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Why are we missing the obvious Signs of this crucial era leading to the Third Millennium?

     We return with original installments for the fall after a two-month summer retro run of early installments. Today we begin a series on SIGNS OF GOD'S MERCY AND JUSTICE in which we point out the obvious signs God has placed in our path to keep us on the straight and narrow. Sadly too many have overlooked the most obvious ones and in doing so, have detoured off the main path onto their own rough road cluttered with devastating potholes and obstacles. For the Seventy-Sixth installment of this on-going megaseries, click on WHERE IS HOLY MOTHER CHURCH HEADING AS WE NEAR THE MILLENNIUM?.

INTRODUCTION
      The Feature Article, begun in the inaugural issue two years ago, deals with the state of the Church. We continue probing the question that has perplexed the Magisterium and the laity for the past 30 years as the liberal element has left its mark, effecting changes that have seemingly watered down the "Roman Catholic" traditions. Yet, God in His Infinite Wisdom, has allowed this to happen for a specific purpose. He has been preparing us in a special way by sending His very Own Blessed Mother to guide us and remind us of our roots. Through perseverance, prayer and loyalty to Holy Mother Church headed by the Holy Father John Paul II and adhered to by the faithful who will not compromise, the pendulum is beginning to swing back toward the conservative side. In the seventy-sixth installment of this on-going feature series, we resume original content after a few months during the summer in which we brought you retro installments of the early chapters. Now with the fall we bring you new chapters as we continue to sound the clarion as a wake-up call to all Catholics, especially bringing to the attention of all Catholics the evident signs God has placed on our path to salvation. They are so obvious but too often we either have tunnel vision with blinders on and can't see the signs on the road, or our eyes and minds are wandering from what we truly need to see. If we don't pay attention, we shall pay dearly as the third millennium dawns. We continue to alert the reader to what is happening and sound the call to arms, to enlist in Mary's army and take up the battle cry. God said it, we believe it, that settles it! Too many Catholics are going their own way with little regard to what their spiritual shepherd - the Vicar of Christ says. Sin is whitewashed. If we're not careful there will be a tremendous backwash and who among us wants to get caught in the vortex of that swirling whirlpool of Justice? With this chapter we conclude our multi-installments on loyalty - Loyalty to the Holy Father and the Magisterium and therefore loyalty to Jesus. This series is a set blueprint for Catholics everywhere to take up the banner of truth in defending Christ's One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church as we prepare for this glorious event.

      We live and move and have our being in a world of soundbites and bytes, visual flashes and signs of every kind - both virtual and virtueless. They bombard our senses day-in and day-out into a senseless order of disorder. And in this cacophony of clutter it eventually takes its toll, our minds become saturated with information and numbers that overwhelm us into a passive Pavlov-syndrome submission. And with our mental faculties bordering on meltdown, it becomes too easy to miss the signs that come from Heaven, so overshadowed by the signs of this world. That, in turn, makes all of us more vulnerable to misread the celestial signs and even more liable to ignore them.

      In this special series on Signs, we focus our attention on the signs God has given and continues to give to the world. These signs, graphically depicted as road signs, are as real as those that mark our highways and byways, that navigate us through the duties of our daily activities and responsibilities. These signs are so much a part of our travels that we take them from granted, though we are so very conscious of them. We depend upon them to get us to our destination and to get us there alive if we but obey the laws, which govern these signs. But we have to have trust that the "other guy" will adhere to the same rules, the same courtesy, the same precautions that we take. It takes cooperation.

      It takes trust and cooperation to observe the signs that are governed by the Greatest Lawgiver of all - Almighty God. His signs are as real, intensely more authentic than anything man could ever manufacture. Unfortunately, we are so bogged down with the mental muddle of trying to swim upstream in a stress-filled cesspool of high tech megamishmash that we overlook God's signs, focusing all our attention on the moment…on getting from point A to B.

      There's a time to STOP and then there's a time to put the pedal to the metal, so to speak. In the spiritual life, it's the same. We must never STOP in our journey toward God. We have to keep moving lest we YIELD to temptation, to the worldly pressures that assault each and every one of us. We must, through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Sacraments, and obedience to all Holy Mother Church teaches, ENTER upon the straight and narrow road of Salvation, and make sure, through God's grace, that we don't take the wrong EXIT at the first allure of worldly pleasure. Neither can we MERGE in an attempt to get into a smoother flow. Like the tollway of life, we must pay the toll and then we must stay the course, no matter how bumpy the road might get or how long it stretches. There are other times when the road to Heaven resembles anything but a super highway, more like a backroad full of potholes, unexpected curves, numerous detours and the like. As we plod along this path we notice with peripheral vision the many who slip through God's DO NOT ENTER sign and cut onto the turnpike without paying, zipping along at excess speed seeking maximum pleasure with little regard for others. Just as we're about to follow suit, we catch a glimpse of the CAUTION sign. This indicates the possibility of danger lies ahead.

