Perfect wisdom and spiritual understanding

"….We ask that through perfect wisdom and spiritual understanding, you should reach the fullest knowledge of his will and so be able to lead a life worthy of the Lord, a life acceptable to him in all its aspects." (Colossians 1: 9 – 10)

The fruit of perfect wisdom and spiritual understanding is discernment of God's will for our life. Perfect wisdom and spiritual understanding come from regular reading and reflection of God's word and prayer. This leads to a clear understanding that God's will for us is not arbitrary or tyrannical but the best policy. When we live by discernment of spirits, our decisions are guided by the question – "What is God's will for me here and now?"

Without the gift of discernment of spirits, it is impossible "to lead a life worthy of the Lord, a life acceptable to him in all its aspects."

Good News Everywhere

"I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to other towns too, because that is what I was sent to do." (Luke 4: 43)

Christ came to proclaim the good news of the kingdom everywhere.

Every Christian has the obligation to proclaim the good news everywhere. The Holy Spirit who is the Spirit of mission will enable us to accomplish this.

"I have chosen you from the world to go and bear fruit that will last." (John 15: 16, 19)

"I will be a witness to you in the world, O Lord. I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers, alleluia!" (Psalm 17: 50; 21: 23)

Surprised like a thief

"But you, brothers, do not live in the dark, that the Day should not take you unaware like a thief." (1 Thessalonians 5:4)

About times and seasons, be always prepared.

The Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. Opportunity will come like a thief in the night. Disaster will come like a thief in the night.

Prepare yourself always through prayer, word of God and the sacraments. And nothing can take you unaware. The Psalmist says that those who trust in God fear no bad news. They fear no bad news because they are always prepared for anything.

The Missionary Spirit

"The spirit of the Lord is on me, for he has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted." (Luke 4: 18)

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of mission. He anoints us for a specific mission.

"I have chosen you from the world to go and bear fruit that will last." (John 15: 16, 19)

"I will bear a witness to you in the world, O Lord. I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers, alleluia!" (Psalm 17: 50; 21: 23)

The Big Hope

"We want you to be quite certain, brothers, about those who have fallen asleep, to make sure that you do not grieve for them, as others do who have no hope." (1 Thessalonians 4: 13)

Those who died in Christ shall rise again. This is the central truth of Christianity. This is the end of religion. This is the entire objective. This is the big hope.

The Eucharist strengthens us in love

"Lord, you renew us at your table with the bread of life. May this food strengthen us in love and help us to serve you in each other." (Communion Prayer on the 22^nd Sunday)

Means of renewal of mind and body:

• The Eucharist
  
• Word of God
  

The Eucharist also strengthens us in love.