WELCOME HOME FATHER SAM

 Welcome Home Father Sam

March 28, 2022

What follows appears to be about Father Sam Johnston, and on the surface that is true. But, above all, it is about what and who Father Sam cherished most, his and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is about the boundless Mercy of God, which He animates in His Children who seek it, and choose to live it.

Since Father Sam Johnston, my Spiritual Director, friend to me and my wife, and spiritual father, passed away on March 24, 2022, he has been much in our minds, and prayers.

When I would travel regularly to Ridgetown to meet him, there were two things he would say from time to time, and they are a part of this story. 

In our discussions we would touch on the state of the world, the state of life of the people of Uganda he so dearly loved, and individuals he cared about, of which there were a great many. He would often say: “I may not be happy, but I am Joyful.”

As my wife, Tina, and I have thought of him, interceded for him, and asked for his intercession these last few days, we have not been unhappy at all. Instead, we have been filled with more joy than we have ever known. We have held a certainty that he is in heaven, and is acting like a funnel of grace from heaven to all those he loved on earth.  Our home and our hearts are so full of joy right now, that we can hardly contain it.

This was confirmed by a vision I had last evening, with more details in prayer this morning. But, as often happens to me, when I see something so unusual, like what I saw in this extended vision, I hear a voice telling me that I made it all up.

So, this morning in prayer I received a confirmation of the visions from the redoubtable St. Faustina.

First, here is the diary entry from St. Faustina that was in my morning email.

Today I was in Heaven  - St. Faustina Diary 777

November 27, [1936]. Today I was in heaven, in spirit, and I saw its inconceivable beauties and the happiness that awaits us after death. I saw how all creatures give ceaseless praise and glory to God. I saw how great is happiness in God, which spreads to all creatures, making them happy; and then all the glory and praise which springs from this happiness returns to its source; and they enter into the depths of God, contemplating the inner life of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, whom they will never comprehend or fathom.

This source of happiness is unchanging in its essence, but it is always new, gushing forth happiness for all creatures. Now I understand Saint Paul, who said, “Eye has not seen, nor has ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man what God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Now, here is what I saw.

I saw Thursday morning, just prior to Father Sam’s death. A very large crowd was gathering at a particular place in heaven. They were there because they were excitedly talking among themselves that: “Father Sam is coming home.” They were overjoyed to see him and meet him, many for the first time. There was a giant banner that said: “Welcome Home Father Sam Johnston”.

I saw at the front of the crowd some of his dearest friends, and all his siblings and parents. I saw also those whose funerals he had conducted whether they were friends, or members of his congregations throughout our diocese. I saw people there whose confessions he had heard from around the world, at Medjugorje, in Columbia, in Uganda.  

But what was also very exciting was that I saw my Mom and Dad. They were there to thank Father Sam for all he had done for me over the years to draw me closer to Jesus. But it wasn’t just my parents. There were relatives of the living here on earth who had been touched by his ministry. Like my parents, they wanted to be part of the welcoming, and show their gratitude for what his ministry had meant to their loved ones. They were from all over the globe.

When Father Sam arrived, they cheered, and welcomed him. It was a very joyous cacophony. Father Sam had arrived dressed in his priestly black shirt, and pants, with his collar glowing white.

Then it became suddenly quiet, and the crowd parted making a pathway. Jesus came through the parting, with a broad smile on his face, and took Father Sam, who he dwarfed, into his arms and gave him a big hug . . . even bigger than Father Sam’s famous hugs.

Jesus had tears of joy as he welcomed his precious child and brother home. Father Sam wept for joy, and there was not a dry eye in the crowd. Another time the crowd parted, and Our Blessed Mother came through the parting and wrapped her arms around Father Sam, kissed his forehead, pulled her head back a bit, and looked at him with a mother’s love.

Though I did not see it happen, Father Sam was now in a beautiful white robe.

One of Father Sam’s favorite expressions is: “Praise the Lord Anyway”, or “PTLA” for short. He was so filled with joy, he wanted to shout it out, but realized that “Anyway” was redundant, and he shouted out: “Praise the Lord,” and was joined by the whole crowd as they gave praise to Jesus.

I did not get to see any more of the celebration, as the vision ended.

But, I was reminded of another Father Sam aphorism, his definition of JOY - Jesus, Others, You.

This is how he lived his life, and it brought great joy to so many. As he imitated Christ and our Mother Mary in his daily life, may we too live our lives for the Glory of God.

Father Sam was a holy man, but he also was a sinner like us. He went to heaven immediately, in part because God called on people around the world to pray for him, and at least one particular individual to suffer redemptively for him.

