world violence of man against man has escalated in the most horrific way. The times in which we live are apocalyptic. We are living Revelations. The process is step by step, methodical, excruciating.
The wise gentle priest ended his homily with this question: "Can't we just love one another?"
Yes, we can. This requires a 180 degree turn in our thoughts, words and deeds. Some folks say that a world without war will never happen. They have given up. In the heart of hearts of each one of us resides the spark of God. We are embodied around this precious spark. It is up to each one of us to tend to it so that its keeps shining brightly. We can do so much when we focus on the supreme love within our heart. Growing the love within expands to touch the world around us. Kindness and compassion to self and others spreads a healthy wildfire of love which is not catastrophic.
We always have a choice as to where we plant our feet. Where do you stand? What are you willing to commit to? How will you be a beacon of God's holy light? Will you embrace the love that you are and then, share it?
Here is Mother Mary's March 25, 2024 message from Medjugorje:
"Dear children! In this time of grace, pray with me for the good to win in you and around you. In a special way, little children, pray united with Jesus on His Way of the Cross. Into your prayers put this humanity, which wanders without God and without His love. Be prayer, be light, and be witnesses to all those whom you meet, little children, so that the merciful God may have mercy toward you. Thank you for having responded to my call."
Medjugorje Web, medjugorje.org
Much love and the highest regard to each and every one of you on this Good Friday.
You are so loved. We are are each so very loved.
Barb Woolley
(c) Barbara J. Woolley, Spiritual Messenger, Good Friday, March 29, 2024. Please share with others but do so in this message's entirety. Thank you.