Part VIII of a 9 Part Series

 

PREPARE

 Preparation:  the Poison

DOUBT!

(Compiled by Michael T. Sullivan, MD)

 

“Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord!”

(Isaiah 40:3)

 

Jesus to Peter:  “Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him,

and He said to him, “O’ you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

(Mt 14:31)

 

 

 

The Catholic Dictionary defines “doubt” as a hesitation of mind between contradictory views, accompanied by a fear of error.  It goes on to further break the definition into different categories:  practical, speculative and voluntary doubt.  In practical doubt the mind is uncertain about a prudent course of action or the moral certitude about something to be done here and now.  In speculative doubt there is uncertainty either about the mere truth or error of something or the merely abstract goodness of a course of action.  In voluntary doubt the will enters to withhold assent even in the presence of sufficient evidence.

 

The mystical gifts from God given to the world through Gianna Talone Sullivan, as well as most private revelation in general, have certainly at one time or another been the target of all kinds of doubt.  Moreover, a “poison” is anything that is harmful or destructive to one’s happiness or welfare.  Doubt can certainly be that poison!

 

Over the past five years, Our Lady of Emmitsburg has made it quite clear that she has asked the Almighty Father to intervene, and one aspect of that intervention has been by His “Words” through Gianna:

 

“It is better to believe than to doubt; for once you doubt, you allow forces to enter that will betray you and deceive you.  If you doubt, then the enemy can overpower you, as has happened throughout history, even to My beloved ones.  In times of war with the Philistines, when my beloved ones were to protect my Ark, they doubted and were overthrown.  And yes, the Ark went into the hands of the enemy.”  (GTF, Feb. 8, 2008; cf. Sam 4:1-11)

 

God in His Providence certainly knows how mankind will respond to things not well understood, that often being with doubt, at least at first.  From the beginning in 1988 Our Lord in His Lessons to the world through Gianna addresses this:

 

“It is with faith that miraculous events happen!  The slightest doubt questions My Divinity and is your loss of power!...You either have faith, or you do  not!  You cannot have faith one day and not the next!  You cannot have mercy on one another one day and not the next!  There is no middle of the rope.  There are only two ends! (JOM, Vol 1, #19, Dec. 19, 1988) The least questionable doubt weakens your unity with Me in My power.  (JOM, Vol I, #34, Jan. 12, 1989)  Uncertainty will only cause a roadblock in your journey with Me and lead to a weak conscience.  Uncertainty will lead you to doubt in My Truth.  It is good to question, My people; do not be mistaken.  It is not good, however, to allow your uncertainty to eat at the inner core of your conscience….These words on a clear conscience and unquestionable trust in Me are not to make you feel uncomfortable, but to teach you the tools to receive guaranteed salvation.  They are to awaken you.  You do not realize how powerful the gift of Love in itself is for salvation.”  (JOM, Vol I, #58, June 12, 1989)

 

Throughout human history, humanity has repeatedly been quite fickle in its response to God.  Our Lord expands upon on this:

 

“It is a simple and true oath I have given to My people, yet so hard for them to grasp.  I promise everlasting life, and they have a difficult time believing that they shall have it.  I tell them that I live, and they wonder!  I speak to them, and they doubt in My Truth.  I tell them to be on guard against the evil one, and they shun Me away, afraid that I am he!  If they would come to Me before the Blessed Sacrament, they would know that I am your Jesus of Mercy, and that all of which I speak will be fulfilled!  These are My ‘doubting Thomases’ who wonder if My Lessons are truly from Me….If man can promise and speak to man about many things, cannot God speak to His people and fulfill what is promised?  Know what I say is true!”  (JOM, Vol II, #27, Dec. 18, 1989)

 

 

Just as Our Lord Himself was born, suffered, died and rose from the dead because it was the Will of His Father, so too all mankind are created and invited to live in the Divine Will.  Our Lord further explains the Divine Will:

 