A favorite song in our household is Scars In Heaven by the Christian music group, Casting Crowns. As beautiful as this song is it took on new meaning for us this week, as so many of our thoughts and prayers were about and for Father Sam.

The second verse and refrain struck me as particularly poignant. The song is linked below.

I know the road you walked was anything but easy

You picked up your share of scars along the way.

Oh, but now you're standing in the sun, 

you've fought your fight and your race is run

The pain is all a million miles away.

The only scars in heaven, they won't belong to me and you;

There'll be no such thing as broken, and all the old will be made new.

And the thought that makes me smile now, even as the tears fall down

Is that the only scars in heaven, yeah, are on the hands that hold you now.

https://youtu.be/BCc7TCmKcwQ

MY SAMUEL

 My Samuel

March 26, 2022

My Beloved Children, you have known My Son, as Martin or Sam, but to Me, he is Samuel, Son of God. 1.

This Son of Mine served Me well in his time on earth, and is now receiving his eternal reward in heaven.

He was dedicated to me from his birth, and grew in his desire to serve me. I do not choose my servants for their qualifications, but for their hearts, and this Child of Mine had the heart of a servant.

In his years of ministry he brought many to My Son, and My Son to many. His constant prayers and hours spent with his Eucharistic Lord were instrumental in the lives of those for whom he prayed.

But, he too was blessed by the many prayers of so many of the faithful that buoyed him up in good times and in times of discouragement.

I call you now to love all your Holy Mother’s priest sons, to intercede to her on their behalf, and to encourage them in their ministry.

My priest sons are few, and the need is great. Lift their burdens by your prayers and by supporting them using the gifts I have bestowed on you.

May I one day say to all of you and all of your Mother’s priest sons: “Well done, good and faithful servant,” as I greeted My Samuel.

1. This message came to me in prayer 2 days after the death of my Spiritual Director, Father Martin (Sam) Johnston, 94, a retired priest of the Diocese of London, Ontario.

THE CALL TO PRAY, PRAY, PRAY

 The Call to Pray, Pray, Pray

March 21, 2022

In five prophetic messages I have received since early 2021, the words “Pray, pray, pray” have been prominent.

The messages excerpted, with links to the original as well, are below. The excerpts highlight a number of things which have since come to pass, or are in progress. Things which seemed far off on the horizon, if not far fetched, are becoming reality quickly.

We must pray, pray, pray, and when we are done pray some more. Also, to make our prayers more efficacious, fasting and mortifications of our flesh will add to the benefit of our prayers, helping us to be better in tune with the spiritual world, and not focused on the material world we see around us.

At the end I have excerpted the prophecy Pray Boldly. We can pray, pray, pray boldly when we surrender our will, and take up God’s Will. 

The Victory is Mine

January 13, 2021 7:30 am (Reposted March 16, 2022)

http://freethroughtruth.blogspot.com/2021/11/the-victory-is-mine.html

Thus says the Lord: “The victory is mine.”  When the hour is darkest and all seems lost, stand firm for My Victory is at hand.  Behold I come.

As you observe your world devolving, do not fear.  Though it does not seem so to your natural eyes, everything occurs as I allow, and when I allow it.

My plan is to restore the earth to its original order and state as I created it.  Your faith and trust in Me to do so, and to use you in my plan is important, for I am your God, and you are My people.

You do not see how daily as you draw closer to me in prayer and sacrifice, the Flame of My Love in your heart grows brighter.  I have children like you all around the world, who though small in number are bursting into Flames of Love.  

These Flames of Love light the path way for others to find their way to Me.  These Flames of Love burn away impurities that blind my children from seeing Me in each other. . . . 

My children, do not get caught up in the struggles of this world. Pray, pray, pray at all times.  Do not let My Peace leave your heart.  Guard it tenderly.  Invite my angels to protect it in you, so the evil one cannot pluck it from you.

Soon, My children. Soon!

Son Of Man

March 30, 2021 5:45 am (Posted January 17, 2022)

http://freethroughtruth.blogspot.com/2022/01/son-of-man.html

More disease, greater natural disasters, and wars will break out. Mankind will lose all reliance on himself.  

Mankind will have two choices.  Turn away from arrogance and pride, mankind, and surrender yourselves to My love and mercy, or follow the new religion of the anti-christ.

My Holy Spirit is upon the earth speaking to the hearts of all who will listen.  Heed His words.  He will guide all who turn to me with their whole hearts to refuge and safety. 

Pray for all who are not listening to His call to have ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts to make a home for Us.

Pray, pray, pray!

Mother of Sorrows

September 15, 2021

http://freethroughtruth.blogspot.com/2021/12/mother-of-sorrows.html

. . . The evil one will not be victorious, but the battle for your souls, and the souls of my other children, will not be won without much hardship and suffering.

