reading guide:
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/NTEaster.asp
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Wednesday, April 2, 2008, St. Francis of Paola
Acts 5:17-26, Psalm 34, John 3:16-21
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/040208.shtml
OVER THESE PRISON WALLS WE SHALL FLY!
"We found the jail securely locked and the guards at their posts outside
the gates, but when we opened it we found no one inside." —Acts 5:23
Listen to the guards talking outside the prison walls...
"Look at him! That bum's been an alcoholic for twenty years! What's he
doing holding down a steady job? Look, he's witnessing to his co-workers
about how Jesus delivered him from the bottle. He can't do that. Let's
talk some sense into him..."
"What's happened to her? She's been shy and meek all her life. What's she
doing praying in front of the abortion clinic? She can't do that. It's
making people angry. We've got to stop her..."
"Look at Father! He's been a quiet priest all these years. Why is he
suddenly trying to renew our parish? He must have a hidden agenda. We'd
better talk to the bishop..."
The world thinks it has overcome Christians by putting them in jails
called "acceptable behavior." How surprised they are when Jesus snaps the
chains that bind us and sets us free in the open! (Ps 18:20) When we
receive the Holy Spirit, we act in truth and come into the light to
glorify God by our deeds (Jn 3:21). Since the world hates the light (Jn
3:20), they will want to throw us back into our old prisons (Acts 5:26).
But Jesus has set us free, and we are free indeed! (Jn 8:36)
"So stand firm, and do not take on yourselves the yoke of slavery a second
time!" (Gal 5:1) "Go out now and take your place" (Acts 5:20).
Prayer: Father, You so loved the world that You sent Your only Son to save
us (Jn 3:16). I am all Yours. Use me as You will.
Promise: "God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through Him." —Jn 3:17
Praise: St. Francis broke through the culturally-imposed jail of a typical
teenager and gave his life to Jesus at the age of 13.
(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 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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