“I want to talk about the Will of God.  How do you know you are fulfilling the Will of God?  If you trust in what you are doing and that My Word will be fulfilled by trusting in Me, not the message, then you are fulfilling My Will.  If you doubt what you are doing because of insecurities, and are not sure, then it’s not of God.  Either you know or you do not!  You either love or do not!  You either say “Yes” or “No”!  If you, with all your heart trust that My Word will be fulfilled, but because other circumstances which are against your expectations arise, that doesn’t mean the Will of God was not fulfilled.  Do not doubt!  All will be done in accordance to the Providence of God, not in accordance to your desires.  So, do not doubt!  (JOM, Vol IV, #4, Oct. 13, 1991)

 

 

Unfortunately, living in the Divine Will does not at all insure that one’s life will be without trials and tribulations.  Our Lord, however, explains the value of such obstacles:

 

“The battle in the heavens is against evil; and much prayer, fidelity to faithfulness, and simplicity in surrendering to God are the powerful tools of victory….When many of My little children see continual division and brokenness, they begin to doubt whether their prayers are to any avail.  Consequently, they stop praying because of their lack of faith and trust in My Word.  (JOM, Vol V, #16, Sept. 9, 1995)  Evil does exist, and its subtleties linger and fall prey on any soul complacent or indifferent to unconditional love and mercy.  No doubt My servants will suffer interiorly and perhaps exteriorly because of the current conditions of the world which do not render love without self-gain….I have invited My people to follow the Truth of My Way.  I have told my people that it takes time to change and not to wait to the last moment.  My Love is not a project meeting a deadline.  My Love is a Way of life, an ongoing peace, harmony, unity, freedom and joy….So few listened to My words.  Many are still not listening….This lack of genuine love and service will only be manifested in the current devastations existing in the world….But many of My beloved ones are gaining the knowledge of Truth from asking My assistance and giving their souls unconditionally to My care, Love and Mercy.  There is hope for the future of mankind, a hope founded in Love.  For evil’s reign is close to an end!”  (JOM, Vol 5, #28, Nov. 2. 1995)

 

So too Our Lady of Emmitsburg has spoken much through Gianna about the role of Satan in precipitating doubt:

 

“The enemy of darkness will try to cloud your mind and make you doubt the power of God, but the principles of faith will give you the power to resist him.  (Public OLOE, Feb. 11, 1999)  Do not allow the belittling comments or cruel words of others to seep into your hearts.  Work continuously in the field of love.  Do not let others influence you negatively or place words of doubt in your mind….Evil cannot exist where there is Love! (Public OLOE, Oct. 10, 1996) Distractions, doubts and unkind or uncharitable actions of others can disrupt your inner peace, freedom and happiness, if you do not guard the door to your heart.  Like the wind, these distractions can extinguish the flame in your heart to follow Jesus and cause you confusion in the midst of such darkness.  You must always first tend to the inner home of your soul in order to avoid distractions and fiery darts of disruption.”  (Public OLOE, Nov. 8, 1997)

 

Our Lady has often stated both in Emmitsburg and at most all of her apparition sites that wherever she goes, the spirits of darkness follow closely behind to disrupt, confuse, intimidate and destroy.

 

“I, your Mother, am with you; and as your Mother, I bring you to the One True Good, my Son….God is real!  Never forget, God is real!  And as God is real, so too is the evil one who desires to destroy you, to harm you, to cause you confusion and doubt, and to cause you to have division, insecurity and lack of compassion.  (Private OLOE, March 4, 2004)  These are times when there is tremendous division, when people choose to walk away from my Son and from those who reach out to them.  Often those who know they have done wrong, even if you reach out to them, may in their embarrassment choose not to acknowledge or to forgive….Do not lose heart, but rally up, because I continue to remain here and to bless you.  Do not doubt that there is turmoil caused by both other spirits and by human beings themselves who have desired not to respond to the Will of God.  However, I can tell you that God will be victorious, and I live in Him!”  (Private OLOE, March 8, 2004)

 

As a Mother, while there is still time, Our Lady is in relentless pursuit of all her children.  However, the evil one also knows his time is shortened, and he too is pursuing those same children almost as relentlessly.

