"THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT" - One Bread, One Body, 5/7/2008

Pray the Pentecost Novena with us. Come Holy Spirit!

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/PentNovena.asp
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Wednesday, May 7, 2008, Pentecost Novena - Day 6

Acts 20:28-38, Psalm 68:29-30, 33-36, John 17:11-19
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/050708.shtml

"THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT"

"Be on guard, therefore. Do not forget that for three years, night and
day, I never ceased warning you individually even to the point of
tears." —Acts 20:31

Paul warned the Ephesian Christians individually for three years, night
and day. He warned them of "savage wolves" from their own number who would
distort the truth and lead astray any who follow them (Acts 20:29-30).

Guarding Christians against false teaching is a major emphasis in the New
Testament. Jesus warns us against wolves in sheep's clothing (Mt 7:15) and
hireling shepherds who don't protect the sheep (Jn 10:12-13). Paul told
Timothy to "stay on in Ephesus in order to warn certain people there
against teaching false doctrines" (1 Tm 1:3). He warned Timothy: "The time
will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but, following
their own desires, will surround themselves with teachers who tickle their
ears. They will stop listening to the truth and will wander off to fables"
(2 Tm 4:3-4).

Using the sword of the Spirit (see Eph 6:17), the Church is to be "the
pillar and bulwark of truth" (1 Tm 3:15). In the power of the Spirit of
Truth (see Jn 16:13), we are "to fight hard for the faith delivered once
for all to the saints" (Jude 3). We "must hold fast to the authentic
message, so that [we] will be able both to encourage men to follow sound
doctrine and to refute those who contradict it. There are many
irresponsible teachers" (Ti 1:9-10). "Their lustful ways will lure many
away. Through them, the true way will be made subject to contempt" (2 Pt
2:2).

Therefore, "guard the rich deposit of faith with the help of the Holy
Spirit who dwells within us" (2 Tm 1:14).

Prayer: Father, on this sixth day of the novena to the Holy Spirit, send
the Spirit of truth.

Promise: "I consecrate Myself for their sakes now, that they may be
consecrated in truth." —Jn 17:19

Praise: Maureen teaches her students to always pray to the Holy Spirit
before reading Scripture.

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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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