Explaining the Power of the Holy Spirit in the Baptized
(August 22 to September 6, 2013)
Using Our Human Natures
August 22, 2013
Mary
All three divine persons manifest their presence and power. The Father’s power is seen in the magnificence of all creation. The Word is manifested in all the words and deeds of Jesus. The Spirit, too, wants to manifest his power. In these daily visitations, I will explain this mystery that is covered over and forgotten, causing the Spirit to be called the “hidden” and “forgotten” person of the Trinity (which he is not supposed to be).
In the great mystery of my womb, the Word became flesh, taking to himself a new human nature. He used his humanity to reveal himself. The Holy Spirit acts quite differently. He assumes no new human nature, but uses each baptized person as his instrument. As the baptized person allows the Spirit to act through him, the Church and the world see the reality of the Spirit and are blessed by his actions.
The Spirit’s Anointing
August 23, 2013
Mary
The heavenly Father had given Jesus definite tasks to accomplish. He had to preach, to heal, and to raise from the dead. He also had to be obedient even to his death on the cross. To fulfill the Father’s will Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit at his Baptism. Even before that, Jesus was led by the Spirit. That is why he knew to remain in the temple (his Father’s house) when he was 12 years old.
Jesus was quite aware of the Spirit’s anointing. He told those in the Nazareth synagogue, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor”.
He also knew that the Father would send the Paraclete, the Spirit of Truth upon the disciples. He prophesied, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes down upon you”. He commanded the disciples not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the Holy Spirit, the promise of the Father.
The Father had his task of creation. Jesus had his task of redemption. The Spirit has his task of sanctification. He fulfills this task every day but he needs the cooperation of the baptized to fulfill it.
Changed Lives
August 24, 2013
Mary
The Holy Spirit brought about many miracles among the early disciples but his greatest manifestation was their changed lives. A great holiness came upon the Early Church. Each person was a new creation. The former sins were put away and goodness filled them.
They rejoiced to be with each other, to share in the prayers, the Eucharist and their common life. When people came into Jesus’ presence, they knew that they had to change their life. If not, they departed (as Judas at the Last Supper). So it was with the early community, formed by the Spirit of Jesus. The Church’s fervor called the person to goodness. The Holy Spirit used this community as his instrument in changing lives. This was the secret of the Church’s tremendous growth.
The Believing Community
August 25, 2013
Mary
Do not be surprised at all that I reveal about my spouse, the Spirit of Jesus, because so much has been hidden for so long. Today, I will speak of the community of believers which he formed by the powers of Baptism. Much is lacking in the Church because the powers of Baptism are unknown. They are unknown because there exists no true community of believers who manifest these powers and can communicate them to the newly baptized.
Recall the scenes of the Early Church. Because of a special joy, all the believers wanted to come together. The Spirit joined their hearts in the gift of religious experiences. They knew that the Spirit was in their midst. His signs and wonders manifested him. He became present to each believer by his living flame. This is what is missing today, a community which daily experiences the fire of the Spirit and communicates this fire to new believers.
The Mighty Rivers
August 26, 2013
Mary
The Holy Spirit comes as a mighty river. The soul finds itself filled with a great joy. Tears flow. Emotions pour out. The soul feels like some divine fire pierced its heart. The soul has no doubt. No one needs to explain the Holy Spirit who now works so powerfully within.
At other times, the Spirit comes like a quiet stream. Again, the soul cannot doubt. Peace, a deep and lasting peace, covers the soul. It believes and hopes in God with no effort at all.
Some divine power surrounds the soul All is different. Again, the soul knows that it abides in God’s loving hands.
There are two secrets to this great release of the Holy Spirit. First, the person must know and seek these powers. The Spirit wants to flow like a mighty river. Second, the community must believe in these powers. How can the person know unless the community believes and manifests the joy and fervor of the Spirit’s presence? I want the Church to become communities of the Holy Spirit. Anything else will completely fail. The Spirit will bring about a victory march. Without his powers, all will be defeat. This call is very deep. A superficial response loses everything.