 

“I as a Mother comfort you, especially during this time when so many are being attacked, are doubtful, are searching, are wondering where to go and what to do, and even seem lost.  I, your Mother, am with you, chasing after you, striving to see you eye to eye as I did my Son during His Passion, because you are special and you can bring about change.”  (Private OLOE, March 19, 2004)

 

“The evil one would like all humanity to think that there is no place at all in this materialistic world for people of prayer and for those who hold in their hearts the Truth and follow my Son’s Word in the Gospel.  Do not look to that world.  Look to my Son’s one Salvific Act!  Look to those who are genuine in their prayer lives, regardless of their faith, so that through your actions your words may glorify God; and He then can direct, draw, refurbish, and make everything new!”  (Private OLOE, March 19, 2004)

 

Unfortunately, Satan has been very effective in leading so many of God’s children away from Him.  For far too many in the world, truth has become relative and there exists no absolute truth.  However, Our Lady of Emmitsburg continues to encourage all her children, no matter how hopeless things at times appear:

 

“The time will come when all will know the Truth….In times that are difficult, so many scatter and so many are afraid.  So many doubt unless they always find the consolation they need.  (Private OLOE, April 22, 2003)  Many initially persevered; but when the hour did not come to their liking, then they turned away.  Even yet, many are thinking now of turning away.  Only God the Father knows the time, but all must be strong and persevere.  (Private OLOE, Feb 13, 2007)  So many are asked, and many try; but few are chosen to fulfill God’s Divine Plan.  For when it becomes difficult, so many scatter.  Fear envelops them when there is doubt and lack of their own interior signs and prayers answered. So they scatter and become bitter.”  (Private OLOE, Nov. 3, 2007)

 

Our Lady has told Gianna from the very beginning that her mission in some way would involve the Church.  However, from the very beginning, the Church has continued to provide huge obstacles—obstacles that no human being could traverse alone, but through which God could easily develop the most direct path in His Divine Providence.  Still, difficult days lie ahead for Mother Church:

 

“Keep close to Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament, for days are coming when many people will doubt His True Presence and blaspheme Him. Pray for your priests, for there is tremendous confusion arising in God’s Church.  Many priests will be misled without your prayers for obedience and for the support of my beloved Pope.   (Public OLOE, May 30, 1996)  Stand firm, and move forward when the Holy Spirit prompts you.  Do not doubt!  You can change the way, and this way right now has to deal with Mother Church, because there are so many people involved—both priests and those who are secular—who do not want to hear the words of Truth.  But that cannot be!  The Church of Peter is the Church of my Son, and it must stand for the Truth.   All will be revealed with your help.”  (Private OLOE, Feb. 13, 2007)

 

Since the conclusion of His over 250 Lessons to the world through Gianna in 1995, Our Lord has often spoken to Gianna following her reception of the Eucharist at Mass, but not often as a recorded or transcribed message.  However, on the Feast of St. Catherine of Sienna, April 29, 2003, He did just that in a reassuring gesture during a time of extreme persecution:

 

“Your mission will be fulfilled, and I bless you in it so that it will be completed, so that Mother Church will once again be safe and strong.” (Private Message from Our Lord to Gianna, April 29, 2003)

 

Over the years, much of the doubt has been directed at not only the messenger but even more so, the message of Our Lady of Emmitsburg.  For many, including many in the Church, it did not fit their personal understanding of the prophesies found in Sacred Scripture, even though the Church has not ruled dogmatically on these areas of concern.  For others, there was just a resistance to accepting the fact that life as we know it is going to change, that our day-to-day activities will change, that this truly is an end of an era, not the end of the world. 

 

“There is so much to be done.  What I can tell you is that the Center of my Immaculate Heart is for all people in the world.  For the plan to unfold, there are many areas in which God is working so that the moment of fruition of the unveiling of His Mercy will be at the proper time; and so that everyone will have no doubt about the Center of my Immaculate Heart and the great blessings and graces which flow in this place where God Himself has allowed me to come, a site most precious and most important in salvific history.  (Private OLOE, Nov. 2, 2003)  The world may think that the next coming of Jesus will be the Final Judgment of the Risen Lord.  And yes, at the end of the world it will be the Final Coming of the Risen Lord. However, without any doubt, no matter who would like to think otherwise, my Son as the Child Jesus is coming in an intermediate coming where He will be there and reign (a spiritual Eucharistic Reign.)”  (Private OLOE, Sept. 28, 2003)

