[bluecross]

Ever noticed that when any positive news appears on Medjugorje (like the appointment of a papal envoy and his arrival in Medjugorje yesterday), there is an outburst of negativity from opposing forces. Twitter seems to be the choice of social media to express some venomous comments, particularly from Italy.

I suppose it’s to be expected as Medjugorje gets wide media coverage in Italy, especially on TV.

[Maryh]

Most definitely; Twitter is a troll magnet for sure!
It's the go-to place for wanting to unleash all their frustrations. When things trend; its often because of negative reasons.
The Italians are a fiery outspoken bunch from what i know!

What i found quite disturbing lately is all the outpouring of venom against Pope Francis, especially on many Catholic & christian forums.
Wasn't expecting to find it there! Nowhere is safe.

No good deed goes unpunished! I'm convinced of it.

[bluecross]

Today’s first reading sums the attack made on Pope Francis:

1st Reading: Wisdom 2:1, 12-22

Malice of the foolish against good people

Foolish people reasoned unsoundly, saying to themselves, “Short and sorrowful is our life, and there is no remedy when a life comes to its end, and no one has been known to return from Hades. Let us then lie in wait for the righteous man, because he is inconvenient to us and opposes our actions; he reproaches us for sins against the law, and accuses us of sins against our training.

“He professes to have knowledge of God, and calls himself a child of the Lord. He became to us a reproof of our thoughts; the very sight of him is a burden to us, because his manner of life is unlike that of others, and his ways are strange. We are considered by him as something base, and he avoids our ways as unclean; he calls the last end of the righteous happy, and boasts that God is his father.

“Let us see if his words are true, and let us test what will happen at the end of his life; for if the righteous man is God’s child, he will help him, and will deliver him from the hand of his adversaries. Let us test him with insult and torture, so that we may find out how gentle he is, and make trial of his forbearance. Let us condemn him to a shameful death, for, according to what he says, he will be protected.”

Thus they reasoned, but they were led astray, for their wickedness blinded them, and they did not know the secret purposes of God, nor hoped for the wages of holiness, nor discerned the prize for blameless souls.

[bluecross]

The six visionaries must be blessed with some very special graces to have been able to withstand the onslaught of criticism against them these past 36 years – their families also.

Probably one of the best examples of turning the other cheek, I know of. They have a good teacher.

Came across this nice picture of Mirjana, Jakov and Marija taken today...

[Maryh]

Lovely picture of them all.
Nice to put a face to the names!
The only person I know of is I think Mirjana, who televises receiving the messages.

Its like people are not allowed to point out what is right from wrong these days.
You cannot be forthright with people or even give any well meaning advise without being
accused of being an awful person & with awful character flaws.

People are too quick to throw others under the bus if they don't agree with their point of view- no matter how reasonable or true it may be. Not fair minded so they're not.

I love today's gospel reading.