I hope you’re right, but if the pervert pilgrimage is not granted the same treatment, and soon, it will imply that Pope Leo considers it ‘respectable’ in comparison with these other incidents. And I find its casual, entitled sense of arrogance and two-fingering of moral rules even more wicked than the other horrors.
However, this is the prayer of the rosary that Our Lady of Fatima taught the shepherd children: "O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, deliver us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those who most need Your mercy." God does not reject a contrite heart. Many people claim that at the moment of death, an illumination of conscience occurs, and then you see your life flash by as if in a movie. At that moment, you are aware of your actions and can ask for forgiveness. Most people die without a priest at their side, and in that case, it is very important to remember this phrase: "My God, forgive me." Nothing else is needed if it is said from a contrite heart. God's most characteristic trait in regard to humanity is His Merciful Love. What is certain is that there is one sin that condemns humanity, and that is the concept of a God who is not Love, but something similar to a demon due to His capriciousness and lack of mercy toward His children. That is the sin against the Holy Spirit. An example is when the Sanhedrin accused Jesus of casting out devils because he was one of them. Even excommunicated people, if they repent at the last moment, can go to heaven.
The late Jacque Maritain, describes that theory of being given a last moment, ultimate choice, in his book ‘Peasant of the Garonne’. I mention Maritain, because he was a reasonably orthodox theologian/philosopher, a rare thing in the twentieth century-he based his work on those of St Thomas Aquinas, rather than all the heterodox philosophers dominant since the ‘Enlightenment’. This last moment mercy (between the stirrup and the ground, even later) rhymes with God’s Mercy and Christ’s words to the Good Thief, on the Cross-it strikes me that this thief did not become ‘good’ until that moment, yet he reached Heaven that day. This puts me to wondering about near-death experiences. Personally, I can’t remember any of them giving an account of this choice. Could it be that such experiences involve people who are ‘pulled back’, before they face the Choice? I don’t remember many accounts, if any, of these returnees coming face to face with Christ Himself. Perhaps, Christ, in His unlimited Mercy, orders they be sent back for another shot? Then again, there is the possibility that some of these experiences are not as benevolent as one might be led to think. Can anyone with better knowledge of these near-death accounts give a comment? Thanks in advance.
Indeed, purgatory has its explanation in this phenomenon. The immeasurable desire to have loved, and to love without missing an opportunity. We exist because we have been loved. There is no other explanation. Now let's review that time when, in the kitchen, we didn't care to listen to that "loved" person again, or even got into an argument provoked by a fallen angel. Well, in purgatory, we will have the opportunity to suffer that grief of love because we will see past events from the correct perspective. Every day we will yearn more for having loved in this time, which is a school.
I recently read about a saint who said that a bad Catholic was nearer to God than a good Protestant. Undoubtedly, membership of Christ’s Church provides immeasurable graces compared to those living in the desert of Protestantism. On the other hand, there are the admittedly rare examples of extremely good Protestants like C.S. Lewis. Lewis was a Belfast Protestant, notable for having great respect for Catholicism, although he died an Anglican (of the Anglo-Catholic, High Church variety; I think he believed in some kind of Real Presence and went to a form of Confession). Knowing the relationship between Catholicism and Protestantism in Northern Ireland, and how fundamental the differences are and how they are intertwined in every aspect of life (and Padraig would be very knowledgeable, also), I can understand how difficult it would have been for Lewis to convert to Catholicism-I think Our Lord would not have been too hard on him for failing to do so, considering all the good he did do, in His name. I mention C.S. Lewis, because he often wrote of how people had the potential to become ‘little gods’, not in any prideful way of course, but based on our being creatures in the likeness of God and our succeeding in becoming beings who acted and thought as we should. (As another aside, I have come across the theory that it was the creation of humble man in the likeness of God that drove proud Lucifer into rebellion). Of course, acting and thinking as we should is a tall order. That’s why the great majority of us need Purgatory. For myself, no way am I fit for Heaven-the idea seems absurd. I have an awful lot of rough edges to be chiselled away and lack the faith to seriously go about achieving that in this life. I wonder about Lewis-could he be that very rare thing, a Protestant saint, the privilege granted him for services rendered, combined with his apparently unimpeachable life?
