Your Place In The Kingdom Of God
Scripture tells us that the throne of God stands forever, and in Psalm 45 we read of the Kingdom of God and its Queen. The Catholic Church honors Mary during the month of May. She is the Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and, as the Mother of our Church, she is Queen of the Kingdom here on Earth. She is the guide and inspiration in and through the Church for all who seek to serve God and man. She is the obedient instrument of the promptings of the Holy Spirit, which is the soul of the Church. There are many reasons to be grateful for the gift of Mary and her willingness to bear the Savior of the world who gives us eternal life.
On Sunday, May 13, 1917, Mary appeared to three young children. The 20th century Marian Apparitions of Fatima in Portugal are significant to our anxious times. She told the children she was from heaven. She asked them to visit her at that same spot on the 13th of the month for six consecutive months. The Blessed Mother declared that she was “Our Lady of the Rosary” and asked them to recite a rosary every day to obtain peace for the world, and an end to war. The powerful devotion of the rosary is to our generation what the ark was to Noah’s generation – protection in a troubled world.
People from every generation, in every culture, want to give the very best to their children. Our hope for continued future happiness depends on our efforts. This responsibility is not just given to parents and grandparents; everyone is accountable for making the world a better place. Sharing faith in God is a great place to begin.
King David told his son, Solomon, that wisdom and success come from God the Father. "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever” (1 Chronicles 28:9). These words from the Old Testament remain a true path to a successful life with peace. Not as the world gives, but as God gives!
It is a fact that no two people think alike, but this is very good news! God in His wisdom created us uniquely gifted to love one another. If we focus on our sameness and not our differences, the world would be filled with a love that recognizes the full potential of all people. Pope Francis said, “Although the life of a person is in a land full of thorn and weeds, there is always a space in which the good seed can grow. You have to trust God.”
Children are our greatest treasure and must be nurtured with the love revealed by our Blessed Mother. It is clear in the messages of Fatima that the innocence and obedience of children are needed to bring peace to our difficult world. The saints are great examples of life well lived, but our own behavior is the best guide for our children. The Church will continue to grow stronger with each generation when Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture are bound together, and practiced faithfully within every family. Amen!
