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Monday, May 21, 2018

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St. Christopher Magallanes


James 3:13-18
Psalm 19:8-10, 15
Mark 9:14-29

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wanting stronger faith?

"I do believe! Help my lack of faith!" —Mark 9:24, our transl.

Jesus expected His disciples and the crowd to have faith so as to expel demons (see Mk 9:19). Jesus invited the father of a possessed son to have greater faith (see Mk 9:23). Jesus connects faith with prayer (Mk 9:29).

Will you pray to have a greater faith? (see Lk 17:5) How much will you pray for greater faith? Will you pray a Holy Hour for nine days to obtain greater faith? How much do you want a greater faith?

To grow in faith, will you persevere in studying and reading the teachings of the Church, especially the Bible? "Faith comes through hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rm 10:17, our translation).

The more we love Jesus, the more we want to have a deeper faith in Him. Motivated by love, we are willing even to suffer when necessary to grow in faith (see 1 Pt 1:6ff).

Pray for and in faith. Feed your faith. Suffer for greater faith. We are saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8). "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?" (Lk 18:8, RSV-CE)

Prayer:  Father, send the Holy Spirit to me that my faith in You will ever increase.

Promise:  "The harvest of justice is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace." —Jas 3:18

Praise:  St. Christopher gave absolutions to his executioners before he was martyred.

Reference:  (Feed your faith by reading the Bible every day. We have several series to help you. Overview of the Bible is six CDs starting with CD 10 A-1. 15 Minute Bible Teaching - New Testament is forty CDs with detailed teaching as to chapter and verse starting with CD 700. An Introduction to Each Book of the Bible is thirty-two CDs starting with CD 21-1.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 12, 2017

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