Luke 21:15 (Spirit of Wisdom) by Fr. Chris

Fr. Chris Reflections: Today we remember the old and the new. St. Clement was the 4th Pope of the Church and knew St. Peter. We have a lengthy and beautiful letter written by St. Clement to the Corinthians that praises God the Creator of the Universe, speaks of humility and docility, and exhorts the Corinthians to repent and to show charity even in the face of great hostility. He was martyred in 99 AD by being tied to an anchor and thrown into the sea. His writings reflect the beauty and truth of the Faith bravely professed in ancient times. Great hostility also surrounds the saint we consider new, Blessed Miguel Pro, a Jesuit who courageously ministered to the poor during severe persecutions in Mexico in the early 20th century. Falsely accused and betrayed, Blessed Miguel faced a firing squad and proclaimed words forever associated with him: “Viva Cristo Rey!” (“Long live Christ the King!”). Jesus tells us today about persecution and difficulty…it is evident in the old and the new. Jesus also tells us of a Spirit of Wisdom that will intercede on our behalf. We remember that same Spirit is working in us today as we prayerfully and peacefully promote life at all stages. Sometimes in the face of hostility, sometimes in the face of apathy, always remembering that Christ is with us, leading us and guiding us.
* Fr. Chris Uhl was raised in Cleveland, served in the Air Force and worked as an electronics technician before ordination in 2003. He is now the pastor for Holy Ghost Parish in Denver, CO.