Our Lady’s Message – April 25, 2025 + Reflection by Fr. James
- Ljubica Soldo
- May 2
- 4 min read
On the 25th of each month, Our Lady of Medjugorje gives a message through the visionary Marija Pavlović Lunetti. In her message this month, she speaks of the dangers of selfishness, peacelessness, and sin, and calls us to return to God through prayer.
April 25, 2025 – Message from Our Lady of Medjugorje
"Dear children, Winds of peacelessness, selfishness and sin are catching hold of many hearts and leading them into peacelessness and perdition. That is why I am calling you, little children: return to God and to prayer, so that it may be good for you in the hearts and on the earth on which you live. I love you, little children, and that is why I am not tiring of calling you to conversion. Thank you for having responded to my calL.
(With Ecclesiastical approval)
Reflection by Fr. James Williams
Selfishness is the excessive desire for material wants and needs at the expense of others. This month Our Lady warns us about the sin of selfishness because it leads to the destruction of peace in our hearts. In Scripture it is a recurring theme that is often explained as the root of sin and a barrier to spiritual growth. Scripture provides numerous teachings and examples that guide us to overcoming selfish tendencies and embracing a life of self-giving, reflecting the personal character of Christ.
Scripture identifies selfishness as contrary to God's nature and His commandments. In Philippians 2:3-4, Saint Paul exhorts his readers, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This passage calls us to humility and the idea that ‘humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less’ as C. S. Lewis once said.
The Old Testament provides numerous examples of selfishness and its consequences. In Genesis 4, Cain's selfishness and jealousy lead to the murder of his own brother Abel, illustrating how self-centered desires result in destructive actions even against our own family members. Our Blessed Mother was innately self-giving. In her response to the Angel Gabriel (Luke 1: 26 -38) and at the wedding at Cana on the surface it seems her concern was about hospitality (John 2:1 -12). But in reality, she selflessly played her part in the Divine Plan. Our Lord Jesus was always self-giving even to His last drop of blood. He taught and lived a life of poverty and sacrificial love. In Matthew 20:28, Jesus states, "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." His life and teachings consistently emphasized serving others and putting their needs above one's own.
The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) further illustrates this principle. The Samaritan's willingness to help a wounded stranger, despite culturally acceptable prejudices, demonstrates the selfless love that Jesus calls us to imitate.
The apostles continued to teach against selfishness in the early church. James 3:16 warns, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." The early Christians were encouraged to live in harmony, sharing resources and caring for one another (Acts 2:44-45).
Paul's letters frequently address the need to break free from selfishness. In Galatians 5:13, he writes, "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love." This call to serve others is a recurring theme in Paul's epistles.
Practical Steps to Overcome Selfishness
Prayer and Reflection: Regular prayer, self-examination, and a good confession helps to identify selfish tendencies and seek God's guidance in overcoming them. Read Psalm 139:23-24. It is a prayer for God to search the heart and lead in the everlasting way.
Cultivating Humility: Embracing humility, as taught in Philippians 2:5-8, involves adopting the mindset of Christ, who humbled Himself and became obedient to death on a cross. The most humbling act we perform today is making a good confession.
Serving Others: Actively seeking opportunities to serve others and random acts of charity help break the cycle of selfishness. Acts of kindness and service, small or large, shift focus from self to others.
Community and Accountability: Participating in a community of believers provides support and accountability. Hebrews 10:24 encourages believers to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds."
Meditating on Scripture: Regular meditation on Scripture transforms the mind and heart, aligning them with God's will. Romans 12:2 urges believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds.
Being a cheerful Giver: (2 Corinthians 9:7) Strive to do kind actions not for attention or to be praised. Do kind things with the hope that no one will notice except God.
Conclusion
Our Lady offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and overcoming selfishness. Through the teachings of Jesus, the examples of biblical figures, the guidance of the apostles, and the messages from The Queen of Peace, Christians are equipped to break the cycle of selfishness and live a life that reflects the selfless love of Christ.
— Fr. James Williams
Let us respond with love to Our Lady’s call and live a life of humble, self-giving faith.
Thank you for publishing the messages!