Monday, May 2, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011: (St. Athanasius)
Jesus said: “My people, in today’s reading with Nicodemus I told My disciples that they had to be born of the Spirit. This did not mean to be born again of the flesh. (John 3:5,6) ‘Jesus answered: ‘Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. This which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.’ When you are baptized and confirmed, you receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that you can evangelize souls. When I met My disciples after My Resurrection, I breathed the Holy Spirit upon them. (John 20:22,23) ‘When He had said this, He breathed upon them, and said to them ‘Receive the Holy Spirit; and whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.” After I ascended into heaven I sent the Holy Spirit upon My disciples from a large wind. (Acts 2:3,4) ‘And there appeared to them parted tongues as of fire, which settled upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in foreign tongues, even as the Holy Spirit prompted them to speak.’ So it is with My disciples of today. You can call on Me and the Holy Spirit will give you the words to evangelize souls. Rejoice in the Spirit who will lead you to heaven.”
Jesus said: “My people, with this vision you have a feeling of how evil has pervaded many people and things, which is why you are seeing so many black objects. Yet, when you see My Light, I take away any fear, as you know My power is greater than all the evil ones combined. There are still a lot of good people in the world, but some have allowed themselves to get lazy in dealing with their spiritual lives. People need to realize that you are in a daily battle with the demons, and you cannot go on vacation, or let up in fighting the devil, or you will be consumed by evil. In order to fight the evil ones, you need to guard yourself against every temptation, and be true to your daily prayer life. By staying close to Me with your sacramentals and prayer devotions, you can keep these evil ones from influencing you, and I will send My angels to protect you. Trust in My daily protection, and work to witness your faith in converting souls to follow Me. When you pray together, you are building up your spiritual strength with My help. Give praise and thanks for My being a part of your life, and for having a loving relationship with Me.”