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Thursday, October 24, 2002

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St. Anthony Mary Claret


Ephesians 3:14-21
Psalm 33
Luke 12:49-53

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the power unknown

"May He strengthen you inwardly through the working of His Spirit." —Ephesians 3:16

When the Holy Spirit came to us in Baptism, Confirmation, and other occasions, we received power (Acts 1:8). In fact, we were clothed from head to toe with power from on high (Lk 24:49). We can move mountains with only a tiny use of our power (Mt 17:20). There is nothing impossible for us in the power of Jesus (Mt 17:20).

A problem for Christians is not that we need more power but that we need to open the eyes of our hearts to know "the immeasurable scope of His power in us who believe" (Eph 1:19) and use it.

The Holy Spirit, Who has given us a share in His power, will also open our eyes to this power. Therefore, renew your Baptism and Confirmation. Repent of quenching the Holy Spirit (1 Thes 5:19). Stir into flame the gift of the Holy Spirit (2 Tm 1:6-7). Praise "to Him Whose power now at work in us can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine" (Eph 3:20). Come, Holy Spirit!

Prayer:  Father, may I use the power You have given me to save lives, evangelize, restore families, and build a new civilization of love and life.

Promise:  "Thus you will be able to grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ's love." —Eph 3:18

Praise:  St. Anthony Claret wrote: "The man who burns with the fire of divine love is a son of the Immaculate Heart of Mary."

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our tape Power in the Spirit on audio AV 64-1 or video V-64.)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Richard L. Klug, April 10, 2002


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 18, 2002