In Israel, the lepers were forced to live apart from society as untouchables. There was no known cure. It was the only known way to protect the healthy. The disease was considered the result of sin.

Now, the spiritual lepers are attempting to isolate the spiritually healthy members from any interaction with society. The sick ones want nothing to do with the Cure (see Chapter 215 – Stop Rattling Sabres…) and consider the believers as being dependent on religion because they are unable to deal with the stresses of life.

Satan, the master strategist !

I was imagining a conversation with one of my sons to try and interest him in being more open to the faith. I imagined him responding with “But dad, your faith teaches that God causes suffering in order to purify a person. Why would I want to get involved with a God that’s going to make me unhappy?”

After making clear the distinction between “causes” and “allows”, I was then able to go on and point out that this loving God is going to allow increasingly powerful “swats” to show you the errors of your ways, whether or not  you decide to join His club – i.e. whether or not you read the manual for your car – no oil replacement =’s replace the engine.

BUT, if you start being open, then the swats become gentler and the consolations become sweeter until you reach the point where you start looking forward to coming closer as rapidly as possible!

Of course, to have such a conversation in real life, it’s important to have the ground rules of Chapter 73 firmly established.

Yesterday’s first reading from the Letter of St. James: 2:14-24,26: “What good is it, my brothers and sisters if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? . . . .Do you want proof, you ignoramus, that faith without works is useless?”

Just look at what you did, James! Now there are many thousands of different Protestant churches (partly) because you.

Jesus may have expressed amazement at how slow his disciples were to understand, but never anything stronger than “slow to understand”.

Go reread my chapter 73.

For the convenience of you, the reader:

73 – HOW TO HAVE PRODUCTIVE DISCUSSIONS

In most discussions that I have heard or taken part in, each party is trying to win his point of view and will try to prove the other parties’ arguments are wrong or weak compared to his.  Who-ever is the better speaker may end up winning but not convincing the other party.

What is necessary in order to avoid this useless expenditure of breath? Each person must implicitly/explicitly agree to seek the Truth in the matter under consideration.

“I must respectfully listen to your statements, seek clarification of any point that I don’t understand and if any of your information reveals a weakness in my point of view, to admit it.”

If only our elections could follow/be forced to follow these guidelines !

Every year my dad would stand us up in the doorway and carefully mark our height (keep your heels on the ground ! ) against the side of the doorway. We would proudly see our progress.

Each morning, as I read the daily entries in the four books I’ve mentioned (“Benedictus”, “Medjugorje Day by Day”, “God Speaking”, and “Medjugorje and the Word”), (this is at least the fourth year of this routine), I can clearly see my spiritual progress from the increasing depth of meaning I find in them. (I should have mentioned the 7 volume set “In Conversation With God” by the Opus Dei priest, Francis Fernandez – Scepter)

Dear Lord, since you didn’t break through with your grace until I was 66, at least keep my mind healthy for another 10 years, amen.

In other words, abortion isn’t caused by abortionists – it is the symptom, one of many symptoms of the underlying disease which is spiritual.

The cure exists for this spiritual disease ! The cure – the 100% effective cure –  is belief in our loving, all powerful God.

Let’s be clear about God’s perspective on abortion – He’s not wringing His hands about a dismembered embryo! He’ll just take it’s spirit/soul upstairs, put it in the nursery with the Holy Innocents, lovingly watched over by Our Beloved Mother, and after the final harvest down here of His “soul farm”, provide them and us with glorified adult bodies.

No ! He’s “wringing” His hands about the leprous soul of the mother/father/abortionist/legislator who agreed/condoned/performed/proposed the procedure – the soul of one of His one-of-a-kind human masterpieces.

THE CURE EXISTS !!!

Like any cure – for malaria, infantile paralysis or starvation, etc. -the problem is getting the medicine to the patients.

If Obamacare suddenly required us to close all Christian hospitals, schools etc. we would have lots of funds to evangelize the world with this delicious tasting medicine (once it has been purified of the rampant distortions presently obscuring it).