The malefactor has enlisted the elite of this world, by lies and deceptions.  Though they merrily go about destroying nations, families and all that is in their path of achieving a New World Order, they are merely pawns of the evil one, and will be discarded when they have outlived their usefulness.

I ask you to pray for all those who are in the thrall of satan, as they have been deceived, and will lose their souls, if they die in their great sin.

Keep our Father’s Commandments and bear witness with your lives to the Salvation my Son won for you. 

Though the gift was free, the cost is everything. Surrender every part of your life, all that you have and all that you are, to Him, who died to save you.

You must not be deceived by the deceptions of the evil one. Nothing is as it seems on the surface. The lull in the storm is over, and destruction is sweeping over the earth. Buildings and structures, both physical and systemic, will be destroyed.

Your safety is only in Him, and beneath my mantle of protection.  Remain in prayer, and listen for the leading of your guardian Angel, who has been given even greater power to protect you in this time.

Pray, pray, pray at all times. Do not be distracted by what you see going on around you. Pray for all your loved ones who have turned away from my Son, or who have never known Him.

Jesus is the only Hope for this world!

Nothing is as it seems!!!!! 

Bear Witness to Me

November 17, 2021

http://freethroughtruth.blogspot.com/2021/11/bear-witness-to-me.html

. . . Stand firm at all times. Resist evil. Do not be conformed to the spirit of the world. Pray, pray, pray at all times. 

Discern from My Spirit what you are to speak. When called on to witness to My Love in you, speak boldly the words the Spirit gives you. Know that your angels are beside you to fill in any blanks.

Fear not, and do not second guess yourself. Trust that I will overcome any weakness on your part.

Pray the Rosary, because it brings great comfort to your Holy Mother. When you meditate on the mysteries of her Rosary, and on the fruits of it, you become more like her, who is totally conformed to the Divine Will.

Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, trusting in the Mercy of My Death and Resurrection for mankind.

Receive Me in the Eucharist and My Mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, as often as you are able. The current easing of restrictions is an opportunity for you to receive great sacramental graces.

You will need all the graces I am offering you for the days ahead.

My Grace is sufficient. Fear not!

Pray, Pray, Pray

February 15, 2022

http://freethroughtruth.blogspot.com/2022/02/pray-pray-pray.html

. . . This is the time of greatest need in the history of the earth. You are my Hands and Feet on the earth today, and I call you to reach out with your hands and love your neighbor as I do, and as I did while walking on the earth.

Feed the hungry, clothe the poor. Bear witness to the Gospel by your lives. 

Pray, pray, pray, alone and together for a deeper infilling of My Holy Spirit. I desire for you to be empowered even more than you are. Your light must become much brighter to overcome the darkness the evil one is spreading over the earth.

Pray for wisdom to see through the deceptions of the evil one, and those leaders he has lured into his plan.

Pray for courage to resist the devil, and to reach out and draw those who are in danger of losing their souls for eternity, to the foot of My Cross, where I will wash them in the Blood and Water which poured out of My Side.

Pray for an outpouring of Grace upon all believers that they will love the lost with My Love, and not what the world calls love.

Pray against all fear that has paralyzed those I call to witness to the Gospel.

Love one another as I have loved you! (John 15:12)

The following week after this fifth exhortation to Pray, Pray, Pray, the following message was received with its own exhortation to Pray Boldly. . . .

Pray Boldly

February 23, 2022

http://freethroughtruth.blogspot.com/2022/02/pray-boldly.html

My Children, I have called you to Rise Up. I am calling you to Rise Up, as warriors, whose weapons are spiritual. Your enemy is in the spiritual realm, and must be defeated with prayer.

I call on you to pray boldly for those who are in need. To do so, you must surrender your will, and take on My Will.  With My Will to guide you, you will know who to pray with and for.

Be bold in your desire to pray for others, but be gentle and kind in your prayers. Listen for My Spirit to guide your prayers, and know that your Blessed Mother is joining her prayers with you for those for whom you pray.

I call you to set captives free in the power of My Name! . . . 

SURELY I COME

 Surely I Come

March 19, 2022 - Feast of St. Joseph

As an engaged couple prepare with friends and family for their wedding day, difficulties ensue. Problems come and go, some seeming insurmountable. It requires faith in the love between the two, hope for the union to come, and much love to arrive at the great day, when the two become one. When the wedding finally occurs, the agonies of the time of preparation are forgotten, as the couple look with love into each other’s eyes and hearts and pledge their love for each other, becoming one.

