Topic:  What should I do about religious messages from CD's?

Source of this posting: Moderator response

Date originally posted: May 13, 2005

Moderator who originally posted this source: Stacie West

Question:  Dear Minister, I recently picked up 3 CD's entitled The Messages of Medjugorje: A Call to Love, A Call to Conversion, and A Call to Prayer. Are you familiar with these and what are your thoughts?More importantly, in the messages, Our Holy Mother often calls for fasting. In one message, she mentionos 'strict' fasting and in other messages, she mentions fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays. If a person believes these messages are from Mary and wants to live her words, does that mean we fast every Wednesday and Friday? And if we do, does that mean no food or water for the whole 24 hours or are we allowed one meal like many Catholics do on Good Friday. Is it a decision that is between the person and Mary? I do not want to dissapoint Our Mother and would greatly appreciate some guidance. Thank you so much for your time. Peace, Love , Happiness!

Answer: 

Hi there!

I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with the CDs you are talking about. I had a little trouble finding information about them.

There are a few things I would caution you about. Certainly, as Catholics, Mary holds an important place in our faith. She is not, however, the key to salvation. Jesus is. So you should speak of making a decision to fast or pray between you and God, and not you and Mary. Prayer to the Blessed Mother is always intercessory prayer; we are asking for her prayers to God on our behalf, much like I might ask you to pray for me if I had a special intention.

Please be careful in any devotion that you practice that you are clear about your purpose. Devotions are a wonderful way for us to become closer to God and to develop a relationship with God, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So seek to be closer to the Lord, and if you accomplish that by fasting or intercessory prayers to the Blessed Mother, that is a very good thing. Seeking answers in a CD, or salvation in Mary, however, are not good things.

Best wishes for your prayer life! May God bless you!