📖 9-Day Fasting Novena in honor of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. (DAY 4) скачать в хорошем качестве

📖 9-Day Fasting Novena in honor of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. (DAY 4)

Day 4 – Fast for Courage Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church October 1, 2025 📖 “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62) The liturgy today speaks of wholeheartedness. In the Gospel, Jesus tells His would-be followers that discipleship demands courage—the courage to let go of the past, to leave behind comfort, and to move forward without hesitation. To follow Him is not a part-time choice; it is a total surrender. This call resonates with the life of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower. Though hidden in the quiet walls of Carmel, she lived courage in its purest form—trusting in God’s merciful love even in weakness. Her “Little Way” was not grand heroism, but daily courage: the courage to remain small, to accept her fragility, and to love God with simplicity and trust. The first reading from Nehemiah shows a leader who, despite fear before the king, found courage to ask boldly for what God’s people needed. The Psalm reminds us of Israel’s courage to sing and remain faithful, even in exile. And in Philippians, Paul declares that everything is loss compared to knowing Christ—courageously letting go of status, privilege, and security. This is the courage fasting awakens in us. Like Esther, who fasted before interceding for her people, and like St. Joan of Arc, who courageously bore arms for God’s call, we discover that courage does not come from ourselves but from God. Fasting empties us of fear and self-reliance so that God’s strength may fill us. Reflection: To follow Christ is to keep our eyes forward, hands steady on the plow, trusting that the soil ahead is where God calls us to labor. Fasting gives us the courage to let go of what weighs us down—attachments, fears, excuses—and to walk in freedom toward His Kingdom. Today, we are invited to stand like Nehemiah before the king, like Paul before loss, like Thérèse before the hidden crosses of daily life: courageous not because we are strong, but because God is with us. CONVERSATION WITH THE FATHER: Lord, when fear and hesitation rise in me, give me the courage to follow You without looking back. May my fasting open space for Your Spirit to work in me, making me steadfast in love and bold in trust. Through the example of St. Thérèse, St. Joan of Arc, and St. Esther, grant me the grace to walk courageously in Your will. Amen. Come and join us. (MLVA) ALL MUSIC, VIDEOS, SONGS are credited to their original composers, singers, arrangers, and music companies. I have no intention of profiting from this work. It is offered solely to serve God and His people.