Author: Remnant Disciple

Traditional Catholic; member of Jesus' Remnant Army; leader of a Jesus to Mankind Prayer group since 2010. Prayer group leader for about 25 years.

Reading for Today from the Book of Truth: “ So many good and holy priests who have joined together to pull these Messages apart“

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This message was the third one  opened at JtM CPG meeting on Thursday 21st  April, 2016, after a Prayer to the Holy Spirit.

So many good and holy priests who have joined together to pull these Messages apart

9 April 2013

My dearly beloved daughter, there are so many good and holy priests who have joined together to pull these messages apart, but they do not have the qualifications or the knowledge to do so.

Their path is to serve God. They must not allow themselves to be contaminated like this, because this poses danger for those souls who recognise my voice in these messages.

While parading new age practices of the spirit, many priests believe that their knowledge of spirituality means that they have the talent to recognise a true prophet of God.

So far removed are they from me, that they cannot discern my holy word. I have not given them such graces, because pride stands in their way.

To those of you, sacred servants of mine, who plot, scheme and use the badge of your holy office in the service of God, as a means to turn your parishioners away from my word, know that you will be punished.

You do not truly know me. You are not loyal to me. You are ignorant of spiritual knowledge and you do not have the authority to publicly humiliate, pour scorn upon others or belittle anyone in My Name. Each one of you will have to answer to me.

I will punish you, not for your disbelief, but for the sin of pride, which makes you believe that you know more about spiritual matters than I, Jesus Christ, your master. How you wound me. How you disappoint me, because your betrayal has hurt my mission, the last of its kind.

For every sinner you pull away from me, you will have to take on responsibility for their souls. And then, with a heaviness of heart, you will have to answer these questions, when the truth is made known to you.

Why did you reject my cup when you were given the truth, with love and trust, and when you knew in your heart that this was from me? Why did you then try to destroy my messages?

Have you any idea as to the seriousness of the holy vows you took in My Name? You must now go on retreat and read my Crusade Prayers. If you do this, then I will give you my blessing and the power of discernment.

But only those with humble hearts can come to me. Go back. Then come to me naked. Leave all your jaundiced views, your biased opinion and your assessment of these messages, based on hearsay, gossip and innuendo, behind you.

When that day comes, I will baptise you anew and you will become pure again. Your souls will become like little ones and with a craving hunger for my presence. I await your response. I am all loving. I am all merciful. Come to me. I am all you need.

Your Jesus

Reading for Today from the Book of Truth: “ My Seal of Protection is foretold, as the Second Seal is broken “

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This message was the second one  opened at JtM CPG meeting on Thursday 21st  April, 2016, after a Prayer to the Holy Spirit.

God the Father: My Seal of Protection is foretold, as the Second Seal is broken

8 March 2012

My dearest daughter, the world has awaited this moment for two thousand years. Some with fear in their hearts, others with anticipation and wonder, as to when this moment would come, and now it has. This is the time I send my end time prophet, you, Maria, to finally present the Book of Truth, which reveals the contents of the Book of Revelation.

I am the God for whom all of My children are crying out, in these terrible times. It is I to whom they, my distressed children, must call out for now. I gather my family together, at this time, so that we can unite in the final battle to slay the dragon, who has tormented the Earth for so long. Children do not be afraid.

No harm will come to those who wear my seal, the seal of the living God. Satan and his fallen angels, who infest the world at this time, do not have the authority over those who have the mark of the living God. You must listen to me, children, and accept my seal, for it will save not only your lives, but your souls.

Recite the prayer to receive my seal every day*. (see end of this message.)

Ensure that each member of your family and loved ones understand the significance of my seal. Your love for me, your Heavenly Father, will be your saving grace and it will give you the strength that you need. My seal of protection is foretold, as the second seal is broken.

The rider of the red horse is the avenging dark angel, who will slay My children in the many wars to come. But he will pass over those of My children with the seal on their foreheads.*

Prepare now, for these wars are already happening and more are being planned in every corner of the Earth, and especially in the Middle East and in those lands upon which my precious son, Jesus Christ, walked during his time on Earth.

