HOLINESS LEADING TO HEAVEN

Divine Appeal Reflection  - 100

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 100: "I assure you by My Divine fidelity that I need souls. I am crying for them. There are no more souls who go straight to heaven, instead they go to perdition. I do not want anyone to perish."

The core of Jesus' purpose is made clear in His Divine Appeal: to find and rescue the lost and bring every soul into the loving arms of God. Today, this divine appeal is more urgent than ever, as many remain unaware of Jesus or reject Him, much like the people of Nazareth did during His earthly ministry. Many souls do not know Jesus, either because they have never heard of Him or because they have encountered distorted representations of His message. Others dismiss His divinity and the salvation He offers. This disbelief mirrors Jesus' experience in His hometown, where His own people rejected Him. Belief in Jesus is not merely an intellectual assent but a profound trust in His love and sacrifice. Through this belief, we receive the grace to become children of God and inherit eternal life. As followers of Christ, our faith should draw others to Him. Our deeds of justice, mercy, and love serve as evidence of Jesus' existence in our lives.

To "be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect," is Jesus' command to strive for holiness. This call is a journey of growth and change in God's grace, shaping our lives to reflect the teachings of Christ, despite challenges and temptations. In a world dominated by vanities, immorality, and secularism, striving for holiness can seem countercultural. Yet, our witness is needed precisely in this corrupt world. We are called to be saints, living lives of virtue and integrity, shining as lights in the darkness. Many souls have separated from the Church and sacraments, lured by worldly pleasures. The sacraments are vital means of grace, providing strength and nourishment for holy lives. We must pray for those who have drifted away, asking the Holy Spirit to draw them back. Our prayers and outreach can lead them to the sacraments, where they encounter God's transformative grace.

Jesus' appeal compels us to evangelize through holy deeds—acts of kindness, compassion, and service. These actions demonstrate Christ's love and invite others to experience the joy and peace of knowing Jesus. In this mission, we can draw inspiration from Sr. Anna Ali, whose life of profound faith and dedication to Jesus' message serves as a model for us all. By learning from and imitating Sr. Anna Ali's example, we respond to His cry for souls with fervent prayer, faithful witness, and a commitment to living out the Gospel. Through our efforts, may we lead many souls to the eternal embrace of our loving Savior.