God manifests Himself through apparitions for several reasons.
Revelation of His Presence: God, in His divine majesty, manifests Himself to reveal His presence and glory to humanity. In the sacred scriptures, Jesus proclaims, "I will manifest My glory in your midst" (Ezekiel 43:2). This manifestation of glory is not just a testament to God's power and majesty, but a sight that leaves us in awe and wonder. Who could have anticipated that this petition would amass 21,000 signatures in less than a year? In a single week, this beautiful petition raised 15,000 voices of concern about the potential closure of the shrine in August last year.
Demonstration of His Love: God manifests Himself in His infinite love to demonstrate His boundless love for humanity. Jesus assures us, "I will manifest Myself to him" (John 14:21), for He deserves all worship and desires to guide us in manifesting Him through our lives. When our Lady appeared at Saint Jude's Academy of the Arts, it was a time when the agency director had heartfelt intentions raised to heaven; that day our Lady manifested herself was also when the director watched the movie Cabrini—one for the shrine's continuation and the other for the youth to experience the truth of God's love and power.
Revelation of His Character: God reveals His character and nature to humanity through apparitions. Jesus says, "I will manifest Myself to the disciples and not to the world" (John 14:22), showing He is a God of intimacy and relationship. Who are the perfect disciples of Jesus? The pure and clean of heart- the innocent ones who only think about others and can extend a hand to help at any cost- are the physically challenged- best exemplified through agencies that support them- an example of which is Saint Jude's Academy of the Arts. That day, the doorbell rang, and nobody was outside. The security camera captured what the naked eye can not, though. And it revealed the image of the Mother of God!
Guidance and Direction: God, in His divine wisdom, manifests Himself to guide and direct humanity. In the scriptures, Jesus assures us, "I will manifest Myself to you" (John 14:26), indicating His constant presence to guide and direct us. The day our Lady appeared at Saint Jude's Academy of the Arts, a special prayer was in the heart of its founder- to protect the youth from the enemy's influence and for the shrine's preservation. Our Lady's appearance was not just a sign, but a clear sign that She is guiding us, and graces flow through Her from God, providing comfort and reassurance.
Revelation of His Plan: God manifests Himself to reveal His plan and purpose for humanity. Jesus says, "I will manifest Myself to the world" (John 14:30), indicating He will reveal Himself to all people, not just a select few. We all know that when we recite the Apostle's Creed- not just collectively but, more importantly, as an individual- He will come again to judge the living and the dead. Every one of us, without exception, will have to give an account to God, every penny spent, every word and action said and done. And every good deed left undone.
Circle the date on your calendars for a momentous event on May 11 at 8 p.m. at 3100 Weston Road. This is not just any gathering, but a unique opportunity to witness the manifestation of God's grace. As Saint Faustina beautifully said, "Through Mary, streams of grace flow."
Let us actively seek God's will in our lives by spending time with Her among Her beloved children. In this month dedicated to our Lady, we are here to express our love to our Mother, who was chosen as the Heavenly Superior General, just as Saint Faustina's congregation did when she revealed in a vision to her congregation on August 15, 1937.
In her vision, our Lady covered all the members with Her coat, and St. Faustina heard the words of a great promise; a promise that resonates with us all:' Every one of you who perseveres in zeal until death in My Congregation shall evade the fire of Purgatory. I want each of you to be filled with the spirit of Mary, the Mother of Mercy, so that you may be a source of mercy to others.' (Diary 1248)
'Daughter of Mine, I advise you most earnestly to do all that God asks of you, for that is most pleasing in His holy eyes. I dearly want you to distinguish yourself in your faithfulness in doing the will of God. Put the will of God above all other offerings and whole-burnt sacrifices.' As my Heavenly Mother was speaking to me, a deep understanding of the will of God entered my soul" (Diary 1244).
A final thought: Have we omitted a critical task—obviously what God asks of us- to honour His Mother on this very special eve of Mothers' Day- to save the cause of our Lady here at 3100 Weston Road? If so, prayerfully consider coming tomorrow for a Rosary procession at 8 p.m.! You would be glad you did, and please share this post to your family and confreres!