THE AGONY OF DEFEAT - One Bread, One Body, 1/17/2008

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Young Migrants Face Challenges
Treat Aged Sick With Great Respect
Vatican Urges Peace In Middle East
In Defense of Life: It Just Won't Go Away
Recent Films Reflect Moral Divide
The Time Has Come To End Hunger

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Thursday, January 17, 2008, St. Anthony

1 Samuel 4:1-11, Psalm 44, Mark 1:40-45
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/011708.shtml

THE AGONY OF DEFEAT

"It was a disastrous defeat." —1 Samuel 4:10

I've been gazing at a statue of the Pieta. Mary has just suffered a
disastrous loss. Before her very eyes, her Son Jesus was brutally tortured
and crucified. She stood near His cross (Jn 19:25), pierced with a sword
of sorrow (Lk 2:35) far more painful than any spear. Now she is holding
the body of her Son, looking heavenward in a gaze of docility tinged with
unspeakable suffering. Though Mary suffered a disastrous loss, she
suffered in righteousness and faithfulness.

The Israelites under the priesthood of Eli and sons were steeped in sin
and idolatry. By their hardness of heart, they "defeated God's plan in
their regard" (Lk 7:30). They were defeated in battle, losing four
thousand men (1 Sm 4:2). Then they brought God into the picture without
bringing their lives under His lordship. They fought again, and were
defeated disastrously, losing thirty thousand men (1 Sm 4:10). Israel's
defeat was suffered in faithlessness, not righteousness.

If we live as faithful disciples of Jesus, storms (Mt 7:25), futile labor
(Mk 6:48; Is 49:4), and trials (Jas 1:2; Sir 2:1), will come our way, in
addition to our daily crosses (Lk 9:23). If we live in sin, we will
suffer its consequences and defeats. Let's make certain our sufferings
come in righteousness rather than sinfulness. Repent immediately! Live in
faithfulness.

Prayer: Father, may we faithfully work in Your vineyard in holiness and
let You turn our mourning into dancing in Your own perfect time (Ps
126:4-5; Ps 30:12).

Promise: "Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out His hand, touched him and
said: 'I do will it. Be cured.' " —Mk 1:41

Praise: St. Anthony lived over seventy years as a hermit in the desert,
with God as his only companion.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
December 1, 2008 through January 31, 2008
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July
30, 2007

The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

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