Your beloved Father

God the Most High

* seal of protection prayer to God the Father (originally received by Maria Divine Mercy on February 20th 2012)

Recite this Crusade Prayer (33) to acknowledge my seal and accept it with love, joy and gratitude: “O my God, my loving Father, I accept with love and gratitude your Divine seal of protection. Your Divinity encompasses My Body and soul for eternity. I bow in humble thanksgiving and offer my deep love and loyalty to you, my beloved Father. I beg you to protect me and My Loved ones with this special seal and I pledge My Life to your service forever and ever. I love you, dear Father. I console you in these times, dear Father. I offer you the body, blood, soul and Divinity of your dearly beloved son, in atonement for the sins of the world and for the salvation of all your children.Amen.”

Summary/Overview

The graces in this reading, that Jesus mentions are the end time prophet (Maria), and the Seal. He explains the power and authority of the Seal. He speaks of the Book of Revelation and the second seal, as well as the rider of the red horse, which Jesus tells us is the avenging dark angel who will slay many people. But He reminds us that if we have the Seal on our foreheads, we will be protected.

We must say the Prayer to accept the Seal – for it to be on our “foreheads” it has to be in our mind, and believe in God and this great gift. We must accept it “with love, joy and gratitude”. Jesus finishes His message by telling us to prepare, for the wars are upon us. He has, many times, reminded us to prepare. Nearly every week He tells us this in one of the messages.

 

Apostles:” Salt” not “Sugar”

+A.M.D.G.+

In Matthew 5:13, Jesus is preaching the Beatitudes to his Apostles. After this, he tells them  “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men.”

 

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger on the 26th November, 1998 at the Synod for Oceania:

“ We know Jesus above all through the Gospels. A deep knowledge and an integral reading of the Gospels is, therefore, fundamental to Christian life. Selective readings of the Gospels – so widespread today – are insufficient. Often, people fabricate a sweet Jesus only, Who accepts everything and everyone, Who doesn’t exclude anyone or anything, and is set up against the Church, which knows not only a Yes, but also a No.

The fact that the Gospel is also a sword which divides (Matthew 10:34) and a fire which burns (Luke 12:49) is no longer mentioned. According to the will of the Lord, the apostles are not the sugar, but the salt of the earth. In other words, a Christianity, from which the truth of the cross disappears, loses its identity. To follow Christ is to follow the Crucifix and precisely in this way we go along the way of love, which is life and opens the gates of true happiness.”

( From: Cardinal Newman Catechist Centre Newsletter , dated 5th April, 1999. Edited by Rev. B.J.H. Tierney)

(N.B. The highlighting in this text is in the original article by Fr.Tierney)

The message for us, and for the Church, is obvious.

We must be the salt of the earth!

Reading for Today from the Book of Truth: “My arrival will be sooner than you expect.”

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This message was the second one  opened at JtM CPG meeting on Thursday 21st  April, 2016, after a Prayer to the Holy Spirit.

My arrival will be sooner than you expect

24 October 2011

My dearly beloved daughter, you must not allow those who continue to question and pass judgment on My most Holy Word to upset you. Ignore these interrogations. Remain silent. Pray for them and move on for there is not much time now.

I call on all of you, dear children, to sit down calmly and pray to me for mercy. Please, you must not panic because I come only to save you not to judge. Don’t you know this? There is nothing to fear just trust in me completely.

My arrival will be sooner than you expect, so please prepare your souls. Pray for all souls who may deny me or reject my gift of Divine Mercy. You, my cherished souls, bring me such comfort and ease the torment and suffering I endure when I see the hatred everywhere in your world.

Come closer to me, children, and let me embrace you to give you the strength and confidence you need to greet me.

You, my special army, are in union with me and whether you realize it or not, you are being guided by the Holy Spirit to fight to save souls.

Sit quietly, my little ones, and remember I am with you at all times. Rejoice and await my coming when I will pour out my graces to cover all of My beloved followers everywhere. No matter where you live, no matter what part of the world you are from, you are mine. I love you.

Look with open hearts and confidence as we draw closer to The Warning.

Your Jesus

Summary / Overview

In this reading, Jesus gives us lots of advice and information. He tells us not to let people upset us,(very appropriate for what is happening to us here and now),not to panic, to ignore their interrogations, for time is short. Jesus calls us ‘His cherished souls”, His special army”, His “little ones”. He tells us that we are His. Telling us all these things are graces enough, but Jesus tells us that He will pour out His graces to cover all of His beloved followers everywhere.

