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Saturday, October 15, 2005

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St. Teresa of Jesus


Romans 4:13, 16-18
Psalm 105:6-9, 42-43
Luke 12:8-12

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"a life of faith" (gal 2:20)

"Hence, all depends on faith, everything is grace." —Romans 4:16

All depends on faith — marriage, parenting, finances, health, education, happiness, security, etc. Therefore, in every area of our lives, we should seek opportunities to act in faith. We should not try to maintain the status quo but break new ground by acting in faith.

Would daily prayer with your spouse take faith? If so, do it. Would having another child take faith? Whatever it takes, "walk by faith" (2 Cor 5:7). Where are the faith opportunities in your life? Would it take more faith to quit or continue your job? Would home-schooling your children take faith? How much money would you need to give to God's work to be in a position of faith? Are your insurance policies "crutches" limiting the free exercise of your faith? Is your savings account preventing you from believing in the Lord's promise to give us our daily bread? (Mt 6:11)

In our culture, we try to be in control and operate by faith as infrequently as possible. Rather, we should maximize our faith opportunities, seeking to walk by faith and not by sight.

Prayer:  Jesus, may my life not be my own but a life in faith in You, "Who loved me and gave [Yourself] for me" (Gal 2:20).

Promise:  "The Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment all that should be said." —Lk 12:12

Praise:  After twenty-five years in the convent, St. Teresa's faith led her to start a new rule based on poverty, prayer, and Providence. She wrote, "A person should desire no other path" than the life of faith.

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our tape Pride and Faith on audio AV 64-1 or video V-64.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 21, 2005

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