13 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 YOU LIVING A GODLY LIFE?  First Reading: Joel 1: 13-15; 2: 1-2 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 9: 2-3, 6 and 16, 8-9 Alleluia: John 12: 31b-32 Gospel: Luke 11: 15-26 In today’s Gospel reading, it is said that when the unclean spirit had gone out of a man, when he is driven out, “he passes through arid regions seeking rest, and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’” In Pope Francis’ homily during the mass on October 16, 2015, in the chapel of Santa Marta, he recommended discernment and vigilance in order to avoid the risk of “anaesthetizing one’s conscience.” He stressed that temptations will always return,” and that “the evil spirit never tires.” He was cast out, but patiently waits to return. It is therefore not enough just to drive away evil thoughts and habits from our lives. In addition, we must fill the void with God, the source of everything that is good, wholesome, true and life-giving for us. St Augustine said that our lives have a God-shaped void which only God can fill satisfactorily. If we leave it vacant or fill it with non-Godly things, we will end up being in a worse situation in the end. So, what do you fill the void in your life with? Jesus wants to fill our hearts and minds with the power of His life-giving words and healing love. He makes it clear that there are no neutral parties in this world. We are either for Jesus or against Him, for the kingdom of God or for the kingdom of darkness which is under Satan.    This is the 1267th 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 Jess Ferrer, Head of Migrants Program, 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