I have three visions I will never forget. One was that of my tiny self, standing in the middle of very imposing, gigantic, lush and verdant mountains. I was so awed by this landscape that it seemed I could touch and breathe through them, and in tears, I was overwhelmed by their grandeur. This vision came a few days after I was baptised in the Holy Spirit, following a renewal experience.
The second was that of two tall male figures dressed in white robes, wearing gold sandals, and holding a writing pad and a pen. They seem to be scribbling some notes on the pad. They were standing on the second level of a brilliant three-level glass platform, so translucent that one could see what was above and what was below. This vision came when I was about to have a break from serving in my ministries as I was suffering from burn out.
The third vision was that of the Blessed Mother, but I only saw her feet descending from a cloud and all I could see was the image of a snake crushed by her feet. She was wearing blue and white, much like the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. This vision came when I was quite ill and I was wondering if I could get better. This vision was heralded by a sound of heavenly music like some angels were singing to me. My health was restored soon after.
It took me many years to appreciate the prophetic value of these revelations. I tried to ignore them or, at best, attributed them to my spirit that enjoys the supernatural.
Now that I am more open to their messages, I am grateful for what they remind me of.
I know that the first vision had to do with my ministry and how I serve the Lord. God seems to tell me that I stand in the presence of a majestic God and if I abide in Him in all that I do, He will bless my work abundantly and will help bring new life not only to myself but also to others.
The second vision I found out only about recently. I was mystified by these commanding figures. I am not sure if they are, according to religious texts, angels that sometimes write the histories of human attitudes and behaviours or if they have been sent to encourage me in my writings. I notice that when I write an article after a prayer, the words just flow. On certain seasons, I could even see the words that I need to write in my mind so clearly. I am truly grateful for their assistance as it is not easy to put thoughts into paper. As an organiser, I seem to see the event before it is even accomplished, including some finer details!
The third vision relating to the Blessed Mother is equally remarkable to me. During that time, some of my Catholic friends and family started to seek other faith denominations. They told me stories that as part of their initiation, or show of conversion or loyalty to their new found faith, they were asked to smash a statue of Mother Mary. This truly saddened me. As a devotee of the Blessed Mother, I have been a recipient of her intercessions, miraculous protection, favours and guidance. I am praying that it is not out of ignorance that they dislike our fervour to Mary. But here is a reflection shared from the “Catholic Moment” website for those who need more clarification.
“First of all, Catholics do not worship Mary. We honor her because she is the mother of Jesus. God himself honored Mary by finding her worthy to be the mother of His Only Son. God sent the angel Gabriel to Mary to tell her:‘Hail, Mary, full of grace! The Lord is with you. Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
God chose her out of all the women in the world to bear his Son. Mary said yes to God and gave birth to baby Jesus, but she could have said no. Mary knew that she could have been stoned to death for being an unwed mother while she was engaged to Joseph. That is why we look up to her as our church’s spiritual hero. God trusted Mary to love his Son and take care of him, and she did all the way to the foot of the cross. Most people have photographs of their parents, grandparents and other ancestors, but we do not have any way of visually remembering Mary. That is why we have statues of Mary; they are like photographs of her.
Catholics do not pray to Mary instead of Jesus. Our prayers are always directed to Jesus. But, sometimes, we ask Mary to speak to Jesus on our behalf. Jesus loves his mother very much, and we hope that Mary will be able to influence Jesus to hear our prayers, in much the same way that she mentioned to Jesus that ‘they have no wine’ at the wedding in Cana. Jesus listened to his mother when she asked this, and although he had no intention of turning the water into wine for the wedding guests, he did so because his mother asked Him to. We hope that Jesus will grant our requests too if his mother asks him to.”
October 7 is the Feast of the Rosary. Many great popes, saints and our church leaders encourage us to pray the rosary, as it can change our life, strengthen the family, bring peace to the world, convert entire nations, prevent wars, and win the salvation of souls. Many average persons may not experience the rosary this way, saying it is repetitive, monotonous, and a boring recitation, distracting us from Jesus.
I pray it to pause from a hectic day, to alleviate my fears and worries, to ask for restful sleep, to protect me when I can sense evil and impending danger, when the devil attacks me with an affliction when I am concerned about my family, when I seek peace for the world, or lift the dead to eternal rest.
A blog in “Word of a Rebel” has this interesting insight. “Being ‘blessed and highly favored’ has absolutely NOTHING to do with material possessions. It has ZERO to do with physical comforts or affluence. It has everything to do with leading a virtuous life of compassion. It even means you were chosen for a difficult task” or to live as an example to others.
Mary did not have many material possessions. She only desired to do God’s will, was willing to pay the price, and she endured until the end. That is why she is full of grace, and highly favoured.
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