Part VII of a 9 Part Series

PREPARE

 

 Preparation:  the Obstacles

Complacency, Indifference & Procrastination

(Compiled by Michael T. Sullivan, MD)

 

“Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord!”

(Isaiah 40:1)

 

To many an observer, it would appear that much of the world is not walking with God.  Is it because God has not provided humanity with the tools needed to attain eternal happiness?  Is it because God has not provided humanity access to the Truth?  Is it because God has not demonstrated how much He loves each and every one of His children?  Is it because God is not a patient God? Is it because God has not previously intervened in human history when mankind has ignored or defied His Divine Will? Or Is it because, even though God has delivered on His promises unconditionally and unfathomably, that far too many of His children remain complacent and indifferent?

 

COMPLACENCY

 

“The foolish ones, when taking their lamps brought no oil with them….

While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came;

and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him….

Afterwards the other virgins came…. ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 

Therefore stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

(Mt 15: 3-13)

 

In His Lessons to the world through Gianna Talone Sullivan, Our Lord Himself defined "complacency":

 

"This is complacency—an addiction to a self-satisfying attitude, masking the Truth by one’s living in a world of fallacy, and not knowing the true individual I have created!…As my people continue day by day in their complacency, they continue to live in a fake world of no reality!  They continue to think that they know who they are, and their attitudes reflect the need for little assistance.  They live in a tunnel of darkness with their happiness being superficial, only on the surface….They would become confused and would think they were losing their minds if I tried to change them by showing them many truths about themselves without their permission.  They are so self-satisfied, that any suggestion for the need to look at their inner being would be bounced out as an inner conflict and loss of peace, which they actually create for themselves by their outlook and separation from My Truth!"  (JOM, Vol II, #8, Oct. 4, 1989)

 

For many, the loss or forfeiture of their own personal dignity has become a very destructive force in obstructing God's Plan.  Our Lord further explains:

 

"My people, you live your lives without dignity.  You are complacent and have destroyed dignity!  In your age today, My people die without dignity because there is lack of respect and love…..How do you restore dignity?…Preach by your deeds of a holy life….Restore the dignity of My Love in your fellow brethren by being the living fruits of My Vine, the freshness and purity of beauty itself!"  (JOM, Vol I, #78, Aug. 12, 1989)

 

This attitude of complacency not only permeates mankind's response to Divine Revelation, but is arguably even more prevalent as regards to the charismatic grace of private revelations through God's prophets, especially among many Church officials in the United States. One excellent example of this is taken from the 2002 Baltimore Archdiocesan Commission of Enquiry* report, which in speaking about the Lessons of Our Lord and Messages from Our Lady to the world through Gianna in the I am your Jesus of Mercy series, stated:

 

“In general, the lessons and messages presented as words of Jesus and Mary are within the boundaries of orthodox doctrine; they reflect traditional Church teaching…” (#43)*

 

“In what seems to be a free association of ideas, the lessons and messages consist of a bland repetition of basic Christian spirituality…” (#44)*

 

“Authentic theology of this sacramental mystery (the Eucharist Real Presence of Jesus) does not foster a sentimentalized image of Jesus…a child as dependent as any human child….The Church does not look forward to the return of this Child, loveable as He was….It may well be comforting for the visionary, but it cannot claim to be a private revelation of divine inspiration…” (#46)* 

 

While many expert Marian theologians and scholars have written much to unpack the contradictions and falsities in these assertions, Our Lord Himself might also disagree with the commissioners’ erroneous assessment as He defends His prophets:

 

"My people are living now amongst My prophets of My Divine Age of Mercy, and they continue to react as if My chosen have nothing of value to speak!…Do not My people realize what they are doing to one another and themselves through their complacent attitude?  If My people recognized this truth, why would they not ask Me to change their hearts?  What does it take for my people to believe in Me?  By believing in those I sent, My prophets and disciples!"  (JOM, Vol II, #7, Oct. 1, 1989)

 

In the Words of God the Father to the world, the Eternal Father addresses how humanity has treated the last and the greatest of the New Testament prophets, Our Lady herself:

 

"Truly there is a lack of wisdom and a lack of humility on your part for not being able to see with the eyes of the heart the gift that has been handed to you.  Here you have the treasure of My Son's Mother who pleads your cause on your behalf….How fortunate you are, children of humanity, to have been given such a treasure that is taken for granted, overlooked, and dismissed with indifference and ingratitude."  (GTF, Jan. 8, 2006)

 

