Your word, O Lord, is truth;
consecrate us in the truth. JN 17:17B, 17A
ACTS 20:28-38
My Beloved, Soul of my soul,
Paul's address to the presbyters of the Church in Ephesus applies to every consecrated bishop and priest. They must model themselves on You, the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, just as Paul did. Sadly this is not true there has been a savage attack on the flock by wolves within and outside the Church. Many have been led astray by weak, or wrong doctrine. But there are also many good and holy shepherds who stand firm on the Rock of Peter and suffer much because they will not compromise the Truth or water it down to accommodate the culture of the day.
We too must remain vigilant and do our part in knowing our faith so we can make a strong defence against the allies of the Enemy. Let us always extend our support and bestow our affection on those who spend themselves tirelessly to feed their flock the truth with regard to faith, morals, and right doctrine.
PSALM 68:29-30, 33-36
My Beloved, Soul of my soul,
Your power O Lord is visible in the Church You founded on the Rock of Peter. Despite the storms she has always weathered, she remains glorious and triumphant. Despite the scandals and the persecutions, she prevails because the Holy Spirit abides in her in fullness.
You make Your home in our tabernacles in every nation and people of every race, language, and culture worship You. We receive You in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist where the priests have been given the power to change mere bread and wine into Your Body and Blood so we can eat the Bread of Angels and be nourished and strengthened. There is no God, Beloved, but the One awesome God who made the heavens and the earth and this God makes His home in every heart that believes in You.
JOHN 17:11B-19
My Beloved, Soul of my soul,
If ever we get discouraged because the world hates us, all we need to do is remind ourselves that You have prayed for us and the mighty protection of all the powers in heaven is granted to us. Your prayer as High Priest to Your Father in heaven is answered for You are the answer to every prayer. When we pray to the Father we pray You, we offer You, we recall You, the Living Word, of the Living God.
No force no matter how evil or destructive will prevail against Your Body, the Church. We have been consecrated to You as Your Bride, the Father stoops low from heaven to lavish her with every good and perfect gift through the Holy Spirit. We are woven with the love of the Holy Spirit to the love between You and the Father. Your Church will remain safe despite every attempt to destroy her because You will ensure that the gates of hell will not prevail against her until You return in glory.
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