Thus the word of the Lord came to me. Son of man, speak thus to your countrymen: When I bring the sword against a country, and the people of this country select one of their number, to be their watchman, and the watchman, seeing the sword coming against the country, blows the trumpet to warn the people, anyone hearing but not heeding the warning of the trumpet, and therefore (is) slain by the sword that comes against him, shall be responsible for his own death. He heard the trumpet blast, yet refused to take warning; he is responsible for his own death, for had he taken warning, he would (have) escaped with his (own) life.
But if the watchman sees the sword coming and fails to blow the warning trumpet, so that the sword comes and takes anyone, I will hold the watchman responsible for that person's death, even though that person is taken because of his own sin.
You, son of man, I have appointed watchman for the house of Israel; when you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me. If I tell the wicked man that he shall surely die, and you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked man from his way, he [the wicked man] shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death. But if you warn the wicked man, trying to turn him from his way, and he refuses to turn from his way, he shall die for his guilt, but you shall save yourself.
(Ezekiel 33:1-9)
Speaks of “overwhelming good spiritual fruits...” In an interview with Our Sunday Visitor July 15, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn has again confirmed the Church’s teaching on the Medjugorje phenomenon which is still being studied by a Vatican Commission.
Questioned as to how the faithful should respond to the phenomenon in view that the authenticity of the apparitions is still under question, the Cardinal responded:
“I think that the Church’s teaching on Medjugorje is very clear. The bishops of the countries of the former Yugoslavia took a clear position in 1991. This is still valid and has been confirmed by the Vatican twice.
“There are three important points in this statement. First, that it is not confirmed that the events are of supernatural origin. That means it is neither confirmed nor denied. The Church left it open.
“The second point is that as the so-called apparition question and message question has not been decided it is not permissible to make official pilgrimages to Medjugorje. So, for example, I cannot organize a formal diocesan pilgrimage to Medjugorje as we can to Rome or Fatima or Lourdes.
“The third point, however, is that the people who choose to go to Medjugorje on their own are entitled to spiritual care. So, we priests or bishops are invited to provide spiritual company to pilgrims. That’s what my predecessors in Vienna did from the very beginning regarding Medjugorje, and that’s what I continue to do.
“I think these three points are sufficient for a good understanding of how to approach Medjugorje.
“The most important for me are the overwhelming good spiritual fruits of Medjugorje.” • Cardinal Schönborn is one of several cardinals who have made private pilgrimages to Medjugorje. He was there for Christmas 2009.
“Dear children; through the immeasurable love of God I am coming among you and I am persistently calling you into the arms of my Son. With a motherly heart I am imploring you, my children, but I am also repeatedly warning you, that concern for those who have not come to know my Son be in the first place for you. Do not permit that by looking at you and your life, they are not overcome by a desire to come to know Him. Pray to the Holy Spirit for my Son to be impressed within you. Pray that you can be apostles of the divine light in this time of darkness and hopelessness. This is a time of your trial. With a rosary in hand and love in the heart set out with me. I am leading you towards Easter in my Son. Pray for those whom my Son has chosen that they can always live through Him and in Him - the High Priest. Thank you. ”