The Great Manifestations
August 27, 2013
Mary
Jesus was born quietly in a hidden manger in Bethlehem. However, at the great feast of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came in a great manifestation of power in the very center of Jerusalem. From the very beginning, he wanted the whole world to know that he had come and would abide until the end of time.
On Pentecost, we were gathered in the Upper Room, faithful to Jesus’ command to wait in Jerusalem until anointed with the Spirit. Each day, we continued in prayer and great expectancy. Suddenly, we heard a noise like a mighty wind that filled the room. Then, we saw tongues like fire that parted and rested on each of us. For the first time, under the Spirit’s power, we began to speak in different tongues. This was the first and abiding manifestation of the Spirit.
This manifestation would constantly happen when the Spirit was given. Cornelius and his family spoke in tongues (The Pentecost of the Gentiles – Acts 10; 44-49). The disciples of Ephesus spoke in tongues (Acts 19:6). This powerful manifestation was so common in the Early Church that Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “I should like all of you to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy (1Cor.14:5). How important are all the Spirit’s manifestations. Yet, they are mostly unknown in the Church. The Holy Spirit, alas, remains hidden and unknown.
The Spirit Forms Community
August 28, 2013
Mary
The Early Church was a community filled with great signs and wonders, the works performed by the Holy Spirit through the believers. You cannot understand these phenomena without grasping the intense life of that beginning community. Today, even Catholics do not enjoy a community.
After mass, they often return to their individual lives.
In the beginning, the Spirit’s fire led the people to fuse their lives. They became a family, joined as brothers and sisters. They praised God together. They shared their stories and they gathered others. In this intense sharing, they experienced the Spirit’s powers. He healed. He prophesied. He raised up teachers and leaders. Within the community, all of these powers were expected. The people had intense faith. If they withdrew from the community, they returned to a world without faith, and they lost these manifestations. Experiencing the Spirit’s powers depends on the closeness and fervor of the community of believers.
The Spirit wants to restore these powers. Catholics must understand and be willing to join regularly with others. This is the secret of true Church renewal.
Gifts of Service
August 29, 2013
Mary
The Holy Spirit wants to pour out these gifts of service but so many do not even know what they are or how they are received. St. Paul writes, “I do not want you to be in ignorance of the spiritual gifts” (1Cor.12:1). This ignorance is widespread and believers do not come together. How can a person use a gift of service when there is nobody to serve? These gifts flourish when believers know about them and gather in the Spirit.
At Medjugorje, I spoke often of these little groups of prayer, but who has heard my plea? So, I make it again. The renewal of the Church depends totally upon the Holy Spirit. He wants to be known and to show forth his power. He will pour out these powerful gifts if believers come together.
Satan wants to isolate the believer and to immerse him in the world. The Spirit calls the believer out of the world so he can join with others. Today, so many do not even go to mass.
How can the Spirit give them power to serve? Those that go to mass, are in ignorance of the spiritual gifts and do not gather with other believers in prayer.
Is it any wonder why the Church is weak? I am trying to explain the secrets of the Spirit’s workings. Just begin. Study the books. Come together. I will be in your midst to lead you. Do it today. Remember, the time is very, very short.
Importance of Prophesy
August 30, 2013
Mary
Today, I will speak of the importance to the Church of prophetic visions and words. Later, I will teach about the use of prophesy. Look again at the Early Church. How did this great missionary enterprise reach the end of the known world in just a few decades? Was this the work of human genius? Not at all. Read the scriptures. All was guided by the revealing gifts of the Spirit.
