teach you more about fasting and help you fast this Lent.
http://www.presentationministries.com/dbread/dbread.asp?pubID=694
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Friday, March 7, 2008, Sts. Perpetua & Felicity
Wisdom 2:1, 12-22, Psalm 34, John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/030708.shtml
THE PAIN OF JUSTICE
"Let us beset the just one." —Wisdom 2:12
A just person seems obnoxious to the unjust (Wis 2:12). Merely seeing a
just person is a hardship for the unjust (Wis 2:14). Therefore, the unjust
feel compelled to revile the just, torture them, and even condemn them to
death (Wis 2:19-20).
Those who want to live godly lives will be persecuted (2 Tm 3:12).
Suffering persecution is the natural result of living just and godly
lives. Because we all naturally want to be accepted and even popular, and
because we naturally want to avoid pain and suffering, we have reason to
not want to be just, godly, and holy. Although in our heart of hearts we
want to be like the just and holy Jesus, at the same time we don't want
the persecution and rejection resulting from life in Christ. Thus, we have
a war of contradictions raging inside us.
We can end this war by capitulating to our fallen nature and our enemies.
We can let our faith grow lukewarm and join the popular, unpersecuted,
persecuting ranks of the unjust. Alternately, we can choose love rather
than self. By love, we can remain just and take the painful flak that
accompanies love.
Will you fold under pressure or be set free? Will you persecute or be
persecuted? Do you nail just people to crosses or take up your own cross?
Are you another enemy of the cross (Phil 3:18) or another Christ?
Prayer: Father, this Lent I choose love, life, holiness, persecution, and
the cross.
Promise: "The truth is, I have not come of Myself. I was sent by One Who
has the right to send." —Jn 7:28
Praise: The love of God so animated Sts. Perpetua and Felicity that they
were unaware of the grave injuries sustained during their martyrdom.
(For a related teaching, order our tape "Crucifying Jesus" on audio AV
65-3 or video V-65.)
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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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