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Sunday, October 18, 1998

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29th Sunday Ordinary Time
World Mission Sunday


Exodus 17:8-13
2 Timothy 3:14—4:2
Psalm 121
Luke 18:1-8

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world word-war

"As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight." —Exodus 17:11

We are in a war against demons (Eph 6:12). As the Church, we are attacking the gates of hell which cannot prevail against us (Mt 16:18). By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are claiming Jesus' victory over Satan and applying it to our lives and our world.

Our sword is the Spirit using God's word (Eph 6:17) and helping us to pray in our weakness (Rm 8:26). Therefore, "preach the word, (staying) with this task whether convenient or inconvenient" (2 Tm 4:2). Also, accompany the proclamation of God's word by praying as Moses did (Ex 17:11-13). "At every opportunity pray in the Spirit, using prayers and petitions of every sort. Pray constantly and attentively for all in the holy company" (Eph 6:18). Pray with and for the ministry of God's word. "Pray for us that the word of the Lord may make progress and be hailed by many others, even as it has been by you" (2 Thes 3:1). Pray "that God may put His word" on our lips that we "may have courage to proclaim it as" we ought (Eph 6:19, 20).

In this year of the Holy Spirit, in preparation for the year 2000, the Great Jubilee, on this World Mission Sunday, fight in the power of the Spirit the world war of words — words of witnessing, preaching, teaching, and praying.

Prayer:  Father, I will fight hard for the faith (Jude 3).

Promise:  "All Scripture is inspired of God and is useful for teaching — for reproof, correction, and training in holiness so that the man of God may be fully competent and equipped for every good work." —2 Tm 3:16-17

Praise:  Praise Jesus, the risen Word of God, leading the armies of heaven! (Rv 19:13-14)

Rescript:  ..

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.


Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, April 4, 1998


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 8, 1998