This reading, like the one before,  is about the “special Graces” that was our prayer theme on Thursday.. Thank you Jesus !!!

Amoris Laetitia – ‘Mercy’ that Will Not Save.

What should be obvious is not obvious:

  • We can’t make excuses for our situations. We have free will. We have a choice.
  • The language used is a ploy to water down the frankness of the Gospel:

Words such as “irregular situation”, “imperfect situations they find themselves in”, “marriage is an ‘ideal’ to be strived for”, “discernment”, “internal forum”, “accompaniment”, distort the reality and perception of sin.

  • The words “mortal sin”, and “living in sin” are not used to describe the situations of the people referred to.
  • When the practice becomes a habit, you lose your sense of sin (e.g. living together, divorced /remarried without annulment;)
  • Moral theology is precise – you cannot apply the “situation ethics” principles. This denies the teachings of Christ. It assumes that we know better.
  • Jesus forgave but He also said “Sin no more”
  • “Gospel frankness is needed, not flattery” (Fr. Gerald Murray- Canon lawyer)

Words are used to confuse, dilute, excuse, blame, label, but not to tell the Truth.

  • “it can no longer simply be said that all those in any ‘irregular’ situations are living in a state of mortal sin and are deprived of sanctifying grace.” (AL §301)

The true meaning of this sentence is obscured by its structure. “Basically he says those people  have sanctifying grace and are not in mortal sin- simply said!!”  These words are deadly landmines for any soul who treads there.

This means that div/remarried adulterers, gay couples, unmarried couples are  NOT in mortal sin.

  • “The situations they find themselves in” – These people CHOSE their situations, over and above God’s law. They have free will – a gift from God. How many of these people even attempted to have their marriage annulled?
  • The language used by Bergoglio to characterize people: Those who believe in the Truths of the Catholic Faith as Jesus taught, are labelled as “rigorous”, “rosary-counters”, “they throw stones at people’s hearts”,

In  (§351)  He makes comments referring to Confession as a torture chamber, and Holy Communion as a prize for the perfect– both of which are never in reality really considered in this way by any Catholic I know. This statement is insulting to priests and to the faithful.

(§351)  In certain cases, this can include the help of the sacraments. Hence, “I want to remind priests that the confessional must not be a torture chamber, but rather an encounter with the Lord’s mercy” (Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium [24 November 2013], 44: AAS 105 [2013], 1038). I would also point out that the Eucharist “is not a prize for the perfect, but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak” (ibid., 47: 1039). 352 Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (24 November 2013), 44: AAS 105 (2013), 1038-1039.

In the quote above, he refers to two  characterizations of the Sacraments as if they were in opposition. It is true that the Eucharist  ”is a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak”  but only for  those not in a state of mortal sin, in which case it becomes a further condemnation  for their souls.

It is true that Confession/Reconciliation is ‘an encounter with Lords mercy’, but  it’s not true that it is a torture chamber in any way, if you envision it as an act of Mercy.

Here again, emotive words and images are used to  misrepresent and distort the Sacraments themselves.

Title: Reading for Today from the Book of Truth: ““No sin is so grave that it cannot be forgiven“ “

+AMDG+

This message was the fourth one  opened at JtM CPG meeting on Tuesday 19 April, 2016, after a Prayer to the Holy Spirit.

Reading from the Book of Truth

“No sin is so grave that it cannot be forgiven“ 

23 August 2011

My daughter, you are now beginning to understand the truth of suffering. When I ask chosen souls to suffer, they suffer as I did during my torture at my Crucifixion. Just as My Death saved man from sin, then your suffering, too can save man from eternal damnation. By offering your suffering, willingly, you make a sacrifice so that the souls of mankind will be shown God’s mercy. If I were to ask more souls to do this, they may show fear and would decline. Yet many souls suffer who are not aware that they are also chosen souls.

Many children of mine may ask why do some people suffer and not others?

My answer is, that I choose the kind-of-heart, those who display humility in this life, those who place other’s needs before their own. The soul of a tender heart takes up the role of suffering for me. This is a gift from me. It may not seem like a gift, but when you are given this gift, you are saving thousands of souls every day on my behalf.

I now want to ask my followers to make one sacrifice a day, akin to suffering, to help me save souls in mortal sin at the point of death during The Warning. Please ask me for this gift. For those humble of heart, I will also ask them to make one personal sacrifice in my glory. For those who feel they cannot do this, then, I will bless you with my special graces because I know that your existing love of me, and your prayers, are already saving the souls of your brothers and sisters.

