News May 8, 2025

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News from Good News Ministries:

• Living In The Spirit: A Lesson From Star Wars
• From Our Video Archives: More from How to Turn Your Crosses into Resurrections
• Plus great links to great content!

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Living In The Spirit: A Lesson from Star Wars

The Star Wars Saga began in 1977 with the movie A New Hope and continues today to release prequels, sequels, and TV shows that entertain a perpetually growing fan base. While I appreciate the creative genius of the Star Wars movies and have casually watched them over the years, I am not a “super-fan.”

The science-fiction series has become embedded in our cultural landscape, and oftentimes businesses, social media influencers, and various sports teams seek to capitalize on it, especially on the 4th of May. Why? Because “May the Fourth be with you” sounds like a popular Star Wars phrase, “May the Force be with you.” 

When someone says, “May the Fourth be with you,” I often reply half-jokingly, “and with your Spirit.” In Star Wars, the “Force” is a mystical energy created by all living things that binds the galaxy together. It connects all beings and allows certain individuals, like Jedi and Sith, to tap into its power and perform extraordinary feats. While the “Force” in the Star Wars universe is purely science fiction,  George Lucas may have unknowingly used the Holy Spirit as inspiration.

Jesus, in the Gospel of John, says, “I will ask the Father and He will give you another Advocate to be with you always. The Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept because it neither sees or knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you (John 14:16-17).” At our baptism, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit to build God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

By continued prayer and faithfulness to the commandments of God, we grow closer in relationship and can wield the “force” of His powerful Spirit to do mighty works, wonders, and deeds in His holy name. Jesus assures us, “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so the Father may be glorified in the Son (John 14:12-13).“

Star Wars fans may hear echoes of this promise to His disciples when Yoda exclaims, “For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is,” in The Empire Strikes Back.  Christians can use the power of the Holy Spirit, our Advocate, to overcome sin, drive out darkness, and spread the Gospel. This is your Baptismal call. May the Lord be with you. 

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Good News Prayer Room:

Use our collection of Catholic prayers designed with your needs in mind. They will give you hope and a stronger connection to God’s love and support. What do you need prayers for today?

Visit gnm.org/prayers.

Post your prayer requests @ gnm.org/post-a-prayer.

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Good News WordBytes:

WANT MORE FAITH and HOPE in TROUBLED TIMES? WE’RE HERE for YOU! Choose from a variety of topics on our website of Catholic Faith-building articles. What do you need today?

Visit wordbytes.org.

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Explore our Catholic Video Library for Faith Growth

Give yourself a personal retreat day; watch videos from our library of faith-builders:

• How to Turn Your Crosses Into Resurrections – Part 6

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God bless you!

Every morning, I lift up in prayer everyone who helps Good News Ministries in any way (donors, volunteers, prayer supporters, etc.) and all the prayer requests posted on our site. What can I cover in prayer for you? Post your prayer request.

How else can the team and I serve you today? Visit our homepage.

Thank you for reading this newsletter.

Your servant in Christ,
Bill Snyder, Media Director
Good News Ministries
gnm.org

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