Our Lady’s Message – October 25, 2026 | Reflection by Fr. James Williams
October 25, 2026 – Our Lady’s Message from Medjugorje
Dear children! A fire of hatred and wars is spreading in the hearts of people who do not want peace but their own weak interests. That is why, little children, you be prayer and my extended hands of love and peace for all those who are far from my motherly heart. Pray more strongly and more for the peace that God desires to give you, but you do not want it. I am with you and I am praying that peace may prevail and begin to reign in every heart.Thank you for having responded to my call.
(With Ecclesiastical approval)
Reflection by Fr. James Williams
In this month's message, the Blessed Mother speaks with both urgency and tenderness. She looks upon our world and sees the growing divisions among nations, communities, families, and even within individual hearts. Yet, as any loving mother would, she not only identifies the problem but points us toward the solution.
Our Lady warns us that a "fire of hatred and wars" is spreading. Scripture often uses fire as a symbol of both destruction and purification. Here, Our Lady speaks of the destructive fire that begins when people place their own interests above God's will and the good of others. St. James writes:
"Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice" (James 3:16).
The conflicts we see in the world often begin in the human heart. Anger, resentment, pride, and selfishness grow unchecked and lead to division. Jesus Himself taught that evil actions flow from within:
"From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts..." (Mark 7:21).
The Queen Of Peace reminds us that true peace cannot be built on self-interest or power. Lasting peace is God's gift. Jesus promised His disciples:
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you" (John 14:27).
The world offers temporary solutions, but Christ offers something deeper: a peace rooted in trust, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God.
One of the most striking lines of the message is Mary's invitation: "Be prayer." She does not merely ask us to pray; she asks us to become prayer. Prayer is not simply an activity we perform. It is a relationship with God that transforms us from within.
St. Paul encourages us:
"Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
When prayer becomes the atmosphere of our lives, our words and actions begin to reflect the presence of Christ. We become less reactive, less fearful, and more capable of bringing peace to others.
Our Lady also asks us to be her "extended hands of love and peace." This echoes St. Francis of Assisi's well-known prayer: "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace." Through acts of kindness, forgiveness, patience, and compassion, we become channels through which God reaches others.
Jesus tells us:
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9).
Notice that He does not say "peace-lovers" but "peacemakers." Peace requires action. It requires us to forgive even when it is difficult, to reconcile when divisions occur, and to choose love over resentment.
Perhaps the most sobering part of Our Lady’s message is her observation that God wants to give us peace, but often we do not want it. Sometimes we cling to old wounds, grudges, anxieties, or habits that keep us from receiving God's gift.
The prophet Isaiah describes the peace God longs to give His people:
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you" (Isaiah 26:3).
Peace begins with trust. The more we surrender our fears and our desire to control everything, the more room we make for God's peace to reign in our hearts.
Finally, Our Lady reassures us: "I am with you and I am praying." These words reveal the heart of a mother who never abandons her children. Just as she stood faithfully beside Jesus at the foot of the Cross (John 19:25-27), she remains close to us today, interceding for a world desperately in need of peace.
As we reflect on this message, let us ask ourselves:
Is there any bitterness, anger, or resentment that I need to surrender to God?
Do I spend enough time in prayer to allow God to transform my heart?
How can I become an instrument of peace in my family, parish, school, or workplace?
What concrete act of love can I offer this week to someone who is struggling?
The world does not need more argument, more anger, or more division. It needs saints who pray, disciples who forgive, and believers who radiate the peace of Christ. Our Lady's message is simple: pray, love, and become peace for others.
May we respond generously to her call.
Concluding Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You are the source of all peace and true love. We thank You for the motherly care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who continually calls us back to Your Son.
Lord Jesus, extinguish every fire of hatred, division, and selfishness that burns within our hearts. Replace it with the fire of Your Holy Spirit, a fire of love, mercy, and reconciliation.
Teach us to become men and women of prayer. Help us to be instruments of Your peace in our families, our communities, and throughout the world. Give us the courage to forgive, the humility to seek unity, and the faith to trust in Your providence.
Blessed Mother Mary, take us by the hand and lead us ever closer to Jesus. Help us to become your extended hands of love and peace for those who are far from God and burdened by fear and sorrow.
May the peace of Christ reign in every heart, every home, and every nation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit, come and renew the face of the earth. Amen.
— Fr. James Williams
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