Either at a conscious or subconscious level, many people seem to justify their complacency, because not to do so would be a threat to their attachments in the areas of pride and wealth. God often chooses little, ordinary and imperfect people to reinforce His prophetic message in speaking to His people.  And why?  Maybe it is because they will listen to Him!  Thus, it seems natural for many, who see themselves as being holier or more righteous or highly intelligent, to allow spiritual jealousy to influence and even justify their response, or lack of response, to God’s modern day prophets.  Our Lord challenges the false sense of authority that many exhibit:

 

"You cannot say you live My Word and then turn around and judge, be indifferent, be complacent, or treat others as aliens because they do not share your belief or because you feel they are not living as children of the Father and disciples of the Son.  I want my people to know that it is most important during this time that they be very careful in how they perceive others in thought, word and deeds….Do not be self-righteous and see yourself as favored….How can you say you love Me with all your heart and desire to be Me and even study My Way and My Word, then turn around and criticize and condemn with a sense of authority?…My message of Love and Mercy may seem to be too simple of a task and without full flavor for many people.  If this is so, why is it that so few people are responding at all levels to My words and requests?...What is needed is Love at all levels for all My people regardless of title, position or authority, even in My Church.  Love is what is needed!  Mercy!"  (JOM, Vol V, # 27, Oct. 30, 1995)

 

Sacred Scripture tells us that one cannot have two masters:

 

“No one can serve two masters. 

He will either hate one and love the other,

 or be devoted to one and despise the other. 

You cannot serve God and mammon.”

(Mt 6:24)

 

"How many times do My people not stand behind the principles of truth because of money?  Money is their ‘god’!…I tell you that money is not the source of life!…I am the Source of Life, and I provide the source of true wealth!…My people, look at your inner being and see your dishonesty!…Those of you who look at yourselves and see no stain because of your complacency, beware!  It is you who live in darkness."  (JOM, Vol II, #9, Oct. 9, 1989)

 

Our Lord then shares how human pride breeds both complacency and indifference:

 

"It grieves Me that many of My people have chosen to walk the way of evil.  They have chosen to be stubborn in their ways.  They want, but they refuse to give.  They must be right at all times and fail to accept error in humility. Pride continues to control every element of their being…By seeking self-gain in the world, they will see what they have depleted from their souls through the loss of treasures in Heaven.  Evil does exist and its subtleties linger and fall prey on any soul complacent or indifferent to unconditional Love and Mercy."  (JOM, Vol V, #28, Nov. 2, 1995)

 

And what about all those earthly treasures which we so proudly claim to be our own rather than humbly attribute them to God?  Our Lady of Emmitsburg both teaches and warns her children:

 

"Do you not know that all you have has been given to you as a gift from God and not of your own merit?  How long will you continue to be complacent with the goodness of God?…All the accomplishments you achieve in your earthly life without Him will only be short-lived, because you can do nothing without Him.  (Public OLOE, July 21, 1994)  You cannot serve God when love is lacking.  If you harbor emotions of bitterness, anger, jealousy, hatred or complacency towards one another, you are unable to serve God in humility. (Public OLOE, August 18, 1994)   Are you surprised that God in His humility would allow me, a humble servant, to come here to invite humanity to return back to Him.  He is not a vindictive God!  He does not punish; however, if people spurn His Mercy, He has no choice but to be a God of Justice.  What are now needed are more prayer, more Eucharistic celebrations and more giving to others, giving until it hurts.  This is what my Son has given to you….How long can the world continue ignoring in complacency the effects of God's Love?  All are called, but few respond; yet, look at the hope for tomorrow, hope in every way!"  (Public OLOE, Oct. 2, 2005)

 

INDIFFERENCE

 

“I know your works; I know that you are neither cold nor hot.

So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold,

I will spit you out of my mouth.”

(Rev 3:15-16)

 

In Webster's Dictionary, the word "indifference" is defined as:  a lack of interest, concern or feeling; apathy; callousness; a state of being lukewarm or ingenuous.

 

God the Father speaks of the results of humanity's indifference:

 

“My creation was beautiful!  Your creation will destroy itself.  It is only a matter of time.  With your continual rebellion against My Word and with your rebellious hearts against other people, with your indifference and demeaning ways and actions toward one another, you will find sooner rather than later the world you live in filled with fear, chaos, anxiety, crime, anger, violence, perversion and deception."  (GTF, May 8, 2007) 

 

In His Lessons to the world, Our Lord describes the state of mind of much of the world:

 

"There are my people of indifference, those who only care about the events surrounding their lives, but are indifferent to the storms in other peoples' lives.  These are My nonchalant people who have little emotion for helping those in need.  They do not trust in My Father, for they do not have time for Him!"  (JOM, III, #12, Aug. 15, 1990)

 

Our Lady of Emmitsburg, as always, is here at the Father's request to direct her children to her Son.  However, the lukewarm hearts of so many of her children weigh heavy on her Heart.  She points to those gifts given to humanity by Mother Church as essential elements to build a new world based on Truth, not fallacy.

