Jesus Warns of Trials to Strengthen Faith – May 11 – Homily – Fr Joseph Michael

In his homily, Fr. Joseph Michael talks about the first reading from Acts, where St. Paul brings the Gospel to Europe for the first time in Philippi. A woman named Lydia opens her heart to the faith, and her whole family gets baptized. This shows how the message of Jesus spread from Jews to Gentiles, thanks to Paul's great zeal, even without modern tools like social media or fast travel. In the Gospel, Jesus warns us that life will have troubles, but He tells us this ahead of time so we won't lose faith or get discouraged. He promises the Holy Spirit will give us strength to stay faithful and share the Gospel. Fr. Joseph encourages us to be like the apostles, open to the Holy Spirit, especially in May when we honor Mary, and to live our faith boldly.

CCC 849 – Church's missionary mandate worldwide – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p3.htm#849
CCC 1816 – Perseverance through persecution joyfully – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c1a7.htm#1816
CCC 688 – Holy Spirit aids the faithful – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p1s2c3a8.htm#688
New Advent Philippi – Europe's first Christian community – https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12007b.htm

00:00 - The Foundation of the Church in Philippi
00:32 - Lydia and the Spread of the Gospel to Gentiles
01:07 - The Zeal of St. Paul and the Early Apostles
01:42 - Lessons for Modern Discipleship
02:17 - Jesus on Trials and Difficulties
02:58 - Finding Strength in the Holy Spirit