      There are so many DANGER signs today. Apathy is perhaps one of the greatest ones. Confusion comes in a close second. Perhaps the two go hand in hand. If we are confused at God's Will, then it's easy to become apathetic about doing anything for Him with Him, and through Him.

      Take for example, the last two presidential elections. In both Clinton campaigns it was a matter of the lesser of two evils. Unfortunately with the electoral system, our country has, we voted for the greater of two evils both times and we're paying dearly for it today. Apathy and confusion contributed to this possibility. Take a serious look at what God is saying and showing through His signs, and then see what "man" is truly proposing and you'll see the chasm between the Infinite and finite. Looking back we can't say we didn't warn you. We cautioned all that WHO they voted for would be dangerous to their spiritual health as well as the welfare of all mankind!

      Nevermind the economy. Remember, you can't take it with you. Character, values and virtue do count. Following God's laws and treating our fellow man in the spirit of love as Jesus asks does count. Our Lord said it best in Matthew 7: 18-20 "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore, by their fruits you will know them." The signs of the bad fruit are evident in this administration and the fruit is rotten to the core. It is in danger of being cut down soon and thrown into the fire. Yes, Justice will out. Clinton and his administration have brought forth no good fruit because they can't. And like bad fruit it has spread to others, spoiling many and has soured a nation thanks to the feeding frenzy of the media and the insatiable insipid and sordid appetite of the public.

      The signs were there from the beginning but the majority of Americans refused to recognize them or doubted, placing their faith in a finite being rather than an Infinite Being. They considered all the pleas of "character counts" as just so much rhetoric and turned their backs on values and virtues. Following the trend throughout history and Sacred Scripture, they turned their backs on God and sought their own agenda. In a word, they got what they deserved for they neglected the warning signs and ended up with a NO OUTLET sign. Now in that cul de sac of frustration, their only hope is to reverse themselves and back out, hoping to find the main road back to God. It's available, but they must follow the signs that are clearly posted.

In the next installment we will study how satan uses the abortion debate as his tool as we continue our treatment of Signs.

"The evil one has seduced the eyes and ears of the world until the conscience of the multitudes sees nothing that would expose the true nature of the evil one's power."

      That is the essence of the Blessed Mother Mary's words in her 189th and 190th messages to the Hidden Flower of the Immaculate Heart, which we bring you today. Our Lady urges her children to open their hearts to her Divine Son Jesus for only in Him will they be able to decipher between the Light of Christ and the darkness of the devil in a world of glitz and deception. Click on "I SOLEMNLY TELL YOU..."

Messages One Hundred Eighty-Nine and Ninety

      My beloved Hidden Flower, I bless you and seek to draw you ever deeper into my Immaculate Heart.

      I say now to all of my children. Pray! Make of your whole life one continual prayer through your willing commitment to my Son. I desire for all my children to love my Divine Son. I am among you by God's authority and He does not desire nor seek your ruin. Yet the world has chosen satan as its ruler. His kingdom of darkness, hatred, lies, envy, malice and immorality have spread across the universe; it is an empire destined to fall before the Justice of Almighty God. Thus, I come to prepare all for my Son's return in all of His glory, power and majesty. He will come soon. Sooner than many believe possible, for the evil cries out to Heaven for vengeance.

      Be on your guard in these days of confusion and chaos, for the evil one has seduced the eyes and ears of the world until the conscience of the multitudes sees nothing that would expose the true nature of the evil one's power. Yet I solemnly tell you, even the clever facade of the false peace shall be ripped away. The truth of satan's reign shall be made known. Many shall die because they have willingly been pawns of the beast; many more shall perish because their faith has grown cold, very weak.

      Heed my motherly call to live my Divine Son's doctrine. Pray! Make constant sacrifice. Learn to immerse yourself in the Sacred Passion of my Son, and realize how sweet becomes the cross of salvation. Little children, I have come as a Refuge for all who belong to my Divine Son, and I will not tire until all of my faithful little ones have been gathered beneath my Mantle.

      Pray! Pray! Pray that all may persevere. I love you and bless you. I give you God's peace. Thank you for responding to my Call!

      Beloved Hidden Flower, say now to all my children: Great now shall be the persecutions suffered by my little ones who, protected by my Immaculate Mantle and enlightened by the Holy Spirit, speak the Truth and bear witness to it by living and spreading my Messages.

      I solemnly tell you that the lies of the apostasy grow rapidly, a fire fed by vain, proud, arrogant hearts seeking glory in the earthly life. Woe, triple woe, to the shepherds who, by spreading such heresy and blasphemies, lead my little ones away from my Divine Son.

