11/10/2024
Journey with the Lord
Friday, October 11, 2024, Week 27 of the Year
(Pope St. John XXIII Optional Memorial)
First Reading: Galatians 3:7-14
Psalm: 110:1-6
Gospel Acclamation: John 12:31-32
Gospel: Luke 11:15-26
Walk by Faith, Not the cruelty of the Law
1. Dearly beloved in Christ, Today, we reflect on Jesus' victory over darkness. In the Gospel, Jesus casts out demons, showcasing the kingdom of God among us (Luke 11:15-26). People react differently, but one truth stands: Jesus has overthrown the powers of darkness. As descendants of Abraham by faith (Galatians 3:7-14), we overcome darkness through love, not cruelty of the law. Faith is walking in the spirit of love that is in the law despite the ambiguities in the letters of the law. From the cruelty of letters of the law, Christ Jesus has saved us
2. Jesus has saved us; now, let's expand His kingdom. Cast out demons of Falsehood, Hypocrisy, Wickedness, Indifference, Pride, Greed, Immorality, Divisiveness, Idolatry, Corruption, Selfishness to Stay vigilant: Resist demonic return (Luke 11:24-26), Be alert for spiritual attacks (1 Peter 5:8 ), Watch and pray (Matthew 26:41 ) in faith. Faith overcomes darkness (Galatians 3:7-14, 1John 5:4-5) and faith is a shield that extinguishes all flaming arrows of the evil one ( Ephesians 6:16). After accepting Christ, we must remain vigilant. The devil seeks to return, making us worse than before (Luke 11:24-26).
4. As redeemed Christians, nourish your faith through prayer and devotion. Tap into the October devotion's graces and tear down the dark kingdom. Pray the Rosary every day. May Christ cast out demons and our faith in Him extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one from our lives, families, marriages, relationships, our community, land, state, nation, government, politics, judiciary, economy, legislative, industries and schools. May we walk by faith, not the cruelty of the law, tearing down the dark kingdom. How are you expanding this kingdom? May your life reflect the kingdom of God. Pope St John XXIII's life reflects God's kingdom by bringing about reforms to the church through his aggiornamento and ressourcement that permeats the Second Vatican council and beyond breathing fresh air in the church and it's teaching. This has foster unity proving to the world that God has sent Jesus Christ (John 17:20-21) in contrast to those who have divided the body of Christ to live in the falsehood of beginning another (I Corinthians 3:11-13). John XXIII has built on the laid foundation with gold. What are you building on this foundation with? He is one of the Minor patrons of the Via Christi Society, a new religious family in MAKURDI BENUE state Nigeria, founded by Fr Angus George Fraser, CSSp, MFR of belessed memory with over 90 priests and Associates expanding the kingdom of Christ in their Missions in different parts of the world.
Shalom!
Good morning!
Have a spirit-filled day!
Pope St John XXIII.... Pray for us!
Fr. Akpenpuun SSP, VC
