St. Paul reminds the people of Rome that our spiritual battles are fought with the Lord by our side, and nothing can overcome God’s strength. May the Lord’s grace encourage us to face the challenges before us this day!
The Psalm response reminds us that our hope is not founded in our strength, our wealth or our abilities…it is founded upon the mercy of God. May this mercy give us the wisdom to turn to the Lord for our needs this day!
Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God starts small but over time grows larger and is transformed. The same is true for our spiritual journey, reminding us to take the small steps we need to do today to become the disciples the Lord calls us to be.
How can we share our faith with those around us? Some simple and practical considerations include service, invitation, technology and word of mouth…and perhaps one of these will speak to our hearts today as we proclaim the Good News to those we meet.
Prayer is crucial for our spiritual life, yet we discover in the Gospel today the power that results when our prayers are grounded in the humility that recognizes our own weaknesses and sins. May we fervently call upon the Lord in our daily prayer, asking the one who knows us through-and-through for what we need.
The Lord makes makes it clear (repeating his exhortation twice) that it is crucial for his disciples to repent of their sins. May we take a hard and honest look within, and ask the Lord for grace we need to live in his love.
Jesus uses the weather to demonstrate how we use signs to understand our earthly lives, and then he switches this concept to our spiritual life. It begs a simple question: Are we looking for the signs of faith in our souls, and are we willing to make changes for the better?
Jesus speaks of the fiery blaze that he longs to light upon the earth. This fire of faith has the power to cleanse our souls, burning away the effects of sin.
The Lord’s teaching in the Gospel of Luke can drive us to our knees as we count our blessings, and then lift us to new heights as we make something precious with what we’ve received. What will you do with your gift of life?
Jesus teaches his disciples to be ready – vigilant and prepared – so that we can respond immediately when God calls us to offer our lives for service in the world.