TO WHOM SHALL WE GO? ONLY YOU HAVE THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE!

“He who has ears, let him hear”; that is a commend of the Lord. These are difficult and complicated times for mankind. Not only due to the pandemic, which have undoubtedly brought much pain onto families, but a time wherein so many people claim to have the truth; this is an age-old strategy of Satan to divide humanity. Sadly, our Catholic Church is not immune to Satan and his forces.

In worldly affairs division is present in the field of politics, some support one party and some support another or movement and the discussion about moral and ethical values depends on who applies them; the same is true for the vaccine. Some people think they know something and some think otherwise.

In the Church, some support Pope Francis and some do not; even within one’s own friends and family. Such a painful situation; it is like children that see their parents quarrel or turn a blind eye while trying to discern who is right. As a result many people have fallen into a state of confusion and loss of Faith. While others argue that this is the time of ushering in the great Tribulation and Antichrist, that the end of the world is coming, fast. People talk about the number of the beast and the like.

Consequently, millions of people are living in fear and tremendous uncertainty. However, those who know Jesus live not in fear but freedom for He called us to be free of such things. Those who announce major catastrophes and divisions want to draw attention to create confusion and unhealthy fear. Let us pray for them as James instructed us, if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

I want to be part of Saint Peter’s team; Saint Peter managed to handle and respond rightfully to the difficult and complicated times of his generation. Divisions existed and were deep during the time of Jesus; some believed in Him, others spoke badly of Him. Some continued to follow Him, some stopped. I invite you to read Saint John’s Gospel Chapter 6, a description of the time when many followers of Christ left Him. Specifically, when He revealed that He is the Bread from Heaven, the Bread of Life, that anyone eating His Body will live; He will resurrect that person on the Last Day. This caused a huge commotion and many began to murmur and divide themselves.

“On hearing it, many of His disciples said, this is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” (John 6: 60). The Scripture goes on, “from this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him. Jesus asked the Apostles, do you want to leave me too, do you? Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the Words of Eternal Life. We have come to believe and to know that You are the Holy One of God”. (John 6: 66-69).

Being attached to the Cornerstone

St. Peter’s response to confusion and division should be ours today. While I respect each person’s opinion, I do not accept ideologies or theories lacking a solid foundation. I favor the doctrine of the Church, for its is formed mainly from the Gospel accounts of Christ.

I am a Catholic Christian resulting from my ENCOUNTER with the living and resurrected Jesus. Therefore, I am united to Jesus Christ, my Rock. I believe in His words and from among all the Apostles He chose Peter to build His Church. “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in Heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter and on this rock, I will build my church and the gates of Satan will not overcome it”. (Matthew 16:18). So, I stand with Peter.

Today, the successor of the Apostle Peter is Pope Francis. From day one Pope Francis has made one request and one request only of me and of you; to pray for him and so I do.

Perhaps someone of you would expect me to give my opinion on the issues that divide us. However, I think I have a better answer to avoid confusion and fear and rest assure that we are safe and follow the right path. Instead of trying to discern who is right, I will focus on something much more IMPORTANT than what divides us; knowing that the Father and His Son are more interested in our daily actions of love for others. This is what will define our eternal destiny at the final judgment, not words. I am more concerned about being faithful to the Lord by my thoughts and deeds. All the rest will not necessarily weigh in favor of our salvation on that day.

“A new command I give you, Love the other. As I have loved you, so you must love the other. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples if you love the other”. (John 13: 34-35).

The confusion and fear in the world and in the Church is not based upon compassion or acts of Mercy. Whenever I hear someone arguing against this or that, I try to find out what they are doing for the people in need, those who truly suffer.

In general, they only speak of division but fail to show love for others. I pray for them and ask God to help those who listen to them, so they do not get confused but remain free, the freedom found in Christ.

If we want to be free from these divisive topics, I encourage you to have a closer relationship with Jesus, implement the Commandments, receiving the Sacraments; pray and serve the other in your life and do things that reflect our love for Christ. I assure you that this is what is most valuable to God. We should not worry about listening to various opinions but fulfill the mission God has called us to, love the other.

Saint John said “Love kicks out fear”. And Saint Augustine rightfully claimed, “Love first and then do whatever you want”.

Saint Paul said “For the Spirit that God gives us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline”. (2 Tim 1:7). Do not accept living in fear but chose to love. If the Lord comes tomorrow, the most important thing is to know that we were in communion with Him. If persecution or tribulation comes, we will know that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Today, just like the Apostle Peter, I say to the Lord “to whom shall we go, only You have the Words of Eternal Life”. Let us trust to act as St. Peter and not even death will separate us from His love.

I thank God for each of you who read this letter and I also thank you for contributing your seed of love. We are making history by reaching more households every day with the message of salvation.

We continue to buy radio stations in North America and to expand ESNE’s television network in the United States so that together we can reach the entire Hispanic migrant community; internationally, we are seeking to cover more cities in each country for the Glory of God.

I happily continue to be a volunteer at ESNE and to serve the people of God and you. I ask for the intercession of our Mother, the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph to protect and save our families by offering them to the Father and the Son.

May God bless you always and everywhere. Amen.