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Conquer your negativity and you will grow in holiness. The following is a great example of the enormous effect not complaining can have on one’s life ~
A little Italian priest visited Medjugorje in Bosnia-Hercegovina, where the Virgin Mary has been reportedly appearing for the last 39 years. He, with a “face so bright that it radiated like the sun,” was quoted as saying:
I am 95 now. But at the age of 5, I discovered with great sadness that people were always complaining. They would complain for trifles, and find 100 good reasons to feel frustrated, and this shocked me as a child. I also felt that Jesus was saddened by this. I wanted very badly to console Him, so I decided to make a contract with Him. I promised Him that during the first 100 years of my life, I wouldn’t complain once. On the contrary, I would bless Him and thank Him for everything, for the good and the not-so-good, but above all, I would always celebrate the gift of life. And you know, Ma’am, I must say that I’ve kept my promise! During all these years that I’ve spent celebrating life, no evil could ever touch me; I’ve avoided all demons!
Quote taken from Children of Medjugorje, http://www.childrenofmedjugorje.com cited in The Best of “The Spirit Of Medjugorje” Volume 11 1998-2004, by June Klins.
Conquer Your Countenance
1 Peter 4:9 says, “Be hospitable to one another without complaining.” Would that we all take this advice and try to live in such a holy manner. The more humility we have – including a joyful and peaceful countenance no matter the situation we find ourselves in – the more the evil one will have no power over us. Conquer your negativity and witness its life changing effects upon you and those you encounter.
P.S. This little Italian priest told God he was willing to renew his contract for another 100 years!
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