My children, know this. My army of followers is growing daily because of these messages.

This will grow into an army of millions soon. I call only on those who are brave enough to take up my gauntlet. Bravery stems from love. One man’s interpretation of bravery will differ to another’s.

I simply ask you to tell the world of My Love. Remind them of the truth contained in the Holy Scripture. Tell them I am returning to offer the great gift of My Mercy soon. For if I were to come to judge so soon in your world, Heaven would be deserted, so widespread is sin today. Spread my good news. Remind them that when they feel love, genuine pure love for someone, even if it be only a passing glance or a good deed, you witness that I am then present. Tell them that without love they will shrivel up and become nothing.

Tell them that when I see them, they are naked without worldly possessions in my eyes. I see only their goodness and badness in the soul. For those poor frightened souls, ashamed of their lifestyles, tell them that I am forgiving, all- merciful and will welcome them into my open and loving arms. All they have to do is walk towards me and ask me to help them. I will never turn away from the pleas of sinners, no matter how dark their sin. I forgive all of those who are truly remorseful for any previous offence they have committed.

Their hearts will be lighter and My Love will bring light back into their lives. I will come again in glory, children, not to frighten you, but to bring you my gifts, these same gifts denied you through the works of Satan. Come. Bow your heads. Push your shame aside and ask me to forgive you now.Nothing shocks me, children. No sin is so grave that it cannot be forgiven by me, if true remorse is shown. Do not delay.

Seek redemption now before it is too late.

Your loving Jesus Christ

Redeemer of mankind

 

Thoughts /  Reflection

Here Jesus tells us about suffering souls – the people who are chosen and the souls they save – (thousands of souls every day). Jesus wants us to make a sacrifice each day to help Him save more souls, but the catch is we have to ask Him for this gift. If we feel we can’t (perhaps we are too scared to find out how much we might have to suffer), Jesus said he doesn’t mind because we are already saving souls with our prayers.

Jesus tells us that soon (that was back in 2011) the army will be millions in number. I wonder if we have reached that number , but Jesus’ “soon” is probably not the same as our “soon”. I envision that after the Warning, many people will flock to Crusade Prayer Groups. Jesus tells us that we have to spread His Word because otherwise heaven would be deserted.

He tells us what to do: We should simply tell people of His love; of the Truth in the Scriptures; and that He is returning soon with His gift of mercy. For those who are afraid of the Warning, Jesus tells us how to approach them – by telling them of His Love, that He is forgiving, merciful – they just have to ask Jesus for help. He reassures us that He would never turn sinners away. We have to bow our heads and put our shame aside.

In this message , Jesus is telling us about True Mercy – not the false mercy of Amoris Laetitia, being promoted by the false prophet and his cronies. The message is timely with all the debates about this in the news during this week. Jesus is reaffirming to us the Truth.

JtM Crusade Prayer Meeting, Thursday, 21st April, 2016

+A.M.D.G+

Prayer Group Overview

Our prayer theme today: Special Graces

All the readings, chosen at random after a prayer to the Holy Spirit,are listed below. We will post each message in a separate post each day, with our thoughts/reflection attached. The Bible reading and reflection on it will be posted in full below.

The Readings today:

1.Bible: Deuteronomy 34

2. “My arrival will be sooner than you expect    (24 October 2011)

3.  God the Father: My Seal of Protection is foretold, as the Second Seal is broken      (8th March, 2012)

4. So many good and holy priests who have joined together to pull these Messages apart      (9th April, 2013)

Bible Reading (Douay Rheims)

Deuteronomy: 34

[1] Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab upon mount Nebo, to the top of Phasga over against Jericho: and the Lord shewed him all the land of Galaad as far as Dan. [2] And all Nephtali, and the land of Ephraim and Manasses, and all the land of Juda unto the furthermost sea, [3] And the south part, and the breadth of the plain of Jericho the city of palm trees as far as Segor. [4] And the Lord said to him: This is the land, for which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying: I will give it to thy seed. Thou hast seen it with thy eyes, and shalt not pass over to it. [5] And Moses the servant of the Lord died there, in the land of Moab, by the commandment of the Lord:

[6] And he buried him in the valley of the land of Moab over against Phogor: and no man hath known of his sepulchre until this present day. [7] Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, neither were his teeth moved. [8] And the children of Israel mourned for him in the plains of Moab thirty days: and the days of their mourning in which they mourned for Moses were ended. [9] And Josue the son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom, because Moses had laid his hands upon him. And the children of Israel obeyed him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses. [10] And there arose no more a prophet in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face,

[6] He buried him: viz. by the ministry of angels, and would have the place of his burial to be unknown, lest the Israelites, who were so prone to idolatry, might worship him with divine honours.

