Trials and Tribulations

Hi all. I am reading this incredibly inspirational book at the moment titled, The Mystical City of God. This book was written by Mother Mary of Jesus of Agreda back in the Spain of the 1600s. Venerable Mary of Agreda was a mystic to whom Our Blessed Mother Mary appeared and dictated her life. She then instructed Mary to write down everything that had been told to her during the mystical visions. Now the original book is over 2,200 pages so it seems that I am reading the abridged version at close to 800 pages, but though it is not a complete version, it is an absolute page-turner if you ask me.

I know that throughout the various forms of Christianity that Mary is seen in different lights. To Catholics, Mary is venerated by all as the Mother of Our Lord and Savior incarnate. But this book has thoroughly and completely opened up my eyes to so many different things; things that are eluded to in the Bible but not quite clarified. Take for instance, the birth of Mary immaculate, of whom Catholics believe was born without original sin. I know this is a debate in the making however it is one that is addressed in The Mystical City of God. Just as God created the angels for a specific purpose, He created Mary to be the ark of the new covenant. She was created specifically for this earthly life with one purpose.  She had to be perfect from the moment of her own conception in order to be the Mother of Our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ and to carry Him in her womb.

Our Lady of Kibeho

Throughout her life she had many trials and tribulations and offered them all up to God the Father. Jesus even began to make sacrifices for the sins of man by wearing an unlined, woolen tunic when he was just a toddler. Of course, we all know of his agony and crucifixion yet are you aware that as his Mother that Mary shared in all of His agonies as well? Simeon prophesied it at the  presentation in the temple when Jesus was just 5 months old.

Look, he is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is opposed--and a sword will pierce your soul too--so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.'
                              Luke 2: 22-35

This life is meant to have trials and tribulations. It is written that you cannot gain heaven unless you suffer trials and tribulations here on earth.  Personally I do not know of anyone that has a perfect life. Everyone that I know is dealing with some type of trial, be them small or horrific. What we must remember is that regardless if we are having trials or if we are thankfully in a smooth sailing mode that we must keep God close to us at all times. He knew us before we were formed in the womb as well and each and every one of us were put here on this earth for some purpose, just as Mary was. Trials and tribulations are a part of this earthly life and if the Mother of God and Jesus, himself, was not immune to them well then neither are we. 

It is also mentioned in this book, and others as well, that Mary can and will intercede for us on our judgement day when we stand before her Son if you call upon her while here on earth. She is the Mother of all in heaven and on earth and as our Mother loves us unconditionally. The way to Mary is through the rosary, which is said daily. You DO NOT have to be a Catholic to have a devotion to Our Blessed Mother nor to say the daily rosary or the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows (Dolors).

You do not have to be Catholic in order to read the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, the letters of Paul and all chapters in the New Testament either. Jesus himself told the little pagan boy, Segatashaya that in the 1980s Kibeho, Rwandan visions. He did tell him to spread the word that all should read the Bible and live their lives according to His word.**

Pray, pray and then pray some more. Know the Gospels and Jesus through his teachings. Convert your heart and turn away from the pleasures of this earthly world. They are empty and will not gain you access to heaven. Those are not my words; they are the words of Mary most Holy and her Divine Son Jesus. Live your life on Jesus' terms and not your own for only through Him will you obtain eternal life.

If you are interested in a rosary or the chaplet, we have a wide variety of them available at both the website www.gloryglorygifts.com and at the eBay store www.ebay.com/str/gloryglorygifts.

Peace,

Mare

**The Boy Who Met Jesus, by Immaculee Ilibagiza. It's amazing to read!