Earlier batches were vulnerable to atheistic-no-god arguments, but now, with DNA, Near Death Research, Marian apparitions (extensively researched), etc. these obstacles have been removed. With the Television channels, internet and social tools available, we can, with God’s grace, start a tsunami of healing !

When I walk into a Catholic Church I have to look around for the Tabernacle light – I don’t feel the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.  In Medjugorje, I don’t feel Mary’s presence at apparition time.  I have not been favored in this way so far.

But I have had two distinct experiences of a supernatural presence.

When I was around 8 years old, I was on the brick patio in front of my house in Jamaica, Long Island, New York. I became aware that someone was looking at me, was aware of me in a non-disruptive way.  There was no male or female flavor to the person and even though the person was behind me I experienced no desire to turn around…my awareness only seemed to occupy a part of my mind. I kept on doing whatever I was doing.  The impression is as clear to me today as it was then.  I never even thought of mentioning it to my mother.

About two years ago, I was sitting on the couch in my motor home. I was probably reading or praying.  Suddenly and quietly, Jesus was sitting next to me on my right side.  He was making me aware that He was there as my friend, a human friend.  I was crying inwardly and quietly with joy.  I felt no desire to turn and look at Him – no wish to see if He was there visibly -  just the sure knowledge that He was there and loved me.  It lasted around 5 or 10 minutes.  My heart still swells with love and gratitude whenever I recall it.

The above entry was probably written around 2002. I was thinking again about it yesterday (2/12/2012) in connection with prayer and contact with the Holy Spirit.

Mary is constantly urging us to pray, pray, pray until prayer becomes a joy for us.

That youthful experience is very interesting. If it had touched my entire consciousness it might very well have been detrimental to my development, giving me an unhealthy sense of importance. It would have touched the “noisier” levels which are constantly chattering.

As I think I have noted elsewhere, most of my (the Holy Spirit’s) inspirations come while I am in a state of being “half awake” –  just a little above a dream state. They are fleeting and unless I briefly note them on my bedside voice recorder, they are forgotten or buried when I awaken.

I have several methods of praying the rosary:

One is to preface each Hail Mary with the appropriate scriptural phrase (after 15 years I have memorized all the responses except for the Luminous mysteries).

I try to meditate on each item, but the mental work in reciting the phrase and the Hail Mary usually uses up most of my attention. I rarely come up with any new insights, but I’m certain Mary is pleased with the prayer.

A second way is to announce the mystery and then quietly, without any thought, either just mentally or quietly say the Hail Mary’s, while either thinking about the mystery, or just being open to whatever comes to me. Sometimes this results in an “important” thought, but I have to guard against my imagination “running wild” with the ever present distractions.

At my age, if I just sit and try to meditate I usually doze off in a few minutes, so I’m a familiar sight to the residents of Santa Maria Way at night as Boots, my feline prayer partner, and I slowly stroll back and forth. The owls don’t give a hoot.

After yesterday’s (2/12/12) entry, I started hearing internal voices saying “Aren’t you being a  little too harsh, calling people leprous?”

Today’s (2/13/12) entries are (from “Medjugorje and the Word”. Alice Mindrum):

“Let my Son set you aglow with His fire.”

And from Mathew 3:11:

“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I,…He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”

No, not harsh – you might have said “too fiery” and my reply would still be “No”.

I had looked into a possible calling to the Priesthood and if I had succeeded, I could be sent out to the “boondocks” for preaching this way. (Now it appears that I might be labeled a terrorist).

Look, I’ve had my leprosy healed and my coals lit (and I’m trying to fan them every day), and woe unto me if I don’t try to pass on the flame. (ala St. Paul)

This is straight Church teaching. We’ve been sown down here to grow a soul that’s pure enough to be tolerated for all eternity in Heaven. The Sower wants us to be happy – happy in the process of growing – sometimes joyful – sometimes painful. Not just happy in having every little appetite satisfied.