[11] In all the signs and wonders, which he sent by him, to do in the land of Egypt to Pharao, and to all his servants, and to his whole land, [12] And all the mighty hand, and great miracles, which Moses did before all Israel.

 

Thoughts on this reading:

This is the story of Moses, who finally reached and saw the Promised land, but God told him that he would  not get to enter it. He passed his blessing on to Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised land.

The Prayer theme today was “Special Graces”. A perfect reading to tell us that we, too, after many trials and tribulations, will get to see “the New Kingdom”. God has told our leader (Pope Benedict), through Our Lady of Fatima, and Pope Pius X’s prophecies that he will be killed on the way. But a new leader will arise to lead us.

Thank you, Jesus. You always encourage us in the readings You choose for us.

 

 

Reading for Today from the Book of Truth: “ Mother of Salvation: Beware of the man, who declares himself to be the Son of Man “

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This message was the third one  opened at JtM CPG meeting on Tuesday 19 April, 2016, after a Prayer to the Holy Spirit.

 Reading from the Book of Truth:

Mother of Salvation: Beware of the man, who declares himself to be the Son of Man   

(19 September 2014)

 My dear child, it has been foretold that many False Prophets will arise and that, during this time, they will spread untruths about the word of God. They will arise in their hundreds of thousands and be endorsed by those who claim to represent My Son’s servants. They will preach in small, as well as large, groups and you will know them by the false prophecies, which they will reveal to the world. They will be seen as very holy people, and some will say that they have great healing powers of the flesh as well as the spirit.

Some will wear the garments of holy men and they will promote a new missal, which will deviate from the truth. Many people will be confused by their teachings, as they will mix their false claims with part of the truth. One of their objectives will be to be seen to prepare the world for the second coming of Christ and they will create great anticipation of this event amongst My Son’s followers.

But, it will not be My Son, Jesus Christ, they will be preparing God’s children to welcome. No.  It will be the Antichrist. Grave errors, will be revealed by them in connection with the Book of Revelation as they will twist the contents of this holy book. Few will know that they are being fed lies and the greatest untruth, which they will proclaim, will be this. They will say that Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, will make himself known in the world soon. That he will come in the flesh. That he will walk amongst his people and that he will raise them up on the last day. This could never happen for My Son, who came in the flesh, the first time, through his birth, will never come in the flesh at his second coming. Beware of the man, who declares himself to be the Son of Man, who calls you to him, for he will not be from God. My Son will come in the clouds just as he left the Earth during his ascension into Heaven so, too, will it be on the last day.

Your Beloved Mother

Mother of Salvation

Thoughts /  Reflection

 This reading warns us against the antichrist to come and the false prophets who will prepare us for his coming. These latter will actually preach in groups, but they will mix error with truth – and people will be confused. Our Lady also warns us against the new missal, which they will be promoting. Our dearest Mother is warning us what to expect. She tells us the errors they will be spreading, so that we will be caught in the ant-christ’s web.

Forewarned is fore-armed!!

Reflection for Today from the Book of Truth: God the Father: Children we are but just a short time away from the Great Day

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This message was the second one  opened at JtM CPG meeting on Tuesday 19 April, 2016, after a Prayer to the Holy Spirit. (The Bible Reading was posted yesterday)

God the Father: Children we are but just a short time away from the Great Day       (23 August,  2013)

My dearest daughter, while the world strives to make sense out of the despair they witness, know that all of these turmoils must take place, before I bring all those who love me into my place of refuge.

You will soon know who I am, children.

Those of you who are unsure of me will see the truth at last and this will bring you great peace.

The evil in the world increases now and the deceit descends.

You must be strong, I plead with you, as I await now the day when the renewal will begin and all of My children will find solace on the day, when My Beloved Son declares himself.