By a prophetic vision, Peter knew to go to the home of Cornelius, the Gentile (Acts C10). By prophetic words spoken at Antioch, Barnabas and Saul were sent forth on the great missionary journey (Acts C13). On the second journey, the Holy “Spirit did not allow Paul to preach in Asia. Instead, a prophetic vision called him to Macedonia in Europe (Acts C16). Later, when Paul was to return to Jerusalem, he already knew clearly that he would be taken prisoner because of a prophecy given by Agabus (Acts 21:10-11). While in custody, the Lord himself told Paul, that, having preached the gospel in Jerusalem, he would also bear witness in Rome (Acts 23:11).
Where would the Early Church have been without the Holy Spirit’s prophetic revelations? The community would be floundering and subjected to every kind of failure. Such is the plight of today’s Church because the prophetic word is not spoken and the prophetic vision is not received.
Prophecy is not an extraordinary experience like God speaking from the mountaintop amid thunder and lightning. Prophecy is a quiet voice, heard within the heart.
At times the Spirit reveals the Father’s will for the soul. These words are just for the person. Sometimes, the words are for another person, a group, for the Church, or even for the whole world (such as these locutions). This is what I will explain.
The Importance of Prophesy
August 31, 2013
Mary
Prophecy is very important because it is the word of God. Paul writes, “Strive eagerly for the spiritual gifts, above all that you may prophesy” (1Cor.14:1) because “whoever prophesies builds up the Church (V4).
The Spirit has already given God’s word in the Bible and in the authoritative teachings of the Church. True prophesy never contradicts that word but applies the word and explains God’s plan in individual circumstance.
How the Holy Spirit wants to speak out! Through the gift of prophesy he guides the individual speaks to congregations and even leads the entire Church. To set aside this spiritual gift is to walk in a useless darkness. I ask “Can human solutions save the Church? Can the thoughts of man, even the thoughts of bishops and popes adequately guide the Church? God’s plans are hidden and he reveals the great mysteries through the prophets.
Oh, when will the spiritual gift of prophecy come forth to illumine the Church? When will those who guide my Church accept the prophetic word? Even when I speak in authorized apparitions, the words are set aside.
The future of the Church will be filled with a great light and power resulting from the Spirit pouring out his prophetic word. As Peter said, “Your sons and your daughters will prophesy.” (Acts 2:17). Yes, all from the greatest to the least will speak God’s word and new life will flow out.
Evangelizing and Miracles
September 1, 2013
Mary
The evangelizing success of the Early Church depended much on signs and wonders. When Peter healed the lame man in the temple, 5000 came to believe (Acts 4:4). When Paul healed Publius at Malta, the whole island believed (and remains Catholic until today). When Philip went to Samaria, he drove out many demons. Paralyzed and crippled people were cured. Great joy, came upon the city and many were baptized. (Acts C7).
These events parallel the ministry of Jesus. He preached that the kingdom of God was present. His miracles showed the people that his preaching was true. Jesus told his disciples to proclaim the gospel to every creature and to baptize those who believed. He promised that signs would accompany the preaching, that they would drive out demons and heal the sick by laying hands. Evangelization and miracles should go together.
Widespread evangelizing without widespread signs and wonders is impossible. Many try to preach but (as Paul says) are ignorant of these spiritual gifts of healing, raising from the dead and driving out demons. Their harvest is bound to be small.
Discernment of Spirits
September 2, 2013
Mary
Discernment of Spirits is a very important spiritual gift which is also unknown to most. There are three “spirits” – the Holy Spirit, the human spirit and the diabolical spirit. The Holy Spirit guided Jesus to stay behind in the temple. When I asked, “Son, why have you done this to us?” He replied, “Should I not be in my Father’s house?” The Holy Spirit told him to stay in the temple.
When Peter refused to believe that Jesus would suffer and when he refused to allow Jesus to wash his feet, until he was corrected, Peter was acting in the human spirit.
When Judas betrayed Jesus and left the Last Supper, he was acting under the demonic spirit which controlled his heart. “It was night”.
