The Feast of St Callistus.

"But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago.  We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are."  (Romans 3: 21 - 22 NLT).

Thursday 14th October 2021, 28th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Callistus (+222).Pope and Martyr.
How does history remember Pope St Callistus? From slave to pope to martyr. Pope St Callistus reminds us of our current Pontiff, Pope Francis. A Pope opposed openly by his Bishops, clergy and theologians. Why? Because of the uncompromising stand of Callistus that the Church must show mercy and forgive even the worst of sinners. This struggle in the Church with the Rigorist faction outlived St Callistus who was martyred by Emperor Alexander Severus. Pope Francis faces the same opposition over the sacramental discipline of Marriage.

Our key Scripture for today is a wonderful proclamation of the truth of God, of the consolation of Scriptures:
"The just shall live by faith." This is a timeless truth and appears in many Scripture passages:
(Habakkuk 2: 4, Romans 1: 17, Galatians 3: 11, Hebrews 10: 38).

All the saints of God live by faith. It is not possible to live otherwise.
Abraham is called the Father of faith because he lived by faith and not by sight or feelings. The Blessed Virgin Mary through faith replied to the Angel's message: "Let it be done to me according to Your word."

Our saint of today Callistus whose name means "Shinning" is a man of deep faith otherwise how could he have given his one life for the faith.

How do we grow in faith? We grow in faith when we perform frequently acts of faith. For example:
Prayer, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Almsgiving, Fasting, Acts of Charity, etc.  All these will be meaningless without faith.

Grow your faith and begin to live the promised abundant life.

"The Eucharist is transforming for all who receive Me with faith and with confident devotion, but it is especially so for My priests. It is by the reception of My Body and Blood that you will grow in My friendship and in the shining priestly holiness by which I want to be glorified in you and in all My priests." (IN SINU JESU, Thursday, January 3, 2008 The Holy Name of Jesus).

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirstcommunity.com