What you are witnessing is a battle between my Heavenly hierarchy and Satan and all his demons.

It is frightening and very upsetting for many of you, but know that I will intervene to ease your pain.

Know that you are mine and that I will bring peace to the world, when I have rid it of infestation.

Children, we are but just a short time away from the great day and while much still has to take place, where the sacred name of My Son will be torn apart, it will be swift.

You must look now to the future, as it is a glittering jewel of such magnitude that on the day when you enter the new era of peace, you will have forgotten the persecution inflicted upon the world by the evil one.

You must do as My Son instructs you. You must remain calm as the seals are revealed to you, which are all for your own good and those whose souls I ask you to plead for My Mercy.

If you stay true to my commandments and live your lives in union with My Son, you will be half way there.

If you remain firm to the sacraments and refuse to participate in pagan rituals, which honour the beast, then you will find much favour with me.

Go and remember that I am the almighty one and that all power is mine.

Soon, I will destroy the wicked and unveil my New Paradise to you.

Be patient. Trust in me.

Follow My Son and accept the gifts, which he and his Beloved Mother, the Immaculate Virgin Mary, bring you, in the form of the Crusade Prayers and the medal of salvation.

Finally accept my seal as one of the greatest gifts I have given humanity since I gave them life.

I give life again with my special graces when you hold close to you, the seal of the living God.

All those with the seal are granted a place in the New Paradise.

I love you, children, but I am your Father and I must allow these trials, as they will help me to weed out those who will never deviate from the side of the beast.The time I spend trying to win over their hearts creates a terrible and hateful battle, with millions of fallen angels and demons, even though it be just one soul.

Remain comforted in the knowledge that I bless all of you, who are pure and humble of heart.

I love all of you, so you must never give up when all seems hopeless, for my power means that the destruction of evil is under my control.

You must place all your trust in me, especially at this time, when you feel that My Justice is harsh.

Your beloved Father

God the Most High

Thoughts /  Reflection

In this reading, God the Father speaks of the protection He offers us – in form of the Seal, The Crusade prayers and t\he  medal of Salvation. He reminds us of what we gain at the end – the new era of peace! He speaks as a loving Father who tells us what to expect – the deceit, despair and turmoil, but he tells us that it is only a short time away.

He encourages us and tells us what we should do – remain calm ,and stay true to the commandments and the Sacraments, and stay away from pagan rituals. He reassures us that he knows it is frightening for us, but that He has it all under control. 

These messages, although scary to think about sometimes, make us feel calm and secure and protected by our loving Father. We just have to obey His instructions.

It feels as though things are starting in earnest, and we all live in expectation.

 

JtM Crusade Prayer Meeting, Tuesday, 19th April, 2016

+AMDG

Prayer Group Overview

Our prayer theme today was:

Protection against the false prophet, evil, the beast/antichrist, satan.

Protection from: war, persecution, chastisement

All the readings, chosen at random after a prayer to the Holy Spirit,  are listed below. As we did last week, we will post each message in a separate post each day, with our thoughts/ comment attached. The Bible reading and summary/comment on it will be posted in full below.

The Readings today:

1.Bible:Acts 19: 4-36

Book of Truth:

2.God the Father: Children we are but just a short time away from the Great Day    ( 23 August,  2013)

3.Mother of Salvation: Beware of the man, who declares himself to be the Son of Man    (19 September 2014)

4. No sin is so grave that it cannot be forgiven      (23 August 2011)

Bible Reading (Douay Rheims)

Acts 19: 4-36

[4] And he, beholding him, being seized with fear, said: What is it, Lord? And he said to him: Thy prayers and thy alms are ascended for a memorial in the sight of God. [5] And now send men to Joppe, and call hither one Simon, who is surnamed Peter:

[6] He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side. He will tell thee what thou must do. [7] And when the angel who spoke to him was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a soldier who feared the Lord, of them that were under him. [8] To whom when he had related all, he sent them to Joppe. [9] And on the next day, whilst they were going on their journey, and drawing nigh to the city, Peter went up to the higher parts of the house to pray, about the sixth hour. [10] And being hungry, he was desirous to taste somewhat. And as they were preparing, there came upon him an ecstasy of mind.

