A LIVING FAITH - 11/12/22 (Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr)

Luke 18:8b

“When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111222.cfm

Blessed Memorial of Saint Josaphat! Jesus speaks of a parable to show us the importance of our spiritual and prayer life. There was a woman who kept on requesting to the judge for him to make a decision against the adversary. The judge was not respectful of God nor of other people, but because he was so bothered, he accepted the request of the woman. If the woman in the parable seeks the judge always despite the fact that he is not morally good, how much more should we seek God and pray to Him who is infinite in His goodness and mercy for us. And yet, Jesus makes an interesting point. Will He find faith on earth in His second coming? In fact, we should also reflect on our faith journey today. Do we have faith as we live on earth today? Faith is not just intellectual belief. It is a living faith which means that our faith in God is manifested in our good works. This living faith is seen when we spend time in our prayer, especially our free time. Sometimes, people pray for the sake of temporal goods. There is nothing wrong in praying for wealth, for good health and for other things provided that we will use all of these blessings for God's glory. 

But, we should never forget that the main purpose why we should pray often is for us to be more united to God's will. This means that by constantly speaking to God in our prayers, we express our love for Him and our dependence for His graces in order for us to avoid sins which are displeasing to Him. Blessed are those who fear the Lord because they persevere to not sin because of their love for God. This living faith should also be manifested in our trust in the Catholic Church. Saint Josaphat was first an Orthodox Christian who converted to the Catholic Church. When he became a Bishop, he sought to do all he could for the Orthodox Churches to be united with the Catholic Church. Unfortunately, some Orthodox Christians did not like his desire of unity, and as such, he was murdered. Even though St. Josaphat died as a martyr, he offered himself for conversion of sinners. And, he is still interceding in heaven for the unity in the mystical body of Christ. May we seek to live out the Catholic faith by having a strong prayer life and by praying for the conversion of the people, especially through the holy rosary, who do not yet know the fullness of truth in the Catholic Church. Jesus is calling all of us in His Church because He desires for us to be glorified with Him in heaven. 

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. Josaphat:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/november-12---st-josaphat-bishop-and-martyr/

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

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

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

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

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

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