12 October 2023 - Only By Grace Reflections

NOTE: Please click the Subscribe key on YouTube and press the black notification bell to receive the daily reflections. Or, open in YouTube for easy access. View and Like. Thank you. TOPIC: ARE WE AUTHENTIC MISSIONARY DISCIPLES?    First Reading: Malachi 3: 13-20b Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 1: 1-2, 3, 4 and 6 Alleluia: Acts 16: 14b Gospel: Luke 11: 5-13 The three important identities of a Catholic Christian are: he is a follower of Christ; his calling and the gifts, he receives from God. In this reflection, let me focus on the third which was how our Gospel reading today ended, “If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” And we know from our teaching on Charismatic Gifts that what the Holy Spirit gives to us is for the upbuilding of the Church and will help us on our way to holiness. Pope Francis said that “gifts are freely distributed by the Holy Spirit, so that sacramental grace may be fruitful in Christian life in different ways and at every level. In this way, they themselves become a gift of love for others and authentic witnesses to the Gospel before all mankind.” My dear brothers and sisters, may we all receive a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit that our true identity as missionary disciples may help build and strengthen our Church and community.   This is the 1266th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings. [NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Rouquel Ponte, a member of the CFC Board of Elders, as he brings us today's reflection. All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our lives. This video is also available on Couples for Christ’s Facebook page. In You Tube, just type ONLY BY GRACE REFLECTIONS] #OnlyByGraceReflections #CFC #CouplesforChrist