Thought for the Day – 13 October – “The Miracle of the Sun”
Those who are very familiar with the apparitions of Fatima and those whose only knowledge is a fleeting memory from a long ago viewing of the 1952 movie are both familiar with the “Miracle of the Sun.” This miracle took place on 13 October 1917, five months after Our Lady first appeared to the three young visionaries. Our Lady had promised the children that a miracle would occur and approximately 40,000 of the devout and/or curious stood in a field outside of Fatima to await it. The sun changed colours, whirled about and at times appeared to be zooming toward the earth. A few people in the crowd claimed to have seen nothing but most were awestruck by the supernatural event that took place.
Rather than dwell on the possibility of secrets not thoroughly revealed or consecrations not properly done and other hot items of Catholic ‘gossip’, this 13 October is a good day to dwell on the coincidences that lead us to repentance and conversion. The coincidences which point directly to that nucleus of the Gospel message. And do remember the words of Paul’s letter to the Romans: “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
The message of Fatima is simple: Pray. Unfortunately, some people—not Sister Lucia—have distorted these revelations, making them into an apocalyptic event for which they are now the only reliable interpreters. They have, for example, claimed that Mary’s request that the world be consecrated to her has been ignored. Sister Lucia agreed that Pope John Paul II’s public consecration in St Peter’s Square on March 25, 1984, fulfilled Mary’s request. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith prepared a 26 June 2000, document explaining the “third secret.”
Mary is perfectly honoured when people generously imitate her response “Let it be done to me as you say” (Luke 1:38). Mary can never be seen as a rival to Jesus or to the Church’s teaching authority, as exercised by the college of bishops united with the bishop of Rome.
Our Lady of Fatima, ora pro nobis!
AnaStpaul 