A glimpse of Christian persecution going on in the country, and an example of what part you can play in doing something about it…
February 5, 2013 A.D.
Â
Our Lady in Medjugorje recently told us on February 2, 2013:
Â
Â
The following is an excerpt from a column in The Observer, by Msgr. Eric Barr, Vicar General of the Diocese of Rockford, titled, “The Coming Catholic Persecution”, and following the Monsignor’s article, an example of what one person’s response was to do something about it. It provides an incentive to be active in spreading They Fired the First Shot 2012:
Â
“Perhaps it’s already here. Catholic pulpits throughout this nation have sometimes thundered about loss of religious liberty in this country, but many of the faithful have simply looked back at their bishops and priests with bemused expressions of disbelief.
“Raised on stories of martyrs, perhaps they do not consider any persecution real unless it comes with lions, tigers and bears in the Roman Coliseum. But that’s not how this persecution is beginning.
“It is starting with a whisper, a tentative probing to see if it can get away with smacking Christianity. And those who persecute have found they can.
“The most recent damning evidence occurred with the coming presidential inauguration. An evangelical pastor, Rev. Louie Giglio, was forced to pull out of giving the benediction at the famed event because 20 years ago he gave a sermon against (abominable) marriage. The inauguration committee responded, “As we now work to select someone to deliver the benediction, we will ensure their beliefs reflect this administration’s vision of inclusion and acceptance for all Americans.”
“Think about it. That statement excludes any orthodox Catholic, in fact any orthodox Christian, and Catholics are the most organized and vocal proponents of traditional marriage.
“For the first time, the beliefs of our religion exclude us from being a part of a president’s inauguration.
“Add to that the continued governmental hostility toward our beliefs as regards Obamacare, the mockery of our faith in the media, and hostility shown by the secular world to pro-life beliefs in our culture.
“Don’t believe this? In just a week, we will have the annual March for Life and this year’s is expected to be huge – hundreds of thousands of people. Check the media coverage – or not. For years the secular media has totally ignored this huge protest. Why? Because they hate what we believe.
“These issues may seem small to some. But they represent the evolving opinion of the state – and it is not friendly to us.
“It will be a while before Catholics are dragged out of their homes and killed. But death by a thousand cuts is as sure or a death as perishing in the arena. This culture prefers to kill us slowly.
“The question is, “Are we even going to rise up and respond?”
“Some believe columns like this resemble Chicken Little crying falsely that the sky is falling. To those who feel that way, start listening to what the Pope is saying – he too expects persecution. Start listening to what our bishops are saying – they have definitely sounded the alarm. And start listening to what your priests are saying – have a talk with them about all of this.
“No need to panic; rather, start standing up courageously for what Catholics believe.
“Speak about it in the workplace, among neighbors and friends. Find a way to use those Confirmation gifts of the Spirit that gave us all the courage to be Catholic in the secular sphere.
“Maybe it’s easier to just shorten all of this with this statement: “Be a saint!”
“We may not stop what is coming, but at least we will stand up for what is right – and that may be all this is needed to triumph.”
Signed
Msgr. Barr
Following is an editorial to Msgr. Barr’s column, written by a Medjugorje follower, and is creative in evangelizing. The following response is an example that everyone can initiate to spread Our Lady’s message through issues of the day, by responding to editorials. The letter is short, direct and precise, which is perfect to get in editorials. The editorial was titled:
Â
Read This Book
In regard to Msgr. Barr’s column published in the Jan. 18 issue of The Observer, WHEW. Things are heating up faster than most of us expected.
May I recommend a book that every Catholic Christian and probably any of good faith should read: They Fired the First Shot 2012. This is available through (online booksellers) and from Caritas of Birmingham (205-672-2000). It’s frightening, but, right on the mark. I’ve been recommending this book to everyone who is concerned about our great country and its future. Thank you.
Beverly King
Marengo, IL
We must be innovative in bringing people to Our Lady. The above can be applied to many different articles in newspapers and magazines, from economics, elections, government issues, constitutional articles, practically all crisis, and a host of more. Be active in spreading They Fired the First Shot 2012 to change the nations. When you put some thoughtful effort into this, it is easy to evangelize Our Lady’s Medjugorje messages. A simple column provided the opportunity to promote Our Lady through They Fired the First Shot 2012. This has been the primary way that people have been evangelizing this country with Our Lady’s Medjugorje message. There are countless ways that you can be creative in giving They Fired the First Shot 2012 to others. Many times, a simple conversation or encounter with a person at the grocery store provides enough to tell the person, “I’ve got a book you need to read.” Don’t leave home without carrying some books in your car. By giving them They Fired the First Shot 2012, you provide a way for them to see more clearly the ways that evil is beginning to rule in the world, bring into perspective what they cannot find on talk radio or the news, give them a real workable, do-able solution, and finally, expose them to Our Lady and Her Medjugorje messages. Be creative… be active… for Our Lady.
Â
“I’ve got a book you need to read…”
Be creative for Our Lady. Every conversation can be an opportunity to expose others to truth, freedom, and Our Lady.
They Fired the First Shot 2012, by A Friend of Medjugorje
Â
3 thoughts on “The Coming Christian Persecution”
I have read ‘They Fired The First Shot.’ It was really frightening at first, but as I continued to read it all makes sense. I can see from the everyday reporting all the events unfolding. As with other countries UK and many others the government is trying to pass a ‘(abominable) law’ which many people here oppose. I pray they will not succeed, but so many Catholic here are still ‘asleep.’ I am hoping to give the book to our parish priest. With Our Lady’s help I pray this Government will not succeed in changing the law. I look forward to your many messages. God Bless your community and thank you so much.
I have read ‘They Fired The First Shot.’ It was really frightening at first, but as I continued to read it all makes sense. I can see from the everyday reporting all the events unfolding. As with other countries UK and many others the government is trying to pass a ‘(abominable) law’ which many people here oppose. I pray they will not succeed, but so many Catholic here are still ‘asleep.’ I am hoping to give the book to our parish priest. With Our Lady’s help I pray this Government will not succeed in changing the law. I look forward to your many messages. God Bless your community and thank you so much.
Dear Caritas, I am so happy my friend from the USA sent me the book! Indeed Our Lady’s gift for me. As you said, Mama Mary would like me to read it! I am slowly reading the book and so far, I see the same things happening to my country. They just passed the Reproductive Health Bill which we Catholics have been fighting against. Now our Congress is beginning to look into passing a Divorce Bill! What a deteriorating direction for the only remaining Catholic country in southeast Asia! We really have to be vigilant. We have to really understand we are in a BATTLE. Let us unite in prayers! God Bless.