Plant a seed in some moist soil. The sun’s rays will bring about it’s growth.

Now cover it with some black plastic. The warmth will cause it to sprout, but no photosynthesis can take place.

Now replace the black plastic with silver plastic. It, the seed, will probably just rot.

Many of us have been covered with the black plastic. The “warmth” of those who haven’t been so covered can bring about sprouting in those who are covered, but no “photosynthesis” (soul growth). As the Plastic gets silveryer (more shiny), less and less of God’s influence can reach us.

No, not harsh, but hopefully “sharp” enough to cut through the plastic.

Today, 2/12/12, during my rosary, I was thinking about the Gospel where Jesus cured the leper, and how the majority of Americans have spiritual leprosy. Then I remembered the 33 Chilean miners (see Chapter 15). After 17 days they were finally contacted through a tiny communication tube. They were miraculously all rescued through the world’s prayers, American technology and God’s help.

I’ve been rescued by reading about the Near-Death travelers going through a tube to the light, and Medjugorje.

Now, I’m peacefully on the “surface”, healed of most of my former leprosy (still addicted to coffee), and praying for my fellow lepers – drug, sex,entertainment,internet,food addicts and luke-warm caffeteria Catholics.

I’m hoping that some of these chapters might serve as a tube of light, leading to an opening for God’s grace.

If I didn’t believe that my life was a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, lovingly created by a loving God, then the morning-after pill/abortion/defective embryo elimination, etc. program isn’t so illogical. However, that logic has never been able to make such a life very appetizing.

If I were sentenced to live in such a world I would probably invest in the Hemlock Society.

The news is all about Obama backing off (a little) about requiring the birth control pills, etc.

One of the articles defending his positions quoted some statistics according to which something like 95% of Catholic women use birth control pills.

How sad.

How sad that their Catholic husband (if they have one) goes along with them.

How sad that their confessors (if they use them) haven’t guided them.

How sad that the Catholic divorce rate equals the secular rate.

If it is true (I don’t know) that ostriches stick their heads in the sand when danger threatens,  how can we laugh at their stupidity?

Do we think that by ignoring the Magesterium’s teaching as being outmoded for today’s advanced culture, our Creator is going to agree with us?

Yes ! Creator !

Our loving Creator has proven His existence in so many ways :

Near Death testimonies.

DNA discoveries which lay Evolution in the dust.

Multiple appearances (exhaustively scientifically tested) of His Mother.

In none of which has He modified His teaching on abortion, contraception, divorce or homosexuality.

Try this exercise: Imagine yourself having a conversation (friendly) with God. Explain your position on any of the above topics with Him. Ask Him to help you to understand His position clearly and in an unthreatening manner (while you still have time to possibly change yours).

Please let me know what you find out !

Note: this was written shortly after my second trip.

In my enthusiasm I gave a couple of presentations in the meeting hall at the apartment on 4^th street.  Then I purchased a $3000 Sharp projector and screen and began giving presentations at the local churches.

I started putting one of the oval stickers with Mary’s picture and her message – “If you knew how much I love you, you would weep of joy.” – on every piece of mail I send out.  Some mail room clerk may get interested and Google Medjugorje and get hooked.  Recently I had a friend make up 4 large magnetic signs for my car, showing the six visionaries in ecstasy with Mary’s head behind them and one of her messages on each sign. They attract a lot of attention and I get to talk about Medjugorje. I also have a disciple, Sandy.  She and her husband are homeless .  He works on cars and she sits in the Safeway parking lot and offers simple beaded key chains that she makes for donations.  I started giving her blessed crosses, medals and oval stickers to go along with the key chains and she tells her patrons about Medjugorje

I had met Sr. Emmanuel in Medjugorje on several occasions and she and Denis Nolan had produced a series of 56 half hour videos filmed in the village – interviews with the visionaries, priests etc.  I purchased the complete set for myself.  Then some of my friends wanted to borrow them.

