"For God did not destine us for wrath, but to gain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ" 1 Thessalonians 5:9
This summer I had the opportunity to lead a men's retreat at the Bethany Center in Lutz, where we dove into the topic of "Spiritual Warfare." Journeying through Scripture, we saw how we have an enemy who isn't particularly fond of us and tries to lead us away from our heavenly homeland through sin. Fortunately, we also learned how the Bible is not a story about temptation, but one of salvation – and while we have an enemy, we have an exponentially more powerful ally. The readings today tell that story beautifully. The Gospel speaks of unclean spirits and evil forces, and in the first reading, Paul warns us of "sudden disaster" that can come like a thief in the night! Fortunately, he also tells us that we are not children of darkness, but of the light – destined "to gain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ!" And in the Gospel, the presence of evil simply becomes an opportunity for Jesus to reveal His power and glory to those around Him. Simply put, darkness has no power when it encounters the light, or as the psalmist puts it: "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear?"
How does Jesus reveal His glory in my life, even in the face of darkness or sin?
Jesus, Light of the World, help all those in darkness to take courage, fearlessly trusting in You.
Today's Reflection by:
Fr. Lou Turcotte
Did you know...
Fr. Lou Turcotte grew up in Clearwater, attending Light of Christ Catholic Church with his parents and two sisters. He is an alumnus of St. Cecelia Interparochial School, Clearwater High, and the University of Florida, where he graduated with a degree in Marketing. Inspired by many priestly role models, he felt the LORD pulling him to discern the priesthood, and after an exciting, challenging, and transformative 7 years of seminary education, he was ordained a priest in 2018. After serving at St. Timothy in Lutz for two years, he now enjoys the beautiful waters of St. Raphael in St. Petersburg. His passions include national parks, aquariums, Chick-fil-A, Liverpool Football Club, and encountering Jesus alongside the faithful here in the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