 

"You have all become too indifferent, failing to realize Who is your God.  Your mortal, human ways have caused division and scattered destructiveness because of your desire to control….I am now pleading with you in these last days that I am permitted to be here, to love Jesus and follow His ways outlined in the Scriptures.  Is there not one of you who will love my Son without expecting consolation in return?  (Public OLOE, Nov. 24, 1993)   There are so many who have lukewarm hearts.  These lukewarm hearts are the ones which afflict my Son's Most Sacred Heart.  They are disinterested and indifferent…..Unless these lukewarm hearts practice prayer daily and exercise perseverance in trials, they will turn into cold stone hearts….If you do not wish to accept my words of enlightenment and seek by the grace of God to change your lukewarm hearts, then so be it by your choice."  (Public OLOE, Feb. 9, 1995) 

 

"The Father loves you, little children, and He is gentle and kind.  Praise Him for your existence and join in deeper union with Him.  It is so necessary that my beloved children not become indifferent, but enkindle the flame of His Love by trusting and believing His Words."  (Public OLOE, April 10, 1997)  If people love the Word of My Son in the Gospel, there would be no need of my visitation.  It is because there is a large percentage of the world who are indifferent to His Truth that I come to plead and invite all to return to Him.    There are so many deceptions and demoralizing issues which have infected the world.  Many people don't know what is  God's Truth.  Unless people become centered on Jesus in prayer, His True Presence in the Eucharist, and unless they live a sacramental life, his Truth will only continue to be diluted by the pollution of sin; and fear will become the end product."  (Public OLOE, Oct. 28, 1999)

 

Any Plan that is “of God” will require love of God and love of neighbor to be at its foundation.  You cannot have one without the other.  Our Lady further explains:

 

"Have a genuine love for one another. Do not avoid, be distant or indifferent toward one another….It is important to love all people and to be genuinely sincere in your kindness and behavior in an affectionate manner….Focus on the Way of Jesus, not on the way that others live.  Do not judge, for you know very little.  (Public OLOE, June 22, 1995)  You must not only pray for peace, but you must practice and put into action genuine love and become selfless….Love all people genuinely and equally.  If you do not temper your tongues and temper the desires to please only yourselves, then your hearts will remain hardened, proud and indifferent to God's Truth and Word."  (Public OLOE, Feb. 24, 2000)

 

As has always been the case, there are no short-cuts around faith.  The merits and requirements for faith cannot be circumvented. History has taught humanity that without faith, there can be no unity or Truth; and with complacency and indifference, there can be no true faith, but only the dilution of that faith.   Our Lady stresses this essential role of faith:

 

"Do not be self-centered, ungrateful, abusive, lovers of money, disobedient to your parents, or slanderous and indifferent to what is good.  Learn to oppose these foolish ways, and make progress through the knowledge of God's Love in faith."  (Public OLOE, July 13, 1995)   "You need to be strong in your faith in order to persevere.  Your relationship with God needs to be solid.  You will weaken and become confused and frightened if you are indifferent to His calling.  You cannot have a causal attitude in your spiritual development; but instead, prepare as an athlete prepares for an event, or you will not have the stamina of endurance.  You cannot become lax in your faith!"  (Public OLOE, Nov. 14, 1996)

 

On Independence Day weekend in 2006, Our Lady of Emmitsburg expanded this discussion about indifference to include both "freedom" and "peace."

