For we walk by faith and not by sight.
Corinthians 5:7
Walking by faith and not by what we see, is a powerful message Jesus shares throughout scripture. Things happens we just can’t explain in science or proof. At a time in my life an incident began a book was given to me that intrigued me. I have had a devotion to Mother Mary most of my life, even stronger since the passing of my beloved parents. In this particular read I journeyed alongside people in the story and as I did a change was occurring within. This read and moments in my life strengthened my devotion to Mary and brought clarity to that which I had yet to become aware. Janice T. Connell the author of the book “Meetings with Mary” in her chronicles, authenticates Marian apparitions and messages from God, Mary shares with the world and it’s people.
One evening while visiting a friend as we spoke of our devotion to Mary, I shared an unusual incident that had been happening to me, it was then she lent me a copy of, Meetings with Mary Visions of the Blessed Mother by Janice T. Connell. . We spoke of our devotion to Mother Mary and the need for her intercession in our lives. I mentioned something peculiar that was happening at school and other random moments in my life. At quite ordinary moments, I am surrounded by an intense aroma of roses, where there are no roses to be found anywhere around me. It has happened on numerous occasions, in the student playground lined by cement walls and walkways with distant grass and trees, in my car and at church. Wherever I may be, nothing suggests where the scent might be coming. I ask teachers, students, my family around me if they are able to sense the aroma and they all answer, No. I dismiss it momentarily, but know deep in my heart that God is speaking in some way. My faith in Jesus and Mary assures me that God’s love is always trying to reach each of us. God’s love is always inviting us closer.
I teach in a public school where there is no prayer as a school community, I confess I do pray and recite the Rosary silently for the sake of the children and educators to draw them close to God’s love for them. I am deeply drawn to the ways which Mary lived and devoted her life to her son Jesus and God. I don’t believed in coincidences but I firmly believe in the depth of a greater meaning of life in all precious moments. As for the message, we need to walk by faith and believe that God unfolds it gently and mysteriously.
I strongly suggest this read. Join the author as she shares from around the world, stories of ordinary and prominent people who have witnessed the apparitions of Mary and Jesus. It will keep you in awe with each breath taking encounter into the lives of children and adults, of immense and lack of faith. Many of the places have become popular pilgrimages to millions of people of all denominations. Mother Mary, opens her heart and appears to all cultures, nationalities and places around the globe to spread her message of love, hope, charity and faith in Jesus. Mary wants to intercede for us and guide us to Jesus. Mary wants us to allow Jesus to save each one of us and solidify our eternal life with God. For the realist it provides witness and for the idealist it’s a reassurance of faith, love and action. It brings you on a most beautiful spiritual journey of love of the Holy Mother for her children.
Although, from beginning to end I remained in awe, it was incredibly surreal when I came upon these words, “Those who experience the perfume of my roses walk with me.”. Although, I perused it many times the prayer that remains silently in my heart, Jesus and Mary could I, a sinner, ever be so worthy to be in your presence?
We are all in a “state of journeying” and something incredible waits for those who seek God’s love and live as Mary did, humbly and loyally to the Lord. Something mysterious, beyond our comprehension is always alive around us and something incredible awaits those who believe. It is not tangible or worthy of explanation but suffice to say it is a journey of immense love for each of us.
Peace,
Claudia
I would have like to share so many thing but as this moment these are the ones I am prevailed to share. Be filled with joy and hope!
Quotes in Book:
“My wish is to be among you, to fill you with blessings, with peace, joy and to bring you closer to God our Lord.”
“If all my children in this world transcend national boundaries, racial barriers and factional differences, for a unity and harmony with each other, and display the power of love, the Church will be revitalized, a shining new Pentacost will be realized and this world would be saved….”
“Humans can make mistakes, but remember that the Lord can turn evil into good, and use even our mistakes.”
“Keep you mind wide open at all times…”
“During these end times, Mary plays the greatest part in preserving the faith and building a cohort to continue to live on in My love by prayer, the Mass, the Rosary, the Eucharist, Confession and sacrifice.”
“God’s love extinguishes anger, hate, resentment, anxiety, nervousness, illness, fear, failure, greed, avarice, jealousy, envy, sickness, and death. Light begets light. God’s people are His delight. Never did he intend for them to live in poverty, ignorance, filth, and despair. Love begets love. Sin begets sin. Those who sow in sin reap in sin. Those who sow in love reap in love. God makes all things well. His will is done. Those who rest in His will reap His bounty. Those who rest in their own will build castles in the sands of illusion.”