GLORIFYING GOD AFTER OUR CONVERSION - 10/24/22 (Memorial of Saint Anthony Mary Claret, Bishop)

Luke 13:10-13

Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath. And a woman was there who for eighteen years had been crippled by a spirit; she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect. When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said, “Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.” He laid his hands on her, and she at once stood up straight and glorified God.  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102422.cfm

Blessed Memorial of St. Anthony Mary Claret! God loves us first and invites us first into communion with Him before we even love Him. That's how merciful God is that as He sees how far we are from Him due to our sins, He continually draws us to Himself. This is what we can see in today's gospel reading. A woman was possessed by an evil spirit and afflicted for 18 years. Jesus called her and freed her from her physical and spiritual illnesses. This was also one of the intentions of Jesus as He went inside the temple. There may be some of us who have been struggling with sins, especially lust, and found true freedom from these sins only when we encounter the mercy of God, especially through sacrament of confession, Mass, rosary and other prayers. Some people were attacking the teachings of the Catholic Church, like the respect for the dignity and life of humans from conception until death. And, by the grace of God, they realized the truth of the teachings of the Church after so many years because they accepted the invitation and inspiration from our Lord. 

The woman who was healed by Jesus stood straight and glorified Him. This represents what we should do out of love for God after our conversion. By God's grace, we can stand up after falling from sins and walk with Jesus as we persevere in virtues and prayer life and as we reject temptations to sins. How can we glorify God even more, not just through our words but also through our actions? We should stay away from occasions of sins and be on guard especially when our friends or families influence us to offend God through sinful deeds. When our friends make a topic of conversation that we know are not in accordance with God's will, we should not support them or find satisfaction in engaging in this type of conversation. Rather, God is inviting us to seek Him more in silence and in our prayers. St. Anthony Mary Claret knew the importance of salvation of souls, and this is why he was so dedicated in preaching the gospel, through his words and written works, and his active life was supported by a strong interior or prayer life. May we imitate him by discerning how we can lead more people to God and by using our social media to share the gospel and the teachings of the Catholic Church. We are freed by the truth of Christ, and let's consecrate ourselves and lead other souls to His truth. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Life of St. Anthony Mary Claret:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/october-24---anthony-mary-claret/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/