The human spirit stands between God’s Spirit (who invites it to goodness) and the demonic spirit that uses every opportunity to enslave it to darkness. If people do not pray, their human spirit, with all its passion, ambitions and weaknesses will inevitably make false steps and walk in diabolical darkness. How much the soul needs to discern which spirit is guiding its decisions.
Discerning the Evil One
September 3, 2013
Mary
The spirit of evil is most effective when he is hidden and people do not realize that he is at work. The gift of discernment unmasks him, reveals him, and shows the person how to be freed from his power.
He is the spirit of lies, confusion and division. He is the spirit of wars, suffering and destruction. He is the spirit of lust. (Oh, how this spirit has gone forth upon the world.) He is the spirit of death in abortions and of hatred in relationships. He is the spirit of greed that drives a person to seek avariciously and to forget his neighbor. He is the spirit of infidelity that leads a spouse into illicit relationships. He is the spirit of addictions that claims alcoholics and those who use drugs.
He is the spirit of division that divides and destroys families; the spirit of hatred and revenge which resists God’s gift of forgiving others. He is the spirit of rebellion when people say, “I will not serve God.” How extensive is his influence. Because he is not seen, he goes undetected.
He is everywhere, but must act only on the surface until he discovers some door into the human heart. Then he enters, until he is revealed and renounced.
The Spirit’s Wisdom
September 4, 2013
Mary
There must be an explosion of the Spirit’s wisdom for the whole world to be enlightened.
Otherwise, man is doomed to follow the wisdom of the world, the flesh and the devil. The wisdom of the world is the foolishness of ambition and greed. The wisdom of the flesh is the selfishness of every kind. The wisdom of the devil is a multiplicity of snares that entrap people and nations in a thousand ways.
Without the Spirit of Wisdom, man’s intellect is darkened. He is like a blind man in a darkened room, seldom making even one correct decision.
Only the Spirit’s wisdom can transfer man from darkness into light. Then, all of his decisions bring about the kingdom of Jesus. What would Jesus do, or say, or decide, or counsel? The Spirit sends forth this fountain of Jesus’ wisdom. Oh, how the world needs these waters.
O reader, just come to me before every decision and I will ask my spouse, the Holy Spirit to enlighten you.
People Helping Mary
September 5, 2013
Mary
Even though I was the mother of God and the spouse of the Holy Spirit, it was the Father’s plan that I be helped by those who used the gifts of service. How I rejoiced when Elizabeth said, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb”. My heart was lifted up when the shepherds came to Bethlehem and recounted all that the angels had said to them.
There was the prophecy of Simeon which guided me all my life. Jesus would be a light to the nations but my own heart a sword would pierce.
Most of all, there was Joseph. The Spirit guided him by dreams showing him to accept me as his wife even thought I was pregnant. By these dreams, Joseph took us safely to Egypt and then knew when to return to Israel. Even I needed others to help me by their gift of service.
Everyone needs this help. When these gifts are unknown, set aside or even looked down upon, my people walk in darkness and fear. Many lose their way.
Let there be new spiritual lights, millions of lights of service placed in the hearts of all believers. Come, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can fashion a new world. Without the Spirit, only darkness and destruction are possible.
Who Is In Control?
September 6, 2013
Mary
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus openly proclaimed, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has anointed me to preach the good news”. The Holy Spirit was in control and Jesus willingly subjected himself to the Spirit’s actions. “I always do the will of the Father”, Jesus said. The Holy Spirit brought about this total surrender.
The question is, “Who is in control?” Who is in control of your life? Who is in control of the Church? The Holy Spirit should be in control. The Spirit is like a dove. He needs to be invited and he knows when he is not welcome. O reader, O Church, I have explained everything.
Now, the decision is yours. Do you want to control your lives or do you want the Spirit to be in control?
Read again the Acts of the Apostles. See the results when the Spirit is in control. Imitate the disciples surrender and you will experience the Spirit’s power.
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