Prayer is a vital necessity for the missionary Church.

A Church that fights on its knees Never retreats.
Pray always. Pray everywhere. Pray about everything.

"In those days, Amalek came and waged war against Israel.

"Moses, therefore, said to Joshua, “Pick out certain men, and tomorrow go out and engage Amalek in battle. I will be standing on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”

"So Joshua did as Moses told him: he engaged Amalek in battle after Moses had climbed to the top of the hill with Aaron and Hur.

"As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight.

"Moses’ hands, however, grew tired; so they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady till sunset.

"And Joshua mowed down Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword." (Exodus 17:  8 - 13).

Sunday October 16th of the 29th week in Ordinary Time. We have great teachings on Prayer this Sunday. Thank You Holy Spirit.

Prayer and not hard work is the greatest gift and tool of the missionary Church.

In the war against Amalek in the first Reading, we see Moses as a type of the priest interceding for Israel to prevail in the war. The "staff of God" represents the offensive and defensive weapons of war. In the tradition of the Church, we can name the Holy Mass and the Holy Rosary as these weapons in the spiritual warfare.

In His teaching on Prayer in the Gospel of today, Jesus asks: "Will not God secure the rights of His chosen ones who call out to Him day and night?"
WHEN WE STAND ON THE PROMISES OF GOD IN PRAYER, OUR PETITIONS BECOME A RIGHT. GOD PROMISES TO SECURE THE RIGHTS OF HIS CHOSEN ONES. PRAYER NEVER FAILS.

Jesus commanded the Church to pray constantly but did not command the Church to work and to fast constantly. (Cf CCC 2742). Prayer is therefore a vital necessity for the missionary Church. (Cf Luke 18: 1).
Pray always. Pray everywhere. Pray about everything.

"Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed." (2 Timothy 3: 14).

God is faithful. Therefore, strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees. God Never Fails!

10. 16 "If you strive to pray the Rosary daily and devoutly, one of two things will happen: either you will sin less and less, becoming more like Christ—or you will give up on the Rosary. In this way, devotion to the Rosary is a direct battle between grace and sin within us. If we persevere in the Rosary, Mary will prevail." (Cf THE SECRET OF THE ROSARY by St Louis Marie de Monfort).

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The Feast of St Teresa of Avila, Virgin and Doctor of the Church.

“Leave it all to God and leave your interests in His hands. He knows what is fitting for us…” (St Teresa of Avila).

"Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God.

“Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

"When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.” (Luke 12: 8 - 12).

Saturday 15th October 2022 of the 28th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of a great woman: St Teresa of Jesus, popularly known as St Teresa of Avila. (1515 - 1582). Spanish Carmelite and great Reformer and Mystic. She was a great spiritual writer. She is one of the four women to be proclaimed Doctor of the Church.

The teaching of Teresa aims at bringing you to Jesus. She wants you to know Jesus more, so that you can love Him and serve Him more. Teresa cares deeply about Prayer as a means of union with God. Teresa and other Doctors of the Church are very interested in your eternal destiny. The academic doctors of theology are often speculative with little explicit intention to evangelize and catechize.

Jesus concludes today's Gospel with a masterpiece promise:
"When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say.  For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.” (Luke 12: 11 - 12).

My personal favorite title for the Holy Spirit is "The Voice that Speaks in Court."  This is because of my experience of the fulfillment of this promise. The Holy Spirit has enabled me to speak with wisdom and courage when I was in a tight corner and needed these gifts most.

Here is one of the great maxims of St Teresa of Avila.

"Let nothing trouble you,
let nothing frighten you.
All things are passing;
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
He who possesses God lacks nothing: God alone suffices."  (St Teresa of Avila).

10. 15  "Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, pray for us."

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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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The Special Gift of Abba Father.

"You breathed your Spirit upon the apostles, and gave them the power of forgiveness:
set all men free today from the prison of sin."  (Liturgy of the Hours - Lauds on the Feast of Pentecost).

"Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the holy ones who are in Ephesus and faithful in Christ Jesus: grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him.

"In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved.

"In Christ we have redemption by his Blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us.

"In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth." (Ephesians 1: 1 - 10).

Can you count all the blessings Abba Father lavishes on us the "Beloved" in our key Scripture? These blessings come through His Son because of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus shed for all men. 

OK. Let's try to count them:
#1. The Holy Spirit.
#2. Prayer, Word of God, Eucharist, Reconciliation.
#3. Peace and Forgiveness.
#4. Our Purpose in life and Power to accomplish it.
#5. His Presence.
#6. Provisions and Protection.
#7. Faith, Patience, Wisdom, Courage and Contentment.

How do I unpack all this from Ephesians 1: 1 - 10?
When you read the Scriptures, ask the Holy Spirit to help you to unpack the meaning. You mix the living word for the day with faith and your personal experience.

Let us bless "the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens" for He is a Promise-Maker and a Promise-Keeper.

"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: 13 - 14).
Amen.  Alleluia!

10.13  "Cling to the rosary as the creeper clings to the tree, for without our Lady we cannot stand." (St Teresa of Kolkata).

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Living the abundant life of the Spirit.

"I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands."  (2 Timothy 1: 6).

"Brothers and sisters: If you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

"Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like.

"I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

"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." (Galatians 5: 18 - 25) NABRE).

Wednesday 12th October 2022 of the 28th Week of Ordinary Time.

