Medj and me…
“Back to the rivers of belief”- Enigma
I have always gone back and forth on the Medjugorje thing. I’ve often said I was open to the apparitions although not particularly attracted to them, and I’m content to wait for the judgement of the Church in the matter. I don’t know if it is the correct term to use, but it seems to me some people tend to ’objectify’ such events, sometimes exercising a sort of unrestrained appetite for mystical phenomena - which is why I try to mortify my curiosity about stuff like that.
In my personal discernment process regarding the apparitions, I’ve never understood the need for a “permanent and industructable sign” to be left at the site of the apparitions. I have said as Catholics we already have the preeminent sign of the Eucharist, therefore why do we require another sign?
However, I came across something online today, which changed my understanding, it is from one of the first messages of Medjugorje. The seers were told that Christians already do have the signs they need to believe and convert their lives. (Which is what I’ve said.) The sign to be left at Medjugorje, though able to be seen by all, will be primarily for unbelievers and athiests, so they can believe and be converted. The message went on to explain that these events were inaugurated as a period for the faithful to deepen their faith and convert. That makes more sense to me.
Nevertheless, I’ll wait for the decision of the Church, hopefully my personal efforts at conversion are pleasing to God.
August 30th, 2007 at 9:52 am
Where do I find out which apparitions are approved, disapproved, and which are still under investigation? I have a hard time keeping track of them! I thought a priest told me that Medjugorje was doubtful,and now I’m hearing about a “Opus Angelorum” that kind of concerns me. Is there a one-stop website?
August 30th, 2007 at 10:25 am
Jeanette, Monica did a post on approved apparitions you may find interesting:
http://st-monicas-kneeler.blogspot.com/search?q=approved+app aritions
I don’t know that much about “Opus Angelorum” although I have heard of it. I know some priests who are interested in it, but it always sounded weird to me.
August 30th, 2007 at 11:10 am
Thank you, Terry and Monica. I’ll just stick with Our Lady of Guadalupe for now!
August 30th, 2007 at 1:03 pm
I suggest you read these carefully:
Medjugorje and the Flow of Grace
by Frits Albers, PH.B., Frank Calneggia
http://www.catholicculture.org/library/view.cfm?id=7627&repo s=1&subrepos=&searchid=54365
Bishop of Medjugorje . . . Declares Apparitions Are Not Real
The Wanderer, July 13, 2006)
http://www.catholicculture.org/library/view.cfm?id=7070&repo s=1&subrepos=&searchid=54365
August 30th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
Terry:
Thanks for the link.
I have taken your advice to heart and tried to focus on Fatima more than the others that I hear so much about from well-intentioned friends.
I know a very, very saintly priest, since passed away, who strongly promoted Opus Angelorum. I just went to the OA website and it seems that now there is a entire movement…don’t know if this is different than what Father promoted way back when or not. Curious what you’ve heard, Jeannette, about OA, since my experiences, although limited, have been quite positive.
August 30th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
“…as Catholics we already have the preeminent sign of the Eucharist, therefore why do we require another sign?” My Mom aways said that, too. That’s why I don’t get too excited about private revelations.
August 30th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
Monica - I didn’t real read anything in depth, which is why it came off strange to me. The priests I know who are attracted to it are pretty good guys too.
Thomas, I’ll check out the links - thanks much. I’ve never really been attracted to Medjugorje though, as I always say, Fatima is enough for me.
August 30th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
Thomas - the piece from Catholic Culture is convincing enough. Thanks again.
August 31st, 2007 at 3:46 am
i wrote a review o Donal Foley’s Book on Medjugorje..if you e-mailed me i could send it you…i have been 5 times to M & have changed my mind…