Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

(St. Frances Xavier Cabrini)

Jesus said: “My people, it is a struggle in your modern times to even get the people to attend Sunday Mass. Part of this attendance problem comes from lax religious leadership in the homes. When you have high levels of divorce and people living together unmarried, this presents a difficult environment for religious upbringing to the children who suffer. This is part of the reason that you are seeing mostly older people at Mass because the children are not as inspired to come. The dark silhouettes of people also means that the people, who do come, are coming more out of duty, and they need more spiritual enthusiasm. My Light of faith needs to set people on fire with a strong desire to share their faith, and help their parish churches to be vibrant and healthy both financially and with good deeds. It is even more difficult to get people to teach religion to the children and other outreach programs in the parish. Prayer groups and Adoration of My Blessed Sacrament are other areas for each parish to have a strong spiritual life and protection from the evil one. Unless a parish has people taking different responsibilities, it will be hard for that church to survive. The people of each church have to be led by the pastor, but they need to come forward to make parish life come alive.” Jesus said: “My people, there are still people who persecute My Church in its members. When St. Paul was struck by lightning on his horse, I said to him: ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?’ I could ask that same question of many communists and atheists. Without enough grace to have faith and belief in Me, it is hard for some to find their way to heaven. You will be seeing increasing discrimination, persecution, and even killing of My faithful because of your persistent faith in Me. Never give up your faith, even if people threaten you in any way. Only those, who obey My laws and do My Will, will see eternal life in heaven. Call on My protection and that of My angels when you are attacked either physically or spiritually. Carry your blessed sacramentals as holy water, blessed salt, Benedictine crosses, rosaries, and scapulars for protection against the evil ones.”