 

"Freedom today comes through action, not indifference.  If people of your country (USA) are indifferent, even to the words from Heaven, how much more indifferent are they to Peace?…Even now in the Iraq War, many have learned what "freedom" means and how to achieve it.  But so many others today are indifferent and do not really and truly know the meanings of 'war' and 'Peace'.  You cannot be indifferent!  You must pray and you must love!" (Public OLOE, July 2, 2006)

 

God the Father reiterates this lack of understanding among His children of the basic issues of Truth, freedom and peace.  He also speaks of "holy indifference," in contrast to indifference, whereby one through this saving detachment subordinates all persons, objects and conditions of life to one's pursuit of God and His Will:

 

 

"So many people suffering, wounded, searching, grasping each breath for life!  Each day is another day, an opportunity for you to live in Truth; and yet, with all the many other distractions and circumstances in this world, very few come back to the Truth.  This is why there is chaos—because there is no peace in your heart.  There is no freedom or joy, no comfort or holy indifference. So people scatter and do not gather.  Peace and Justice meet, yes indeed; but the lack of faithfulness cannot allow it to fulfill its proper measure."  (GTF, Mar. 8, 2009)

 

Our Lord too addressed the indifference that is destroying the world and preventing a true and lasting Peace:

 

"Your world is being destroyed, and it is you who are destroying it through hatred and indifference.  Return to good and pure ways.  Begin by having mercy on one another….Begin treating one another with dignity….The day will come when the people who do not believe these words, will know that what I have spoken is true; and it will be their sorrow, for it will be too late!…I wish for my people to restore peace by living in peace."  (JOM Vol I, #35, Jan. 12, 1989)

 

PROCRASTINATION

 

“But Lot’s wife looked back, and she was turned into a pillar of salt.”

(Gen 19:26)

 

To procrastinate is to put off something, often unpleasant or burdensome, until a future time; to postpone habitually.

 

Interestingly, the word "procrastinate" which connotes an action, or inaction, so prevalent in human history, and most especially in today's modern world, is not even found in any of the hundreds of Public and private Messages from Our Lady, Lessons from Our Lord and Words of God the Father. Perhaps, this is because there is truly no further time to procrastinate, for

"Time is Short!" 

(Private OLOE, Oct. 15, 2008)

 

 

So What Does Our Lady Want of Me?

 

Very frequently in Emmitsburg and even at other apparition sites throughout the world, Our Lady has ended her message with the words: "Thank you for responding to my call."   These words are certainly a genuine expression of gratitude to those who were already trying to respond to her invitation, and in hopeful anticipation for those who might do so in the future.  However, as is obvious by what has been said in the preceding messages, a high percentage of people in the world and the Church have not yet responded to Our Lady's call.

 

 

 

PLEASE RESPOND!

 

Jesus said: 

“What if I want him to remain until I come? 

What concern is it of yours?  You follow Me.”

(Jn 21:22)

 

On only six occasions in over 20 years of messages through Gianna has Our Lady pleaded, "Please respond!"  The most recent of these were her last two words on October 5, 2008 in her Public Message to the World, at what turned out to be the last Public Prayer Group in the Archdiocese of Baltimore before the Archbishop asked Gianna to voluntarily cease praying at the monthly Marian Prayer Group associated with Our Lady of Emmitsburg within his Archdiocese.

 

It is noteworthy and worthwhile to review these 6 pleas:

 

1.  "Take seriously my call to prayer, unity and change….Please recognize the gift God has given to you by allowing me to be here, and please respond."  (Public OLOE, April 14, 1994)

 

2.  "Peace can exist through prayer and Love, but it is necessary that you respond in action.  Please respond by being the fabric of His Love.  Respond to my call of Love and Mercy through unity, prayer, penance and fasting, all of which are important factors which can ward off wars and soften chastisements."  (Public OLOE, Aug. 4, 1994)

 

3. "Do not wait until God's Warning strikes the soul of every person in this world, for it will be very difficult to respond and change.  Please respond now to God's call.  There will not be much time after God's Warning for the purification to befall you."  (Public OLOE, May 9, 1996)

 

4. " You think you know the Truth and are favored by God, but your lack of prayer, lack of charity and self-seeking ways expose your hardened hearts and the truth of your indifference….Please respond to this call of peace through prayer and actions of love."  (Public OLOE, Feb 24, 2000)

 

5.  "Do not hesitate any longer in cooperating with my Son's request for preparations. When you desire something from my Son, you desire a quick response.  Yet, when He asks you for something of yourselves, you are slow to respond and are indifferent.  Ponder your motives, and please respond to the grace God is giving to you."   (Public OLOE, May 4, 2000)

 

6.  "As you have witnessed, in a moment's glance you could have all and lose all….Use your gifts wisely, and know that I am here with you.  I am not leaving, even if you think I am far away.  Be prepared.  Pray with all your heart, and do not take life for granted…Thank you for listening. Please respond!"  (Public OLOE, Oct. 5, 2008)

 

 

"Please Respond!" 

(Public OLOE, Oct. 5, 2008)

 

“Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord!”

(Mt 3:2, Mk 1:3, Lk 3:4)