 

Our Lady gave her “fiat” to God at the Annunciation, the feast of the conception of Our Lord, her Son, in her womb.  She also discusses the significance of “fiat” as it relates to Gianna and to each one of her children:

 

“Why have you been successful in your ‘fiat’?  Faith!  You believed what was asked of you and what you were told would come true.  I invited the other children.  Initially they believed, but then they doubted.  So without penalty or punishment, they were free to go, still with all my love….You gave your ‘fiat’ to God, and look at the immeasurable outcome of graces which continue to flow.  (Private OLOE, Dec. 19, 2005)  As you have trusted in my Son, I can tell you that just as gold has been tested and purified in fire, so too you have been tested and purified.  Now you are entrusted with the task of fulfilling the means, the way, the hope and the communication path in welcoming all here to the Truth of the Center of my Immaculate Heart, to the Truth of the unveiling of my Son’s Divine Mercy, and to the Truth of the value of littleness and dedication in the fulfillment of God the Father’s Word and His Divine Will.   (Private OLOE, April 26, 2005)  All are invited; many refuse.  They are afraid to move forward, to live in faith and to hope. If they doubt, then they could miss the door of opportunity.  (Private OLOE, Nov. 25, 2007)  You have a choice, and that choice begins now.  Live now as if in Heaven and trust, trust, trust!...If my plan does not seem to you to be unfolding according to your agenda, know that permissive will allows a choice due to your freedom.  But ultimately, inevitably and beyond any doubt, I trust and I know God’s Divine Will shall unfold.”  (Public OLOE, Aug. 5, 2007)

 

One of the easiest and simplest aspects of the spiritual life to doubt is that the “fiat” of one individual or even a small group, let alone an entire family, community or nation, can make such a tremendous difference in the unfolding of world history; however, Our Lady of Emmitsburg tends to know otherwise:

 

“The world is no longer the same, simply because a few people have said ‘Yes’.  You have said ‘Yes’; and when you do not doubt your “fiat” is magnified and your spirit rejoices in God your Savior.  (Private OLOE, Dec. 19, 2003)  Because you believe and are not doubting, all goodness can surface on earth.  All good things can come to fruition, just because of your simple ‘yes’.  (Private OLOE, Dec. 27, 2005)  Have confidence in what God has promised, especially as you look to the past: to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and Joshua.  They all trusted in God and in God’s promise.  This is very important!  Do not doubt!  (Private OLOE, April 10, 2006)  Every ‘fiat’ and every soul can change the world.  And yet, every doubt and every rejection, because of free will, can also change the world.  (Private OLOE, Feb. 2, 2008)

 

The entire purpose for this series on Preparation is because this is real!  The time has come!  All that has been foretold will be fulfilled!  Our Lady of Emmitsburg could not have expressed this any more clearly and so often!

 

“How important it is that you be prepared, because the time will come, as it has often been spoken before, for things to unfold!  When the chaos unfolds, those people who are not ready because they are preoccupied in living day-to-day as if nothing will occur, will need help.  It will be chaotic!...So be prepared!...Be strong, and never doubt.  You must be totally confident and trust in God.”  (Private OLOE, Jan 27, 2008)

 

“A whole new change is coming, tremendously positive!  Wait now, wait on Our Lord, and do not doubt.  (Private OLOE, May 29, 2007)  Children, know that this is true:  There is no time for doubt and no time for fear, but there is time for change.  There is time for love, and there is no time for hate.  There is time to give, but no time to be selfish.  There is time to detach, but no time to be enticed by the things of the world.  Please, you who have eyes to see and ears to hear, look around and see what you see and hear what you hear, and you will be enlightened to see and hear all that is about to afflict the world.” (Private OLOE, Aug 12, 2008)

 

Asking, seeking and knocking often first require a certain degree of humility.  Then to see the realization of that effort, it often requires a certain degree of faith and trust.  How often is that entire effort thwarted by doubt and impatience?  Our Lord, in His Lessons to the world through Gianna, helps humanity understand its errors:

 

Jesus to His apostles and disciples:

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find;

knock and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks, receives;

and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

(Mt 7:7-8)

 

“Ask, and it shall be given unto you.  Seek, and you shall find.  Knock, and it will open.  Keep knocking until it opens.  When the door opens, walk in!...My Love is true, but the tests I give to you to see your progress do not always prove true to your claimed love of faithfulness to Me!  You want, but do not give in return.  You ask, and then you become impatient that I have not responded immediately to your dictates.  Then you doubt and give up on your God, which reopens My Wounds.  How long am I to be manipulated by you to prove My faithfulness of Love to you?....Take heed, and persist in asking.  Be consistent with your actions in proof of the fidelity of your love.”  (JOM, Vol IV, #40, July 26, 1992)

 

St. James to his disciples:

“Where do wars and where do the conflicts among you come from? 

Is it not from your passions that make war within your members?  You covet, but do not possess.  You kill and envy,

 but you cannot obtain; you fight and wage war. 

You do not possess because you do not ask.  You ask, but do not receive,  

because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” 

(Jas 4: 1-3)

 

As mankind continues to stumble over its own passions, occasionally asking and seeking, but often in an ingenuous manner that brings about God’s Will in an undesired immediate outcome, valuable time continues to pass.  Our Lady of Emmitsburg reiterates:

 

“No doubt the time is short where things will change, not only for you, but in the world.  Nothing is ending.  You will see a new tomorrow; and even the events here are not ending, but only beginning.  So be at peace.  (Private OLOE, Oct. 15, 2008)  You have the power, through His Love, to change the world.  His Love is in you.  You can change the world.  Do not be faint-hearted.  Do not doubt!  Do not blame God any longer for your problems because of your own slothful practices.” (Public OLOE, Jan 1, 1998)

 

However, as a loving Mother, Our Lady also continues to encourage and reassure all her children:

 

“Please rest assured how much you are loved and how God is in your midst, no matter what people might say to you, no matter if you doubt and have moments of personal tribulation.  Know He is with you, He is real, and He is alive!  I am with you, I am real, and I live with Him.”  (Private OLOE, April 13, 2008)

 

In the Gospel from Sept, 20, 2009, the 25^th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Jesus picked up and presented to the apostles a little child.  In Jesus’ time and culture, children were easily ignored and had no legal status.  A child could offer nothing worthwhile to the adults in the house.  He was dependent and couldn’t even contribute to the conversation.  A child was a “non-factor” in the Jewish household.  However, Jesus elevated that child and its status.  Throughout all the years of her appearances, Our Lady has so often emphasized the importance of the childlike virtues of dependence, littleness and innocence in our relationship with God.

 

Jesus to the apostles:

“Whoever receives one child such as this in My Name, receives Me;

and whoever receives Me, receives not only Me, but the One Who sent Me.”

(Mk 9: 37)

 

“Those who will have trouble with this are more the adults than the children because they will analyze and they will doubt.  They will try to discern and become distracted.  But the children, they’ll give themselves totally to God and they’ll follow Him.” (Private OLOE, Sept. 5, 2008)

 

Jesus to the apostles:

“Amen, unless you turn and become like children,

you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  Whoever humbles himself, like this child, is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. 

And whoever receives one child such as this in My Name receives Me.”

(Mt 18:3-5)

 

Do we really believe in the necessity of these attributes of the little child, or are these only words to appease the fearful, the ordinary and those with no voice, while the worldly live as if there is no such thing as sin, purgatory, hell or eternal damnation?

