Remembering Pope John Paul II: Sign And Witness Of Risen Christ
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http://www.presentationministries.com/mypeople/latestMyPeople.asp
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Wednesday, May 21, 2008
James 4:13-17, Psalm 49, Mark 9:38-40
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/052108.shtml
THE REAL ME
"All you can do is make arrogant and pretentious claims." —James 4:16
We fall into sin; the devil constantly accuses us (Rv 12:10), and we start
to hate ourselves. We often express this self-hatred in a surprising way:
by being proud. What do people who hate themselves have to be proud of! It
doesn't make sense, but we do it anyway. We must face the reality of our
weak and fallen human nature. Without Jesus, we can do nothing (Jn 15:5).
We "are a vapor that appears briefly and vanishes" (Jas 4:14). We have no
idea what kind of life will be ours tomorrow (Jas 4:14). We are not in
control or in charge. We desperately need a Savior; we need Jesus.
At the same time, we are sons and daughters of God the Father (1 Jn 3:1).
We are members of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:13) and temples of the Holy
Spirit (1 Cor 6:19). We are royal, priestly, and holy (1 Pt 2:9). We are
so precious to the Father that He sent His Son to die on the cross for us.
The least born into the Father's kingdom is greater than the greatest
people before Christ (Mt 11:11). We can even do greater by far than Jesus
did (Jn 14:12).
Of ourselves, we are nothing. In Christ, we are sharers of the divine
nature (2 Pt 1:4). When we realize our nothingness without Christ and our
glory in Him, we will love ourselves and not be proud.
Prayer: Father, may I know and love myself because I love You with all my
heart.
Promise: "Yet in no way can a man redeem himself, or pay his own ransom to
God; too high is the price to redeem one's life; he would never have
enough." —Ps 49:8-9
Praise: When Joseph hit bottom he finally realized he needed a Savior. He
gave his life to Jesus, and has been on an upward path ever since.
(For a related teaching, order our tape "Pride and Faith" on audio AV 64-1
or video V-64.)
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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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