Meditate on the Passion of Jesus

[Deacon John Giglio]

 

During the apparitions, Our Lady indicated that the cross should be given to the crowd to kiss. The girls in ecstasy would repeatedly give the crucifix, Her Son on the cross, Our Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ, to be kissed by those present.

Thinking and meditating on the Passion makes us realize the graveness of sin and the great love that God has for us. "God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son" (John 3:16). The Virgin Mary ended the second message with these words "mediate on the Passion of Jesus". There are moments during the liturgical year when our gaze turns towards the cross and we are invited to meditate on this mystery.

Lent is one of these moments, and during this Lenten season one of the most typical pious practices is that of praying the Way of the Cross. In this prayer, we remember each step of Our Lord's Passion. It is an opportunity to turn back to Him with a sincere heart and ask for forgiveness. We also ask Him for strength to carry our own cross, big or small, with Him. We are not alone. When we kiss the cross, it is not a superficial or empty gesture but an act of adoration, a gesture that expresses our love and our recognition that He is worthy of our love. It is also the kiss we give to our own cross, to the path that the Lord has marked out for us and for our sanctification. Jesus said, "Whoever wishes to be my disciple, let Him deny himself, take up him cross and follow me" (Matthew 16: 24).

Our Lady invites us with these words in the second message to look at Him, contemplate Him, think of all that he has done for us and ask ourselves, what have I done for Jesus? What do I do for Jesus? What should I do for Jesus?

From https://www.garabandal.it/en/

Our Lady of Garabandal

The First Message

October 18, 1961

We must make many sacrifices, perform much penance, and visit the Blessed Sacrament frequently. But first, we must lead good lives. If we do not, a chastisement will befall us. The cup is already filling up, and if we do not change, a very great chastisement will come upon us.

The Second Message

June 18, 1965

As my message of October 18 has not been complied with and has not been made known to the world, I am Our Lady of Garabandal advising you that this is the last one. Before, the cup was filling up. Now it is flowing over.

Many cardinals, many bishops and many priests are on the road to perdition and are taking many souls with them. Less and less importance is being given to the Eucharist. You should turn the wrath of God away from yourselves by your efforts.

If you ask for His forgiveness with sincere hearts, He will pardon you. I, your mother, through the intercession of Saint Michael the Archangel, ask you to amend your lives. You are now receiving the last warnings.

I love you very much and do not want your condemnation. Pray to us with sincerity and we will grant your requests. You should make more sacrifices.  Think about the passion of Jesus.