769. On My Mother-In-Law’s Baptism Day, Where Was I Dragged Away To, Almost as if Being Kidnapped?

💌 769. On My Mother-In-Law’s Baptism Day, Where Was I Dragged Away To, Almost as if Being Kidnapped?

Ever since I got married, even though my mother-in-law had caused me much hardship, I always offered it up with Semchigo as if I were being loved, so all I desired was to treat her well. And after I came to know the love of God, I regarded her as a benefactor and wanted to serve her even better. Then one day, to my amazement, my mother-in-law said, “I will also go to the Catholic Church that you attend.” Overjoyed, I gave praise and glory to the Lord.

At last, the joyful day of my mother-in-law’s baptism arrived. As she was to be reborn as a child of God, I wished to celebrate her with the utmost sincerity and courtesy, so I dressed tidily in a hanbok. After learning from my husband how to take photographs, I even brought along a camera and headed to Jungheung-dong Parish in Gwangju, where the baptism ceremony was to be held. After attending the baptism Mass, I took commemorative photos for her, presented gifts and a bouquet of flowers, and congratulated her.

After the ceremony was over, I was about to return home with my mother-in-law to prepare a delicious meal for her with all my heart. But suddenly, someone grabbed me by the wrist! It was sister C and sister P from Jungheung-dong, along with several other sisters. They were pulling me from the front and pushing me from behind, almost forcing me into a car as if I were being kidnapped. Though bewildered by how suddenly it all happened, I thought to myself, “Surely the Lord must have a purpose in this.” When I asked what was happening, sister C and sister P said, “Sister, please save an ailing family.” 

Both families had been on the brink of complete collapse, but Jesus, using me as His instrument, performed a miracle of love, and their homes were reborn as happy holy families. When we arrived at a house, I saw that about 50 people had already gathered there.

Startled, I asked, “Is something happening?” One sister smiled and said, “Since your mother-in-law is receiving her baptism today, we naturally assumed you would come to our parish. So we waited for you and, as soon as the baptism ceremony ended, brought you to my home. We didn’t tell you beforehand because we thought you might not come, so please forgive us for having to bring you almost by force. And please help all of us who have gathered today to hear your words to be reborn in love,” they explained, telling me the full reason why they had brought me. 

They wanted to share the grace that had transformed their own families with others.

At first, I was bewildered, but I accepted it as the Lord’s calling and responded with “Amen.” I offered it up with Semchigo as if I were preparing the meal I had wanted to make for my mother-in-law, and resolved to practice love by serving them. As I entered the living room, a stylish sister, dressed elegantly and appearing to be around 60, saw me and immediately expressed deep disappointment.

She glared at me with frightening eyes, suddenly sprang to her feet, and said brusquely, “Hmph, I’m leaving,” then once again looked at me with disdain! At that time, the Lord showed me the state of people’s souls. The instant I looked at that sister, I could sense her soul—distorted and wounded, filled entirely with hatred, anger, and agitation. Quickly, I crouched at her feet, gently held onto the hem of her skirt, and prayed.

“O Jesus, Savior of all mankind! You have come to this place to clothe us sinners with the radiant garment of salvation. Please hold on to this person, Lord. Straighten and heal the heart that has been wounded and dulled by hatred, anger, and agitation, and grant true life. May she obtain the victory of the Resurrection and come to enjoy joy, love, and peace, gaining victory in the three levels of spiritual warfare…”

As soon as the prayer ended, the sister who had been glaring at me, insisting she would leave, suddenly softened her gaze a little bit—and, to my surprise, sat down on the sofa! Giving thanks to Jesus, I once again followed her, knelt at her feet, gently held onto the hem of her skirt, and prayed again.

“Oh, my Lord! Please open the spiritually closed door of this sister’s heart, locked as it is, so that she may truly receive Your love. Just as scales fell from Saul’s eyes, let the scales covering her eyes be removed, and make her, like the Apostle Paul, a witness who proclaims You…” 

The moment I finished praying, the sister said, “I guess I’ll stay a little longer,” and entered the room where everyone was gathered. Giving thanks to the Lord, I followed her in.

My personal reflection note with Mama Julia🌹💗 

Link 👇🏻

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