"I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be hindered." – JB 42: 1

 

Sisters and Brothers, Happy first day of October!!  Let us take time during our busy day and pray for all those impacted by Hurricane Ian.  There is so much I wish to share with you about today’s Saint and the Word of God from Sacred Scriptures. In our First Reading from the Book of Job, we hear Job’s revelation of who God is, especially given all that Job has gone through.  Every day this week a section of the Book of Job was shared.  Starting with how Satan thought that he could persuade Job to disavow God, who had blessed Job with abundance.  Then we see the ups turn to downs, but one thing held true, Job’s relationship with God.  Through it all, Job still was open to grow in Faith, Hope, and Love for God.  Even though great things were not understood, Job trusts that God can do all things and His purpose will not be hindered. This can be seen in today’s Gospel as well.  Jesus makes clear that the true source of our Joy is God Himself, and God alone. Regardless of the circumstances, in good times and bad times, in success or loss, God always assures us of victory.  This victory is in growing each day in our relationship with Jesus.  

In the Gospel, the prayer shared by Jesus after the 72 disciples return contains a warning that pride can keep us from the love and knowledge of God. What makes us ignorant and blind to the things of God? Sinful pride springs from being self-centered and holding an exaggerated view of ourselves. Pride closes the mind to God's Truth and Wisdom for our lives. Lucifer, who was once the prince of angels, fell into pride because he did not want to serve God but wanted to be equal with God. Through his arrogant pride he led a whole host of angels to rebel against God. That is why the rebellious angels, whom Sacred Scripture calls evil spirits, devils, and demons, were cast out of Heaven and thrown down to the earth. They seek to lead us away from God through pride and rebellion.  How are we standing up to them?  Are we like children?

Humility is the only way to guard our hearts from sinful pride and rebellion. The virtue of humility teaches us to put our trust in God and not in ourselves. God gives strength and help to those who put their trust in Him. Humility is the only true remedy against sinful pride. True humility, which is very different from the feelings of inferiority or low self-esteem, leads us to a true recognition of who we are in the sight of God and of our dependence on God.

The Saint the Universal Church remembers today is St Therese of Lisieux.  St Therese defined her path to God and holiness as The Little Way, which consisted of child-like love and trust in God. She did not have what many would call a good and long life.  However, she made the most of it because she realized early on the importance of having a relationship with the crucified Jesus.  St Therese shared her experiences in growing in this relationship writing a book called, “History of a Soul.”   Despite living only twenty-four years, many miracles are attributed to her. St Therese was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1997 by Saint Pope John Paul II after being canonized in 1925.

"Most High and glorious God, enlighten the darkness of our hearts and give us a true faith, a certain hope and a perfect love. Give us a sense of the divine and knowledge of yourself, so that we may do everything in fulfillment of your holy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Prayer of Francis of Assisi, 1182-1226) "

May God’s Grace and Blessings Always be with you and yours!!  Our Lady of Guadalupe – Pray for us!!  

 

Yours in Christ,

Deacon Bob

St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church

Houston, TX