Paul's Letter to the Galatians continues today as the first Reading. Look at four different translations of the verse below:

#1 "If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit." (Galatians 5: 25 NABRE).

#2 "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." (NIV).

#3 "Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives." (NLT)

#4 "If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage—our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit]." (AMP).

The New American Revised Version (the authorized translation for the Liturgy) renders our key Scripture thus: "If we live in the Spirit..."

The other quoted translations #2 to #4 assume that you, I mean "You" reading this knows the Spirit and is reminding you what should be taken for granted.

Are you aware that two different spirits are continually at war in you? The good and the bad spirit. The spirit you feed more wins the war.

How do you feed the good spirit so that you win more the battles of life?

#1 Daily Prayer: Set time, set place and set intention.
#2 Daily word of God. Set reading plan. The daily Mass Readings from the Roman Missal or lectionary are great as a reading plan. You read the Scripture with the Church. Same daily Scripture are read daily everywhere on earth.
#3 Daily examination of conscience. This is critical for checking whether the spirit you are feeding is growing or not.

When you follow the above plan, the life of grace will begin to manifest in you. It will be seen by anyone who knows you. People will notice the change.

10. 12  “Say the Rosary every day to obtain peace for the world.”
(Our Lady of Fatima, 1917).

If you want to learn more about the Holy Spirit power, the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, the Sacrament of Confirmation, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com./2020/10/the-abc-of-holy-spirit.html?m=1

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Feast of the "Good" Pope, St John XXIII.

"Brothers and sisters: For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.

"It is I, Paul, who am telling you that if you have yourselves circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. Once again I declare to every man who has himself ­circumcised that he is bound to observe the entire law.

"You are separated from Christ, you who are trying to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we await the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love." (Galatians 5 : 1 - 6).

Tuesday 11th October 2022 of the 28th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of Pope St John XXIII. (1881 - 1963). Italian. Pontiff.
Pope St John XXIII convened the Second Vatican Council which transformed the Church. He wrote the popular encyclical Pacem in Terris. He was a humble and well beloved Pope and was popularly called the Good Pope. I like very much this quote below from him:

"Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but what is still possible for you to do." (Pope St John XXIII).

In the Letter to the Galatians, we have been exploring: The Holy Spirit, faith and grace. These are principles that make living the Christian life easy and delightful.

Where is the Holy Spirit in your life? In Baptism we received Him. But have you activated Him? You activate Him by faith which means by trusting in the promise of Christ. You cannot receive or activate the Holy Spirit by work. Only by faith. Prayer is the Activator of the power of faith. Ask for the Holy Spirit in faith and God will grant you this gift at once.

The Holy Spirit in us is transforming us degree by degree. He causes us to wait in patience for the work of transformation to be advanced in us until we become the holy children of God. This is salvation. The saints have reached this stage. They live by faith and not by sight or feeling. And certainly not dependent on their works.

10.11  "O Mary of the Rosary, keep me recollected when I say these prayers of yours; bind me forever, with your rosary, to Jesus of the Blessed Sacrament. Blessed be Jesus, my love." (Pope St John XXIII).

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The Lord set me free from compulsive behaviors.

"Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought." (St John Paul II).

"Brothers and sisters: It is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the freeborn woman. The son of the slave woman was born naturally, the son of the freeborn through a promise. Now this is an allegory. These women represent two covenants. One was from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; this is Hagar. But the Jerusalem above is freeborn, and she is our mother. For it is written:

"Rejoice, you barren one who bore no children; break forth and shout, you who were not in labor; for more numerous are the children of the deserted one than of her who has a husband.

"Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are children not of the slave woman but of the freeborn woman.

"For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery." (Cf Galatians 4: 22 to 5:1).

Monday 10th October 2022 of the 28th Week of Ordinary Time.

Rejoice brothers and sisters, we are free. The Son has truly made us free. Free from what?

#1 Free from compulsive habits of sin: pornography, lying, cheating, anger.
#2 Free from crippling fears, worries and doubts.
#3 Free from the spirit of Unbelief that denies us all the benefits of our filial adoption as the children of the Father and brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ.

Here is how the Son freed me from almost two decades of tobacco addiction. 

It was the eve of Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras. A fine Tuesday afternoon. I was amongst friends and suddenly I said: "Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. I have done nothing in Lent for many years. I will not smoke tomorrow. I wanted to observe Lent only for Ash Wednesday." Laughter broke out among my friends. "Impossible! Impossible!" They intoned. I did not smoke on Ash Wednesday. And Thursday, Friday, Saturday and for a whole week. In exactly 7 days, the desire for tobacco was removed from me. The itch simply dried up.

How did it happen? I was saved by grace through faith. For I did not doubt that It was the merciful love of Christ that set me free. At the time, I did not have any "filthy works" I could point to. No regular prayer life. No Sacraments. No corporal or spiritual works of mercy. Jesus did it so that all the honor and glory should come to Him. Also that I could bear witness to His merciful love as I am doing today. I may also add that a couple of years later, Jesus again intervened in my life and set me free completely from dependency on alcohol.

What is your addiction? Whatever it is, the Son wants to set you free.

10. 10 . "The Rosary will cause virtue and good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of men from the love of the world and its vanities and will lift them to the desire of eternal things.  Oh, that soul would sanctify themselves by this means!" (4th Promise of the Blessed Virgin Mary to those devoted to the Holy Rosary).

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