Episode 109: Set Apart by the Holy Spirit

In this episode, Father Genard discusses Acts 12:19-24, focusing on the themes of humility, glorifying God, and the dangers of vain glory. He reflects on Herod’s punishment for failing to give glory to God after being praised as divine, emphasizing the importance of redirecting all honor to the Lord. Drawing parallels to modern life, Father Genard explores how hardships, like famine and loss, often bring people together to seek peace, yet questions why reconciliation often requires extreme circumstances.

He highlights the scriptural call to live peacefully with all, citing Romans 12:17-18 and Proverbs 29:5, while cautioning against flattery that enables wrongdoing. Father Genard also unpacks how true glorification of God involves both faith and good works, as stated in Matthew 5:16. Finally, he reminds listeners that God’s justice serves as a lesson for others, encouraging us to live in a way that reflects His eternal kingdom and glorifies Him through our actions.

Experience the powerful and inspiring message from the 2024 Diocese Retreat’s Eucharistic Service, centered around the theme “Peace Be With Us” (John 14:27). Dive deep into the reflections on Christ’s ministry, his unshakable responses to opposition, and the fulfillment of the law through love and grace.

In this episode, Father Genard reflects on the "down times" we experience in life—those moments when we feel spiritually drained, discouraged, or disconnected. He examines how these times of struggle, confusion, and disappointment can actually become opportunities for growth, self-reflection, and spiritual renewal. Drawing from personal experience and Scripture, Father Genard encourages us to make the most of these low points by looking inward, identifying the root causes of our struggles, and using them as a chance to draw closer to God. He highlights the importance of humility and repentance in these moments, reminding us that God, in His mercy, is always ready to heal, forgive, and lift us up.

Father Genard also references Ephesians 5:15-16 and Isaiah 42:3, offering comfort that, even when we feel like a bruised reed or a flickering wick, God will not abandon us. Instead, He invites us to use these down times wisely, to reflect on our spiritual lives, correct our wrongs, and deepen our faith. This episode offers encouragement and hope, reminding us that no matter how low we may feel, God's grace is always available to restore and renew us.

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In this episode, Father Genard reflects on the power of prayer, focusing on Acts chapter 12, where we witness the church's earnest prayers being answered. The story of Simon Peter's miraculous release from prison highlights the impact of the church's prayers. Father Genard delves into the details of the event, where Simon is bound in chains, awaiting execution, and yet, through God's divine intervention, an angel miraculously frees him.

As Father Genard discusses, Simon Peter's release was not an escape but a divine act orchestrated by God to fulfill His perfect will. The message encourages believers to trust in God's timing and not try to escape from life's challenges but to await God's release. Father Genard also shares insights into the importance of commitment in discipleship, pointing to scripture and oral traditions about the apostles' sacrifices, including their commitments to the church over personal lives. He emphasizes that true discipleship requires total commitment, just as the apostles were called to serve the church with undivided devotion.

Join us as Father Genard unpacks these lessons from Acts and offers profound reflections on prayer, God's will, and the call to follow Christ wholeheartedly.

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In this episode, Father Genard discusses the themes of faith and divine intervention amid persecution in the early church, focusing on the events surrounding the imprisonment of Simon Peter. He reflects on the martyrdom of James and the earnest prayers offered for Simon, who, despite his dire circumstances, finds peace and comfort in God's promises. Father Genard emphasizes the significance of remembering God's words through the Holy Spirit, drawing parallels to Psalm 23 and the symbolism of the cross. He explores the miraculous nature of Simon's release, highlighting God's timing and the deeper purpose behind His actions. The episode encourages listeners to trust in God's sovereignty and find peace in their own trials, knowing that all things work together for good for those who love Him.

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In this episode, Father Genard explores Acts 12:1-5, focusing on the persecution of the early Christians by Herod, who killed James, the brother of John. He raises the question of why God allows such suffering, suggesting that it serves as a warning to the Jewish people and demonstrates the triumph of faith even in death.

Father Genard emphasizes that James's martyrdom reinforces Christ as the true head of the church. He notes that Herod delayed Peter’s execution due to the Feast of Unleavened Bread, possibly to create a spectacle.

Crucially, he highlights the community's response: they offered earnest prayers for Peter, illustrating their unity and love. Father Genard underscores that prayer serves as a refuge, a source of joy, and protection against despair, reminding us of its power in times of trouble.

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In this reflection, Father Genard explores the significance of being properly attired for the wedding feast, drawing on biblical passages like Matthew 22:11-14 and Luke 14:15-35. He emphasizes that the wedding garment symbolizes love, highlighting that while faith and baptism are crucial, they must be accompanied by genuine love to fully partake in the community of the church. 

He warns against being present in faith but lacking love, as true acceptance in the church requires adherence to moral and righteous living. The analogy of being "speechless" before God underlines the importance of self-examination and accountability in our spiritual lives. Ultimately, he calls listeners to ensure they are clothed in love and virtue, as these are essential for entering into the divine banquet prepared for all believers.

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In this episode, Father Genard discusses God’s sovereignty and ownership over creation, emphasizing themes from Matthew 20:15, which highlights God’s right to do as He pleases with what is His. He poses a significant question: What exists that does not belong to God?

He explores the nature of good and evil, referencing Isaiah 45:7, which states that God creates both light and darkness, as well as peace and calamity. This indicates that evils refer not to moral failings but to divine actions that serve a purpose, such as discipline or trials.

Father Genard addresses why believers must obey God, reminding them of their creation and the life breathed into them by God. He emphasizes that wisdom and knowledge are gifts from God, and human limitations are part of His design.

He encourages listeners to recognize that all they have—wealth, health, and abilities—are provisions from God, to be used according to His will. Ultimately, he urges believers to trust in God’s goodness and accept His plans without complaint, reinforcing that God's actions are always for the good of those who follow Him.

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In this podcast episode, Father Genard delves into the power of faith as taught by Jesus in Matthew 17:20, where He explains that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. Father Genard reflects on the significance of having an undivided faith, highlighting how even the smallest amount can bring about miraculous change. Through biblical examples, such as the disciples' struggles and the unwavering faith of the Canaanite woman, he emphasizes the importance of persistent belief, fasting, and prayer in overcoming life's greatest challenges. Father Genard encourages listeners to identify their own personal "mountains" and to trust in God’s strength to help them through faith, fasting, and prayer. Ultimately, he calls for a life of worship, continual praise, and deep trust in God's promises.

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