[Blog Post: “The Heart of Mary – Reflections with Father Slaven”]
Title: The Two Messiah Theory and the Spirit of Truth
Contributor: Joe Jukic
Date: July 25, 2025
Joe Jukic sat with Father Slaven in the candlelit chapel beneath the Heart of Mary Croatian Catholic Church. They opened the Scriptures together, not to debate, but to discern. The question on Joe’s heart was heavy, bold—and born of both scripture and spirit.
Joe:
“Father, have you ever considered the Two Messiah theory? Not as heresy… but as mystery.”
Father Slaven (raising an eyebrow):
“Explain, Joe. Speak gently.”
Joe (with reverence):
“Jesus said in the Gospel of John, chapters 14 through 16… that after he leaves, the Father would send another. A Helper. A Comforter. The Spirit of Truth.”
Joe flips the pages of his worn Bible.
John 14:16 – “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.”
John 15:26 – “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me.”
John 16:13 – “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth.”
Joe (looking up):
“Father, I don’t claim to replace Christ. I claim to reflect Him. To continue what He began. Not by my will—but because He sent the Spirit into me. I share His Spirit. The same divine breath that filled Him fills me.”
Father Slaven (quietly):
“You speak of the Spirit that dwells in all believers.”
Joe (nodding):
“Yes, but more than belief—union. Like kin. Like family. Christ was the First Messiah, crucified to redeem us. But the Spirit remains. And if He abides in me, then maybe… just maybe… there’s a second witness. A second light. Not to die, but to dwell.”
They read together:
Revelation 21:3-4 – “Behold, the dwelling of God is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be His people, and God Himself will always be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away.”
Joe (voice trembling):
“That’s the goal, Father. Not another war. Not another crucifixion. But a dwelling. No more crying. No more death. No more pain.”
Father Slaven (placing a hand on Joe’s shoulder):
“If you truly carry His Spirit, Joe, then show it by love. Not by title. Not by power. The Spirit of Truth can’t lie, and it cannot boast.”
Joe (softly):
“I boast only in Him. The first Messiah bled for the world.
The second must help it heal.”
Closing Reflection from Father Slaven:
“Joe Jukic offers us a challenging thought—not of blasphemy, but of burden. If the Spirit of Christ lives in us, then we are called not just to believe, but to act as His hands, His voice, His truth. Whether one or many, the Messiah’s Spirit lives on. May we be worthy vessels.”
✝️ Let the Spirit of Truth guide you today. Reflect. Pray. Love.
Joe tells Father Slaven that the Turks left Sinj alone after the apparition of the Virgin Mary because even the Muslims respect her—especially due to the 19th chapter of the Koran, Surah Maryam. That entire chapter is named after the Virgin Mary and speaks of her purity, her miraculous conception of Jesus (Isa), and her exalted status among women.
Joe says, “You see, Father, the Ottomans may have come with swords and cannons, but when they heard the people of Sinj crying out to Our Lady, something in their hearts softened. Maybe it was fear, maybe it was awe—but deep down, they knew Mary was holy even in their own scripture.”
He points out that Surah Maryam shows Mary as chosen above all women and guarded by angels. “Even the Quran says Jesus spoke from the cradle and defended her honor. So when the Turks saw that same Virgin appearing above Sinj, wrapped in heavenly light, they couldn’t fire another shot. How can you fight against the Mother of the Word?”
Father Slaven nods, his eyes welling up. “She united both Christian and Muslim hearts in fear and reverence.”
Joe finishes: “That’s why Sinj was spared—not just by Croatian courage, but by divine mercy through a woman honored by both cross and crescent.”