Acts 18:9-18, Psalm 47, John 16:20-23
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THE BEST AND WORST OF TIMES
"Then [the Corinthians] all pounced on Sosthenes, a leading man of the
synagogue, and beat him in full view of the bench." —Acts 18:17
The church at Corinth may have had the worst problems and the greatest
power in the Holy Spirit. They had been "richly endowed with every gift of
speech and knowledge" (1 Cor 1:5). When they had a prayer meeting so many
people displayed so many gifts they found it hard to keep order (1 Cor
14:33ff). This church was supercharged in the Holy Spirit. But, since it
so threatened the devil, he attacked it viciously. It fell into sins of
division, immorality, injustice, violence, disorder, and heresy.
Paul needed a special vision of the Lord to allay his fears and encourage
him to persevere (Acts 18:9).
Let's not fall into the temptation to stifle the Spirit because we are
afraid of the dangers of life in the Spirit. We shouldn't surrender to
stop the war. We should seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit, despite the
spiritual warfare. Let's put on the full armor of God (Eph 6:13) and be
careful not to fall into sin and the devil's trap. Today is the first of
nine days of prayer, the Pentecost Novena, for the Holy Spirit. The devil
is trembling and raging; we are praying and trusting. Come, Holy Spirit!
Prayer: Father, on this first day of the Holy Spirit novena, I pray to
thirst for the Spirit more than for anything else (Jn 7:37).
Promise: "You are sad for a time, but I shall see you again; then your
hearts will rejoice with a joy no one can take from you." —Jn 16:22
Praise: St. Rita's constant prayer for her abusive husband bore fruit as
he repented of his sins on his deathbed.
(For a related teaching, order our tape on "Don't Stifle the Spirit" on
audio AV 56-3 or video V-56.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from April
1, 2009 through May 31, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 3, 2008
The rescript 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 ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.
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