You're wrong; you're perfectly suited for heaven, since you only have to do one thing. Accept everything that happens to you today (and in the days to come), whether good or bad, and face it all with thanksgiving for this opportunity to draw closer and closer to God. I assure you, God will test you like gold in the crucible. You don't need to plan any penance for yourself. Everything will happen to you anyway, but you have the opportunity to give glory to God for everything that happens to you, and if it's something bad or painful, so much the better because then your freedom allows you to face it with kindness. That is your greatest freedom in this world (as we say in Spain: when life gives you bad luck, you have to put on a brave face).
And God came into the world to explain to us that we must love our neighbor, even if they are our enemies. The vast majority of the defects we hate in others are our own, and that's why we recognize them quickly. We tend to judge others, and Jesus tells us that we can't even judge ourselves. All our holiness is in His hands. We contribute 1%, and He contributes 99%. We are in the palm of His hand, and He looks upon us attentively. He does all He can without limiting our freedom. He does not want slaves, but children. He has left us the sacraments, and without us realizing it, He gradually transforms our hearts. He takes away the heart of stone, which we use to defend ourselves from the world's aggressions, and gives us a heart of flesh that cares for those who attack us. He is a source of Love and can do all things. He is our treasure. It is absolute dignity, it is the Tenderness of a Father, the way, the truth and the life.
I do not know if My experience after my car accident was a true NDE. Doctors told my family I was near death and likely would not survive. But to my understanding my heart did not stop. Having said all of this I can share my experience. I was in 2 places....for my Irish friends you may be get a bit if a kick out of first one. I was in an old old Irish cottage of a long lost relatives, I did not know who they were but fid know they were part of my family from years ago. I was in a cellar/ it was dark and cold. I could hear them above me and i kept asking to them to open door and let me out. They did not speak to me but I sensed they said no. The door remained locked. This experience was scary to me. I was frightened. Thats all I remember. My next experience was total opposite. It was complete peace and beauty. I dont know if these were sequential? I dont know where it occurred in the timeline of my physical condition but I do believe it was "real" because it was visceral. I was on a tropical island ... on top of a high dune overlooking the most blue ocean i ever saw on all sides. And there were white sail boats with white sails departing. I had the most beautiful sense of complete peace, calmness, love, and a desire to get on one of those boats. So, I started to make my way down with intention to get on a boat. But as I got closer, I heard not an audible voice but a complete understanding in my mind that it was not allowed for me to get on the boat at this time. I was so disappointed. But I also continued to sense love. And that was it. It was not until about a week after my accident that I started to be aware again of things- knowing what happened. I think the biggest miracle was from tge moment I awoke I never was angry at tge young woman who caused the crash. And I never questioned God- like why did this happen. In fact, it was the opposite... I knew without a doubt God was present. He allowed this accident to save me from my luke warmness, my selfishness, my control freak nature and my pride thinking I knew better than Him. He saved my physical life to offer me chance to save my eternal life. I think these 2 experiences perhaps show me where i was headed and now perhaps through His Mercy where i can go one day. Tbh, I dont know. But i do know God allowed a physical suffering in my life and gave me enough grace to see it as His immense love for me. An opportunity of a life time to take my cross and unite it to His. As i Continue to walk this journey I pray His grace still protect me so I dont screw it up. God is Good. Peace.
Quite the testimony, miker! In the midst of your trials, it is a sweet memory! I pray for the soul of that young woman, that she not be in hell, and that her purgation be complete! Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord; may perpetual light shine upon her! May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen!
Thank you Terry. But the young woman who hit us alive with minor injuries. She was sentenced to 10 years in jail in September. We have forgiven her. I pray for her. She shared her remorse and apologized. My dear SIL was killed. But God in his love allowed her to receive the Apostolic Pardon - we were coming from Mass where she had just received and stayed to Adore. She is where I hope we will all be one day.