Can you imagine trying to keep track of all those tapes?  I’m no better than anyone else as far as remembering to return borrowed books in a timely fashion.  A friend suggested that I approach the Santa Rosa Community Access Studios and see if they would show them as a series on their Public Access Television Channel.  They agreed  (and were delighted) to show them once a week.

When the Cable company wants to string up their cable wires in a city, they first have to get permission from the city fathers and they, being good businessmen, see an opportunity for some of the revenue that the cable company is going to extract  from the residents.  In Santa  Rosa, the cable company gave a building with studios, offices, classrooms and three free TV channels to the city.  Residents can join for a small annual fee and learn how to produce, edit and broadcast programs.  Most of the material produced is not very interesting to the general public (comedies, etc.) and so they were happy to show the 56 programs for two years.  I put up posters in all the Catholic parishes in Santa Rosa to let people know when and on what channel to watch.  I found out that there was an access channel in Petaluma and had a Marian friend in that town get a set of the videos and show them there, also for two years.  After that, Novato, Marin, Napa, Fort Bragg, Sacramento, Healdsburg (each show 6 times a week!) and Anchorage,Alaska!

Anytime I get in a conversation with a new person I just have to casually mention that I recently returned from Bosnia-Herzegovina and when they ask “ why”, I have an opening to evangelize.

I  submitted an article, describing this method, to June Klins’ newsletter, Spirit of Medjugorje, offering to help people anywhere in the U S to get this going in their town.  It’s very rewarding to get a call from someone who was channel surfing and happened to stumble upon one of the shows. It’s impossible to get this material on commercial TV.  The website for the videos is: childrenofmedjugorje.com.

Believe me, Mary is so pleased with any effort you make to assist her in her efforts to save her children.   She can’t give you enough hugs and kisses! I can almost hear Jesus chiding her…”Mom, now don’t be spoiling them – we don’t want them looking for rewards.”

P.S. Exciting breaking news!  Every year, Access Sacramento has a lottery style drawing for the time slots for the coming year.  I chose a 9:30 PM, Tuesday evening slot (I wanted to avoid the weekend competition with the secular TV shows.). After the drawing, the station director announced that if the programs were submitted in MPEG-2 format, they would be broadcast simultaneously on the internet! Anyone in the world could tune in to Access Sacramento and watch the show on the internet at 9:30 PM west coast USA time.  All I had to do was somehow get the word out all over the world! Now 9:30 PM California time is fine for Hawaiian folks but not so nice for East Coast residents , much less the UK or France!

I presented the problem to Mary. I decided to contact some of the community access channels which had formerly aired the 56 shows. Fort Bragg did put shows on the internet, but only if the shows had been produced in their studios.  Enter NapaValley TV!  They will put the shows on local TV and the internet and archive the shows for 5 years!! Mary solved the problem perfectly! Now anyone in the world can watch the particular show they chose at the time they chose and tell their friends about it.  John Paul II must be skipping from cloud to cloud and clicking his heels. He was asking if there was a way that the new technologies could be used for good.

One of the other benefits for me: Each town that agreed to air the shows had to be provided with a complete set of 56 DVDs which I produced by burning copies from the masters which were given to me by Children of Medjugorje.com. I had purchased 4 DVD burners , switches, players, etc., but it took a lot of time. Each copy had to be burned, tested, labeled and delivered (and be picked up). Now with Napa Valley TV’s archives that is no longer necessary. Now at last Mary could reach the younger computer savvy generation and they can convert their parents if they are still dinosaurs.  (OR VICE VERSA)

Here are the directions to access the archived shows:

Go to: napavalleytv.org,  - On the red banner at the top, click on “TV on demand”. Wait a few seconds. Then scroll WAY DOWN until you see : “Channel 27 –Channel 28”  side by side. Click on Channel 28. Now scroll down the alphabetical list of shows till you come to: Medjugorje – Our Mother’s Last Call. Click on it and then click on the title you want to watch.

This is a wonderful source for evangelizing! Keep copies of these instructions (above) with you and if you find some interest, simply hand them a copy!