 

And in closing, to those skeptics who would be quick to criticize and even dismiss any possibility of Truth in what God has and is giving to the world through His prophets, Our Lord in His Lessons teaches:

 

“Submit to Me totally and undoubtedly….Do not be molested with doubts, for your doubts will deceive you and cause you to fall.  Submit understanding to Me, and you will gain the light of knowledge profitable to you….While a search and inquiry of the Truth is tolerable and taught in accordance to the sound doctrine of My Church, caution is requested that they do not search for incomprehensible mysteries which will only deceive them”  (JOM, Vol III, #5, June 4, 1990)

 

To Gianna herself, who has tried so hard to move forward in the face of so many obstacles, defamation, slander and calumny, as well as her own human weaknesses, Our Lord has spoken words to which she has always held tight, even in times of her own doubts:

 

“Thank you for believing in My words of Truth, while so many doubt you, and that which I have spoken in Truth to you.  The world will know of My Truth in you.  I will make you righteous in Me, and all will know that your delicate soul was created by Me for My Mission of Mercy.  My Divine Mercy and Love will transform you and flow out to all the world….Continue to bring all My people in prayer to Me.”  (JOM, Vol IV, #10, Dec. 8, 1991)

 

This is serious!  Life on earth and the eternal life of billions of people in the world, more than have ever lived in the world, is at stake.  The Almighty Father Who created them, the Son Who suffered and died for their salvation, the Holy Spirit Who was sent by God to enlighten and sanctify them, and the loving Mother whose heart is pierced by the thought of losing even one of them, are all pursuing each of them up to that final breath to an ever more complete return to God.

 

Jesus to the apostles:  “If you had known Me,

you would without doubt have known My Father also.”

(Jn 14:7)

 

God the Father Himself in His “Words” through Gianna to the world offers the closing thoughts about that “poison” of “doubt”:

 

 

“I love you as I have always loved you.  I will never forsake you.  The one act of redemption was completed for you.  You need simply to trust and to believe without fear that I your Father will care for you always.  Any doubt blocks the reception of My Joy.”  (GTF, June 8, 2007)

 

“Make no mistake about it; you will know the Truth, whether it be in this your life now or when you meet my Son, your Savior.  When you see Me face to face, you will know the absolute Truth.  Yet, the time to see Me face to face can only happen after your purgation.” (GTF, Feb, 8 2007)

 

“Think wholeheartedly now; and if there is any doubt, then perhaps you should make your amends now.  For only those, who can rejoice in My tremendous glory, can survive forever.  Those of you who desire to live your lives in your own way now, instead of as your soul was created to be, enjoy it; but do not ask why the Truth was not presented to you, for I have outlined the entire Truth.  It is your free will that has rejected it.  I remain faithful, at all costs.  The choice is yours.”  (GTF, Feb 8, 2007)

 

“Come, all you, come to your Father Who desires you to receive Peace, serenity of soul, and jubilation, and to bless your good works given to the Holy Trinity.  Blessings on those who hear My Words and keep them; and as an extension of My Son’s Most Sacred Heart, I am calling those in doubt to come, come and see, and live in Peace.  You can make a new tomorrow.  The option is yours.” (GTF, July 8, 2007)

 

John the evangelist to his disciples:

“Children, this is the last hour;

and just as you heard that the antichrist was coming,

so now many antichrists have appeared.

They went out from us,

but they were not of us.  For if they had been of us,

they would no doubt have remained with us;

but that they may be manifest, that they are not all of us. 

Their desertion shows that none of them was of our number.” 

(1 Jn 2:18-19)

 

If God would send a myriad of angels to appear to each and every one of His children with lottery numbers guaranteed to provide economic security for a lifetime, how would His people respond?  Would they take that risk?

 

Most likely!

 

And if God would send His Son, His Spirit, His daughter and our Mother, and countless prophets, all pleading, “Come,” and promising to all mankind eternal bliss with Him if we just live in the Truth, how would far too many people respond?  If God would provide wonderful miracles and signs, how would His people respond?  If God would allow record numbers of natural disasters including fires, earthquakes, floods, droughts, famines, diseases and infections, hurricanes and tornadoes, how would His people respond?  If through science and technology, mysteries and threats to planet earth from both within our solar system and galaxy were to be revealed, how would His people respond? If God would unleash the seals and the bowls of purification foretold in the Book of Revelation, how would His people respond?

Doubt?

 

And if God would observe that through the advancements in science and technology humanity has infringed on His creative power and the very mysteries of Life itself, how might God respond?

 

“ENOUGH!”

 

 

“Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord!”

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