"Lent 2008" at:
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Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth is designed as a bulletin insert
which you can use at your local church to keep up to date on what the Holy
Father is saying. You are free to reproduce it for this purpose.
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Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Isaiah 1:10, 16-20, Psalm 50, Matthew 23:1-12
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/021908.shtml
ATTACK PRIDE
"Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, but whoever humbles himself
shall be exalted." —Matthew 23:12
Jesus indicted the religious leaders of His time on several counts:
* Their words were bold but their deeds few (Mt 23:4).
* They did not help others carry their burdens (Mt 23:4).
* They performed their works to be seen (Mt 23:5).
* They used religious practices to draw attention to themselves (Mt
23:5).
* They liked to receive honor and respect (Mt 23:6-7).
In summary, the religious leaders of Jesus' time were bad examples because
they were proud.
Religious leaders are not the only people tempted to fall into the sin of
pride. At times, we all are like the prideful scribes and Pharisees. We
should recognize this sin in our lives and repent of it. Furthermore, to
resist the temptation to pride, we must do the three things Jesus told the
scribes and Pharisees to do — avoid occasions of this sin, serve others,
and humble ourselves.
We must take initiative in fighting pride by intentionally humbling
ourselves (Mt 23:12). We should not primarily be on the defense as we try
to keep the devil from making us proud. Instead, the devil should have to
try to keep us from becoming humble. Humble yourself. Attack pride.
Prayer: Father, send the Spirit to teach me how to humble myself.
Promise: "Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as
snow." —Is 1:18
Praise: Maria practices turning the spotlight on God or on others rather
than be tempted to claim it for herself.
(For a related teaching, order our tape "Arrogance" on audio AV 52-1 or
video V-52.)
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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
February 1, 2008 through March 31, 2008
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General Archdiocese of Cincinnati,
August 14, 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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