i did it my way?
"But you, beloved, grow strong in your holy faith through prayer in the Holy Spirit." —Jude 20
We need to build ourselves up by praying in the Holy Spirit to show mercy to three groups of people in the Church. In this way, we will make great strides in renewing the Church.
The first group we should reach out to is composed of those who are doubting (Jude 22). Although Jude does not clarify the circumstances of their doubts and how we should help these people, the Holy Spirit will guide us, as we pray in the Spirit.
The second group we are called to serve is caught in the fire (Jude 22). This is not the fire of purification but of destruction. The Holy Spirit is giving us a part in the ultimate rescue. Live in the Spirit.
The third group on whom we are to have mercy is described as wearing "flesh-stained clothing" (Jude 23). This mission is not explained, but it clearly is extremely dangerous (Jude 23-24). Come, Holy Spirit!
Jude gives us insight into renewing the Church by telling us to emphasize mercy (see Jude 21-23) and target three groups — those in doubt, those in the destroying fire, those defiled by the works of the flesh. We may have tried to renew God's Church with our ideas. Let's admit our failure and follow the directions of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Father, help me to un-learn some of what I think I know about renewing the Church.
Promise: "There is One Who can protect you from a fall and make you stand unblemished and exultant in the presence of His glory." —Jude 24
Praise: Though he knew his response would result in his martyrdom, St. Justin boldly proclaimed at his trial: "I have accepted the true doctrines of the Christians, though these are not approved by those who are held fast by error."
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape on Renewal Gifts on audio AV 3A-1 or video V3A.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, December 4, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 10, 2001