SPIRITUS

Mark is a guy with tons of energy and is always up for an adventure! You'll find him playing sports and working out just as often as you'll see him visiting Shrines and praying for others. Just like St Michael, Mark is someone who loves the Lord and looks out for his family and friends.

When we realize that our lives have been given to us not for our own gratification or pleasure, but rather to make a true and complete gift of ourselves to God and to others, these words of our Lord don’t seem quite as intimidating. Although it can often be scary to become so vulnerable with Jesus as to be willing to lose our lives for His sake, He always gives us so much more than we could have ever imagined when we love and follow Him.

Jesus, give me the strength to give my whole life to You and to trust that what You offer in return is far greater and more lasting than whatever I will give up.

Gianna, a recent grad from the Catholic University of America, is well read and well traveled! She loves thrifting, hammocking, and walking alongside others in friendship. She loves an easy meal from Trader Joe's and “going to sit at coffee shops and yap :)”

In this incredible moment, Jesus shows us that He is able to do great things in us when we are fully open to receive Him, like the woman in today’s Gospel.

How often do we approach God with this kind of simple, childlike faith? This faith is a movement of the heart and soul that reaches out in hope and longing to the God who longs for us. We have the opportunity to become united to this same God every time we receive the Holy Eucharist. We can become so close to Him not only to touch His cloak, but to receive His very Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity into ourselves, and so be healed by Him.

Jesus, help me to have faith like this woman and to long for You as You long for me.

Do we truly believe in the promise our Lord gave us - that even the gates of hell will never prevail against His Church? Many of us are overwhelmed by the constant stream of news and information, especially concerning the brokenness of humanity, whether within our own communities or even within the hierarchy of the Church. It can be easy to fall into despair and believe that the power of sin and evil is too great. When we give in to despair, we not only deny God's almighty power and goodness, but we also remove ourselves from the mission He has entrusted to us: building His Kingdom on earth and bringing healing through the power of Christ.

Yet Christ continues to transform the world through ordinary people who say "yes" to His call. Every act of faith, every life touched, and every heart drawn closer to Him is a reminder that His Kingdom is strong. He is inviting you to be part of that work. How will you respond to Christ's call?

Learn more about what a "yes" to the Lord could look like on our website: https://www.spiritusministries.org/beamissionary