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Thursday, April 24, 2008, St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen
Acts 15:7-21, Psalm 96, John 15:9-11
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/042408.shtml
DEAD SILENCE
"At that the whole assembly fell silent." —Acts 15:12
After Peter talked, the whole assembly was silent. This was probably a
"dead silence." Peter had just dropped a bombshell on them, and they were
shocked. Peter declared that God no longer made any distinction between
Jews and Gentiles (Acts 15:9), that Gentiles were also included in God's
chosen people, and that they didn't even need to be circumcised. Jesus had
clearly made a distinction between Jews and Gentiles (see Mt 7:6; 10:5;
15:24), but said that this would change (see Mt 28:19). Peter stated that
the time for the change was now. This was such a shocking revelation that
its acceptance by the Jewish Christian leaders in Jerusalem was truly
miraculous. Although riots later broke out over related issues (see Acts
21:30ff), the Church which was originally all-Jewish set forth on a course
toward becoming almost all-Gentile.
When the Lord says something to you which is absolutely shocking, when
your reaction is "dead silence," do you respond as did the Jewish
Christian leaders in Jerusalem? Do you obey the Lord? Or are there certain
things the Lord could never get through to you? Would you be a priest or a
religious if God said so? Would you be open to reconciliation with an
ex-spouse? Would you repent of a sin you have rationalized for years?
Would you sell what you have and give to the poor? (Mk 10:21) After "dead
silence" comes either the life of obedience or the death of sin. Go from
silence to obedience.
Prayer: Father, give me the silence of awe and love of You (see Rv 8:1).
Promise: "All this I tell you that My joy may be yours and your joy may be
complete." —Jn 15:11
Praise: St. Fidelis was killed for striving to bring unity to the Church.
(For a related teaching, order our tape "Do You Renounce Satan? "on audio
AV 44-1 or video V-44.)
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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 April
1, 2008 through May 31, 2008
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 23, 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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