A great testimony Miker. Some people think that God is a gardener who cuts roses at their best. Yours is yet to come. God bless you
@miker The boat dream struck a chord with me, when my father first had his big heart attack he died and was resuscitated when I got to the hospital I ran into the cubicle and touched his feet as there where loads of doctors around his bed I had been told that he died but when I touched his feet he immediately jumped and frightened the life out of me,during his recovery he kept talking about a boat and that when it came again nobody was allowed to touch his feet, he died a year after this about 2 weeks after he died my wife had a dream that dad was in water struggling he also looked dirty a boat arrived and he got into it, immediately became clean younger and was glowing..he turned to my wife and said I didn't know John had a boat..strange occurrences
There is a similar testimony from a Christian influencer that features a lake. He is a South American man. The testimony is expressed in Spanish. The great lake or sea is what separates our position from the New Jerusalem. In the lake are our own sins, which are recognizable, terrifying demonic creatures. The sea drags you with its current into a giant whirlpool. This man defined it this way. He did not die, but entered into an ecstasy when he was about to be shot by the Colombian guerrillas. His soul was in a mortal state of grace. He had not confessed his sins. He was extremely fearful. At the end of the story, he miraculously escaped his kidnappers and for 25 years has dedicated his life to spreading the Word of God. It seems to me that only someone who has lived through it personally can find meaning in that kind of experience. In any case, if the experience is peaceful and pleasant, God is very close.
Father Stephen Schier was killed in a car crash and was judged by Jesus who said his life was totally selfish and only about himself and not in service to God and neighbor. OurBlessed Lady intervened and asked he be sent back for a second chance. He is featured in that book by Christine Watkins in the illumination of Conscience. He also appeared on ewtn and gave his testimony.
Saint Teresa of Avila said that the sing of a true grace is that we remember it, that it engraves itself on our hearts. Clearly this is the case here. Another great sign I think of a true signal grace is that it causes us to change our lives. Again this happened here. https://laycistercians.com/signal-graces/ Signal Graces: What They Are and How To Spot Them Have you ever asked for guidance and suddenly received a sign that helped you make a big decision? You might have considered it a coincidence, but remember, everything happens for a reason. And though you might not believe it, those “signs” are signal graces. What are Signal Graces? The exact definition of signal graces can’t be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. However, most people consider signs and answered prayers as signal graces. It’s like trail markers or signposts that whisper in our ears: “This is the way; walk this path.” Our lives are full of doubts and uncertainty, and deciding, big or small, can be overwhelming. But these signs or signal graces are sent by God to help us make the right decisions in life. He doesn’t want us to live in fear. Instead, He wants us to be sure and confident with our life choices. God gives us signal graces to prepare us for the new phase in life, and it usually comes as subtle hints to guide us on the right path. Signal graces keep us in the right direction and build our trust and faith in the Lord. Here are some examples of signal grace: Conversion Experience When someone undergoes a profound and life-changing conversion, it can be seen as a signal grace. This may involve a sudden realization of God’s presence or a radical transformation in one’s beliefs and values. Inner Peace Experiencing a deep sense of peace and tranquility in the midst of challenging circumstances can be considered a signal grace. It is a reminder of God’s presence and His ability to calm our hearts in times of trouble. Spiritual Insight: Sometimes, individuals receive sudden insights or understanding about spiritual truths that they were previously unaware of. These “lightbulb moments” can be seen as a signal grace, as they provide clarity and guidance in one’s spiritual journey. Divine Guidance Signal graces can also manifest as receiving clear guidance or direction from God in making important decisions. This can come as an inner voice, a scripture verse, or a message conveyed through another person. Miraculous Healing It can be seen as a signal grace when individuals experience unexplained healings or recoveries from illnesses or injuries. These instances serve as a reminder of God’s power and His care for His children. Consolation in Suffering Signal graces can also come in the form of experiencing a sense of consolation and comfort during times of suffering and hardship. This can be a deep sense of God’s presence, the support of loved ones, or unexpected acts of kindness.
