The Feast of St Callistus, Pope and Martyr.

"He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

"Brothers and sisters: In Christ we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ.

"In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the ­promised Holy Spirit, which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory." (Ephesians 1: 11 - 14).

Friday 14th October 2022 of the 28th Week of 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 some of 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, Immigration, Safe Environment, Economic Equity, etc.

Our key Scripture for today from Ephesians 1: 11 - 14, is a wonderful proclamation of the truth of God, of the consolation of Scriptures:
"In Christ you also, who have heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the ­promised Holy Spirit, which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory."

Not only that, the Holy Spirit as the Pledge, the Down-payment that we are children of God and brothers and sisters of the Lord Jesus is very real. How do you know that this is true? Very easy!

Do you enjoy praying, reading the word of God, eager to share your faith? Are you excited by the thought of receiving Jesus in Holy Communion? Do you trust in God's Providence to provide all your needs and protect you from every danger especially to your soul?

And when you say Yes to all the above, congratulations for you confirm the testimony of Scripture:

"In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.  Now those who belong to Christ [Jesus] have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.  Let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envious of one another." (Galatians 5: 22 - 26).

"Trust in the guidance of the One whom I have sent to befriend you, the Holy Spirit, your Advocate. Learn to listen to His gentle leading. The more you follow Him, the more will you understand where and how He is leading you. This is the secret of holiness: to be led by the Holy Spirit in all things. Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit actively. Call upon Him, for He is, at every moment, available to you. He dwells with Me and with My Father in the sanctuary of your soul. He is your Advocate against the world, the flesh, and the Evil One, the accuser. He is your Advocate with My Father." (IN SINU JESU, Friday, March 28, 2008).

10. 14  "Pray ardently to our most merciful mother Mary by saying the Rosary during the month of October, as We have already indicated."  (Pope St Paul VI).

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