I chose you from the world
to go out and bear fruit,
fruit that will last,
says the Lord. JN 15:16
ACTS 22:3-16
My Soul's Beloved,
To follow You, to believe in You, to embrace the Word of God fully, and to allow the Word to live in us, move us, direct us, and animate us takes courage especially if we are non-Catholic or non-Christian for a vast majority have an ambivalence towards Catholics and the Church, some to a greater degree than others. Some hate the Church with a frightening almost demonic hatred. Ignorant of what the Church teaches which is what You and the Apostles taught, they spew venom about what they think the Church teaches. They are so blind in their hatred that they are unable to think rationally or make an attempt to understand why the Church stands firmly against the rationale of those who preach worldly wisdom of comfort, and the false gospel that it is ok to do whatever one pleases to do as long as no one is hurt. This is a lie that the father of lies uses to ensnare his victims.
St. Paul had everything to lose by embracing the Truth that was revealed to him in Person on the road to Damascus. He was struck blind by the Light in whom darkness cannot exist he groped in the darkness that represented his past life and beliefs. Face to face with the Truth that sets us free he acknowledged that he had encountered God and that there was no returning to who he was.
Forgive me Lord for being a lukewarm Catholic, You have no use for such for You have said You will vomit out of Your mouth those that are tepid. Here I am, a sinner, weak, frail, unable to overcome the natural desire of my flesh which seeks ease and comfort rather than the need of my soul to carry my cross daily and gladly follow You on the narrow road to life.
Like Paul, I am chosen to be an authentic witness to the Truth. I fail a thousand times a day. Help me, Lord, without You, I will surely choose the broad way that leads to death. You have given me sight through baptism and the Sacraments of healing and Life may I not squander the rich graces readily available and granted to me.
‘Someone called Ananias, a devout follower of the Law and highly thought of by all the Jews living there, came to see me; he stood beside me and said, “Brother Saul, receive your sight.” Instantly my sight came back and I was able to see him. Then he said, “The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will, to see the Just One and hear his own voice speaking, because you are to be his witness before all mankind, testifying to what you have seen and heard. And now why delay? It is time you were baptised and had your sins washed away while invoking his name.”’
PSALM 116(117)
Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News.
O praise the Lord, all you nations,
acclaim him all you peoples!
Strong is his love for us;
he is faithful for ever.
he is faithful for ever.
Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News.
MARK 16:15-18
MARK 16:15-18
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