Video Resources
Fr. Joshua's Empowering Ascension Homily
June 16, 2021
Healing Prayer: The Mission of Jesus
Teaching given by Deacon Joshua Trefney to the St. Hilary prayer group on December 18, 2018.
Intro to 5-Step Prayer Model
Talk given by Fr. Jacob Bearer at prayer team training, St. Gabriel in Mentor, November 11, 2018.
Healing Our Self-Image
Homily given by Deacon Joshua Trefney at a Eucharistic Holy Hour, Center for Pastoral Leadership, November 2018.
FORGIVENESS
Talk given by Deacon Joshua Trefney at the Unbound One-Day Conference, October 13, 2018, at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Cuyahoga Falls.
YOU TERRIFY DEMONS
That's right: You terrify demons! You bear in your body the power of God. Jesus' commission of the seventy-two reveals His heart towards us. When Jesus looks at you and me, He sees men and women ready for combat. Does this seem too intense? Listen to what Jesus says in response to the return of the seventy-two who rejoice that "even the demons are subject to us" (Lk. 10:17): "I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky" (Lk. 10:18). Evil powers fall in defeat before these newly sent disciples. When we move in the power of Jesus ' commission the earth is changed and we proclaim: "The kingdom of God is at hand for you" (Lk. 10:9)
We cannot lay this mantle on the shoulders of the twelve Apostles and dismiss ourselves from the excitement. The seventy-two share in the one mission of Jesus: to bring the Kingdom of God to earth. Jesus plants the seeds of this radical truth into every Our Father we pray: "Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.: You terrify the forces of darkness because you bear the name, Christian. This co-mission with the Holy Spirit and Jesus now surges through our veins. Have you ever looked at your hands and realized that Jesus blessed them to heal the sick, aid the suffering, encourage the downcast, and build His kingdom. Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror and let Jesus show you the fire crackling behind your eyes? Be not afraid of yourself. Jesus tells us, "I have given you the power to tread upon...the full force of the enemy". (Lk. 10: 19)
Jesus does not give us power for self-righteousness, nor for pride, but to reveal the awesome wonder of His Body, the Church, upon earth. When you receive His Body and Blood this day and say "Amen," know that your flesh becomes one with Him in this co-mission to bring God's kingdom to earth with, in, and through you.
Peace & Joy
Fr. Jacob Bearer