WATER AND BLOOD - One Bread, One Body, 1/28/2008

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Monday, January 28, 2008, St. Thomas Aquinas

2 Samuel 5:1-7, 10, Psalm 89:20-22, 25-26, Mark 3:22-30
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/012808.shtml

WATER AND BLOOD

"Here we are, your bone and your flesh." —2 Samuel 5:1

David became king of the tribes of Israel because they were his flesh and
blood. They considered it desirable to have their own kin as their ruler,
for "blood is thicker than water."

However, in the new covenant, the waters of baptism are thicker than the
blood of natural relationship. In other words, the blood of Jesus is
thicker than the blood of human kinship. That's why Jesus left His mother
and relatives to invest His life in His apostles. He said: "Whoever does
the will of God is brother and sister and mother to Me" (Mk 3:35). On
another occasion, after a woman "called out, 'Blest is the womb that bore
you and the breasts that nursed you,' " Jesus made the same point, saying:
"Rather...blest are they who hear the word of God and keep it" (Lk
11:27-28). Jesus also taught: "If anyone comes to Me without turning his
back on his father and mother, his wife and his children, his brothers and
sisters, indeed his very self, he cannot be My follower" (Lk 14:26).

Jesus calls us to make our baptismal relationships the highest priority.
For instance, we should see our wives not only as wives but as baptized
sisters in the Lord. Our children are more than just our children. We are
united to them through the waters of baptism and the blood of Jesus.
Furthermore, we see strangers differently since both of us may have been
"baptized into one body" (1 Cor 12:13). Our unity in Jesus' kingship is
more important than our kinship. Living out our baptisms in Christian
community is the priority which strengthens all our relationships.

Prayer: Father, may my vocation help me to better live out my baptism and
vice versa.

Promise: "David grew steadily more powerful, for the Lord of hosts was
with him." —2 Sm 5:10

Praise: St. Thomas is credited with composing the beautiful eucharistic
hymns, O Salutaris, and Tantum Ergo.

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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, 2007 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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