You, my Beloved Ones, are in that time of preparation. You must remain faithful to your Groom as the evil one seeks to destroy your joy.

Your Blessed Mother is with you preparing you as a mother prepares her daughter for that wedding day. She, like the mother of an earthly bride, knows what to expect and how to overcome the challenges along the journey.

Listen to the counsel of your heavenly mother. Sit at her knee, protected under her mantle. There you are surrounded by the angels at her command.

The evil one is creating chaos and destroying all that surrenders to him. But, he is defeated. He cannot prevail.

Only the Father knows the time of our nuptials. It will be at the correct time to bring about the greatest joy for all.

Do not be distracted or discouraged by what you see around you. These storms must occur for the earth to be purified and prepared as it was in the time of Adam and Eve.

Trust and pray!

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

This prophecy relates to others I have received, in particular a few that cautioned that “all is not as it seems” or variations thereof.

I have thought that the version of reality the main stream media has portrayed in the case of the pandemic, was “seems”, and the counter narrative from banned medical personnel, for example, was the other side of seems.

I believe this prophecy puts God’s perspective, and His reality as truth, and all other versions from whatever sources as “seems.”  So, the Lord here is telling us that what is really going on is the testing of the saints like gold in fire to purify it, and every other presentation of what is happening, even if basically true, as only partially so, and therefor in the category of “seems”.

THE VICTORY IS MINE

 The Victory is Mine

January 13, 2021 7:30 am

Thus says the Lord: “The victory is mine.”  When the hour is darkest and all seems lost, stand firm for My Victory is at hand.  Behold I come.

As you observe your world devolving, do not fear.  Though it does not seem so to your natural eyes, everything occurs as I allow, and when I allow it.

My plan is to restore the earth to its original order and state as I created it.  Your faith and trust in Me to do so, and to use you in my plan is important, for I am your God, and you are My people.

You do not see how daily as you draw closer to me in prayer and sacrifice, the Flame of My Love in your heart grows brighter.  I have children like you all around the world, who though small in number are bursting into Flames of Love.  

These Flames of Love light the path way for others to find their way to Me.  These Flames of Love burn away impurities that blind my children from seeing Me in each other.

You burn with such a desire to love Me and to serve Me, and your deepest desire is to be with Me in eternity.  When your time on earth is complete, I shall greet you, and say to you, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

You say to me: “How can that be for I have sinned so greatly against you, and against my brothers and sisters in my life?” I remind you that you have been washed in the Blood of the Lamb, and your sins have become white as snow.

I have no recollection of sins of which you have repented.  Allow me to bring to your mind any sins that have been hidden in the recesses of your mind, so that you may repent of them, confess them, and be completely free.

My children, do not get caught up in the struggles of this world. Pray, pray, pray at all times.  Do not let My Peace leave your heart.  Guard it tenderly.  Invite my angels to protect it in you, so the evil one cannot pluck it from you.

Soon, My children. Soon!

THE GRAVITY OF THE SITUATION

 The Gravity of the Situation 

April 7, 2021 7:17 am

My children, you do not grasp the gravity of the situation you are in.  It is time for you to wake up, and turn your hearts completely to me.

You have been lulled to sleep over many years by the slow escalation of hatred for Me.  The elites of your world have been slowly and methodically reining in the people of the world, as they seek to establish a new world order with satan as its head.

If the world were to end this night, many of your loved ones, and even some of you who read these words would be lost.  Satan’s ultimate goal is to take as many of you to hell with him as he can. 

Destroying those God loves is his only source of victory. You must cease cooperating with his nefarious plans for your destruction.  

My Son died on the cross to set you free from sin and death.  Yet, in these times sin is abounding as at no time ever in history.

But, it was in His Resurrection that His victory was completed.  Abandon yourself to Him, who died and rose for you personally.  

You are being fed a steady diet of disinformation and misinformation by the media and by the idle talk even among you and members of your own family.

Keep your eyes fixed on Him, and on the Cross through which He won the victory for you.

Pray with all your hearts.  Those who have gone before you have been given beautiful prayers that have been passed down and on to you.  These prayers are just words if rushed through, but fill your souls with Grace when prayed slowly and meditatively.

If you pray the prayer Jesus gave you with your heart, you can never plumb its depths.  If you meditate daily on the Holy Rosary that your mother gave to you, you can grow in holiness and away from the distractions of this world.

If you only knew how much your prayers mean for the salvation of loved ones, and for others who so desperately are in need of prayer to be saved from the fires of hell, would you pray more and with greater fervor?

I call on you to pray without ceasing.  Soothe my aching heart.  Every child of mine who is lost to hellfire causes Me agony.

Pray! Pray! Pray!