Divine Appeal Reflection - 110
Today, consider in Divine Appeal 110: "The souls I love so much do not understand to what extent. They do not know that the tyrant has stolen their hearts locking them up in the scandal of all kinds of malicious corruption... "
Jesus speaks these words with profound sorrow and love. The "tyrant" represents Satan and the forces of evil that have ensnared hearts, leading them into the scandal of malicious corruption. Various forms of corruption, such as greed, lust, pride, and an array of other sins that afflict our society, are examples of this corruption. It is our duty as lay Christians, priests, and consecrated souls to acknowledge the spiritual conflict going on and put forth every effort to win back these lost souls for Christ. Jesus’ words highlight the depth of His love for every soul. Each person is precious to Him, uniquely loved and called to a life of communion with God. However, many are unaware of this profound love. They live in a world that often measures worth by success, power, and material possessions, failing to recognize their true value as children of God. This ignorance leaves them vulnerable to the tyrant’s deceptions.
The deception of the tyrant affects all members of the Church. Priests, as spiritual leaders, are on the front lines of this spiritual battle. They face immense pressure and temptation, often leading to burnout, scandal, or a sense of isolation. The recent crises within the Church have highlighted how the enemy can exploit weaknesses, causing great harm to the faithful. Consecrated souls—those who have given their everything to God by pledging chastity, poverty, and obedience—are not exempt from the tyrant's mistreatment. They can feel discouraged and tempted, and their mission may seem pointless. The catastrophic consequences of immorality and corruption have also been demonstrated by the scandals that have rocked religious communities.
Living out faith as a layperson in today's world presents a unique set of challenges. Spiritual values are frequently diluted as a result of the stresses of a secular culture, as well as the responsibilities of family and employment. The problem is made more complicated by the social media's widespread impact, which makes it challenging for many people to strike a balance between their spiritual and worldly obligations.
It is imperative that we realize we are fighting a spiritual war. We are prompted by this understanding to actively and vigilantly nurture our faith. We fight not just against worldly and visible enemies but also against invisible forces that want to harm our spiritual well-being. This knowledge ought to encourage us to hold on, giving us the spiritual weapons needed to fend against these pressures and keep our faith-based commitments.
Jesus challenges us in Divine Appeal 110 to see through the tyrant's deceit and to the great love that He has for all of humanity. As priests, consecrated souls, and lay faithful, we are called to engage in this spiritual warfare with courage and faith. By deepening our spiritual lives, fostering community, promoting authentic love, cultivating humility, offering hope, and using social media wisely, we can reclaim hearts for Christ. Let us respond to this call with urgency and dedication, knowing that through God’s grace, we can overcome the tyrant’s deception and bring souls back to the loving embrace of our Savior.
May Sr. Anna Ali serve as an inspiration to us, as her life and witness bear witness to the value of unshakeable faith and the power of Christ's love. Let us pledge, by her example, to be watchful in our spiritual obligations, unwavering in our quest for holiness, and passionate in our love for God and neighbor. Together, we can respond to Jesus' appeal and bring about a renewal that will glorify God and sanctify His people.
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