[11] And he saw the heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending, as it were a great linen sheet let down by the four corners from heaven to the earth: [12] Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts, and creeping things of the earth, and fowls of the air. [13] And there came a voice to him: Arise, Peter; kill and eat. [14] But Peter said: Far be it from me; for I never did eat any thing that is common and unclean. [15] And the voice spoke to him again the second time: That which God hath cleansed, do not thou call common.

[16] And this was done thrice; and presently the vessel was taken up into heaven. [17] Now, whilst Peter was doubting within himself, what the vision that he had seen should mean, behold the men who were sent from Cornelius, inquiring for Simon’ s house, stood at the gate. [18] And when they had called, they asked, if Simon, who is surnamed Peter, were lodged there. [19] And as Peter was thinking of the vision, the Spirit said to him: Behold three men seek thee. [20] Arise, therefore, get thee down and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

[21] Then Peter, going down to the men, said: Behold, I am he whom you seek; what is the cause for which you are come? [22] Who said: Cornelius, a centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and having good testimony from all the nation of the Jews, received an answer of an holy angel, to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. [23] Then bringing them in, he lodged them. And the day following he arose, and went with them: and some of the brethren from Joppe accompanied him. [24] And the morrow after, he entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, having called together his kinsmen and special friends. [25] And it came to pass, that when Peter was come in, Cornelius came to meet him, and falling at his feet adored.

[26] But Peter lifted him up, saying: Arise, I myself also am a man. [27] And talking with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. [28] And he said to them: You know how abominable it is for a man that is a Jew, to keep company or to come unto one of another nation: but God hath shewed to me, to call no man common or unclean. [29] For which cause, making no doubt, I came when I was sent for. I ask, therefore, for what cause you have sent for me? [30] And Cornelius said: Four days ago, unto this hour, I was praying in my house, at the ninth hour, and behold a man stood before me in white apparel, and said:

[31] Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thy alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. [32] Send therefore to Joppe, and call hither Simon, who is surnamed Peter: he lodgeth in the house of Simon a tanner, by the sea side. [33] Immediately therefore I sent to thee: and thou hast done well in coming. Now therefore all we are present in thy sight, to hear all things whatsoever are commanded thee by the Lord. [34] And Peter opening his mouth, said: In very deed I perceive, that God is not a respecter of persons. [35] But in every nation, he that feareth him, and worketh justice, is acceptable to him.

[35] In every nation: That is to say, not only Jews, but Gentiles also, of what nation soever, are acceptable to God, if they fear him and work justice. But then true faith is always to be presupposed, without which (saith St. Paul, Heb. 11. 6) it is impossible to please God. Beware then of the error of those, who would infer from this passage, that men of all religions may be pleasing to God. For since none but the true religion can be from God, all other religions must be from the father of lies, and therefore highly displeasing to the God of truth.

Thoughts on this reading:

Cornelius was a centurion, not a Jew, but he feared God. An angel apppeared to him and told him to call for Peter. He sent some servants to do this. At the same time, Peter, while praying had a vision of a a linen cloth being let down from heaven with all sorts of animals. He didn’t know what it meant. A voice told Peter to kill and eat, but Peter refused. He said that the animals were unclean. He didn’t know what the vision meant, but then 3 men sent by Cornelius came to the door. They stayed the night and the next day he went with them to Cornelius.

When they got there, Cornelius, who was a just man,  had assembled a group of family and friends, ready to meet Peter. Peter realized, that in every nation, there are people who fear God – they are not all “unclean”. The faith of Cornelius came from God.

The warning for us is that  we must fear God, and our beliefs must come from Him.  It also shows us the mercy of God to all – irrespective of nation, provided that they want God’s mercy. (Cornelius called for Peter, and got all his friends there as well.)

Other thoughts on this reading:

The reading is  about listening to heavenly visions and to God’s inspirations. It is about allowing God to reveal their meaning and the Holy Spirit to reveal it amongst us. (e.g. at our prayer groups.) This is not always instantaneous- as Peter finds out, but little lessons can be enormously significant. God worked through both Peter and Cornelius  at the same time ( through a vision and an angel) and brought them together. Lastly the Holy Spirit revealed the meaning to all.

It is also about following the inspirations, that we have – in doing God’s work, and in spreading His Word.

We prayed today for protection against the false prophet and the antichrist.This was very appropriate for us in these days where the teachings of Jesus Christ and the ten commandments are being twisted to suit man, and turn away for God and His commandments.