      My children, reflect upon the Sacred Passion of my Son. Venerate His Most Sacred Wounds. Walk the Way of the Cross. Come before Him in the Tabernacle and beg of Him that special grace to understand in the depths of your soul the great mysteries of His Passion, Death and Resurrection.

      Beg of Him to allow my Immaculate Heart to triumph. For by God's own authority am I among all my children to prepare the way for my Son's coming, in all His power and glory.

      Lucifer is unchained. Lucifer and all the power of hell work now to seduce the whole of mankind. The evil one seeks the ruin of my Son's Church, and great shall be the Divine Vengeance for all those of perverted spirit who have allowed satan entry into the very heart of the Church. All Heaven weeps for these abominations. The church has grown cold, but its fire shall remain alive in my little army gathered beneath my Immaculate Mantle.

      To all my little ones I say Be not afraid. Go forth armed with my Son's Holy Cross. Carry proudly His Sign, pray your rosaries, and have His peace as your bulwark against the hurricane winds of chaos and discontent which now sweep the world.

      Again I say: Look to the Heavens for God's signs shall be there. Look upon your world with sorrowing hearts, for there evil reigns.

      The approaching Triumph is heralded! Remain steadfast! Rejoice and be glad, and remain beneath my Mantle where I lead all to my Son's Sacred Heart.

      I love and bless you! Thank you for responding to my Call!

      Today is both the Twenty-Fourth Thursday in Ordinary Time along with the feast of Saint Robert Bellarmine Tomorrow we commemorate the Twenty-Fourth Friday in Ordinary Time. For the liturgy, readings and meditations and story of St. Robert Bellarmine, click on LITURGY FOR THE DAY.

Thursday September 17: 24th Thursday in Ordinary Time and
Feast of Saint Robert Bellarmine, Bishop, Religious and Doctor of the Church

Green or white vestments

First Reading: 1 Corinthians 15: 1-11
Psalms: Psalm 118: 1-2, 16-17, 28
Gospel Reading: Luke 7: 36-50

      Born into a noble family in 1542 in the village of Montepulciano, Italy shortly after the Protestant Revolt through Europe, Saint Robert Bellarmine joined the Jesuit seminary at the age of 18, studing at the Roman College in Padua and at Louvain until being ordained in 1570 with his first assignment being professor at Louvain until 1577. Because of poor health, which became his cross througout his life, he transfered to the Pontifical Gregorian University where he taught theology for another eleven years. During this time he not only wrote four volumes of his work Controversies which came under heavy attack from Protestant sympathizers who had infiltrated the Vatican. Because of this assault on his writings they were almost placed on the Index of Forbidden Books but Pope Sixtus V intervened because of his loyalty to Robert and Robert's close association and invaluable assistance to the Vatican. In 1588 Robert was chosen spiritual director for the University which was then called the Roman College. One of his charges who he guided was a young seminarian named Saint Aloysius Gonzaga who died during his deaconate in 1591 shortly before being ordained. Three years later Robert became head of the University and subsequently provincial for the Jesuits' in Naples. In 1599 Pope Clement VIII elevated him to Cardinal, much to his objections for Robert did not feel worthy, but Clement knew he would make a great cardinal and enlisted him to help solve the dispute between the Jesuits and Dominicans regarding predestination. Three years later Clement appointed Cardinal Bellarmine Archbishop of Capua. Three years later Pope Paul V recalled him to Rome where was appointed the official theologian for the Holy See and became a constant companion to the pontiff, being positioned as a member of almost every Congregation of the Holy Office. Ironically it was Robert who called on to silence Galileo in 1616. In 1621 at age 79 Robert retired to St. Andrew's Novitiate, the Jesuit house near the Quirinale where he was visited and blessed by Pope Gregory XV just before Robert breathed his last breath reciting the Creed on September 17, 1621. In 1930 he was canonized by Pope Pius XI and declared a Doctor of the Church a year later. Throughout his life he was a staunch defender of the truths in refuting Protestant heresy and reconverting thousands who had fallen prey to the Protestant Reformation.

Friday September 18:
Twenty-Fourth Friday in Ordinary Time

Green vestments

First Reading: 1 Corinthians 15: 12-20
Psalms: Psalm 17: 1, 6-8, 15
Gospel Reading: Luke 8: 1-3

     Today's prayer is the Opening Prayer for the Mass in honor of Saint Robert Bellarmine:

God our Father, You gave Robert Bellarmine wisdom and goodness to defend the faith of Your Church. By his prayers may we always rejoice in the profession of our faith.

   Dear children! Today I invite you to come still closer to me through prayer. Little children, I am your mother, I love you and I desire that each of you be saved and thus be with me in Heaven. That is why, little children, pray, pray, pray until your life becomes prayer. Thank you for having responded to my call.

For more on Medjugorje, click on MEDJUGORJE AND MORE

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September 17, 1998 volume 9, no. 182   DAILY CATHOLIC