August 2, 2008. The featured speaker this year is Dan Schneider. Much is
offered during this spirit-filled event so visit the link below for more
information. Online registration is now available.
http://www.presentationministries.com/bibleinst
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Friday, June 27, 2008, St. Cyril of Alexandria
2 Kings 25:1-12, Psalm 137, Matthew 8:1-4
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/062708.shtml
DIS-MEMBERED?
"How could we sing a song of the Lord in a foreign land? If I forget you,
Jerusalem, may my right hand be forgotten! May my tongue cleave to my
palate if I remember you not, if I place not Jerusalem ahead of my
joy." —Psalm 137:5-6
For decades, I have been a cantor, musician, and worship leader. In these
roles, I constantly use my right hand and my tongue. God gave me these
members of my body, along with musical gifts, for use in His service. So I
can especially appreciate the oath sworn by the exiled psalmist. He
pledged to his Babylonian captors that he would rather lose his hand and
tongue, and therefore his primary way to make a living, than use his
God-given talents in a sacrilegious way (Ps 137:5-6).
Starving singers and actors often face the temptation to use their
God-given talents and physical beauty to accept roles in objectionable
films as a stepping stone to making it big. A politician might be tempted
to use his God-given "people-skills" illegally "just this once" to score a
big victory. When times are hard and people are just trying to get by,
they are strongly tempted to cheat, exploit the powerless at work, utilize
artificial contraception, sterilization, or abortion, etc. rather than
take up their cross and follow Jesus in faithfulness and trust (Lk 9:23).
It's better to lose our hands, tongue (2 Mc 7:10), or eyes (Mt 5:29) than
to use the gifts God gave us to act contrary to His will. God gave us
these gifts, and He also will give us whatever else we need (Mt 6:30).
"Seek first His kingship over you, His way of holiness, and all these
things will be given you besides" (Mt 6:33).
Prayer: Father, may I always glorify You in my body (1 Cor 6:20).
Promise: "Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him and said, 'I do
will it. Be cured.' Immediately the man's leprosy disappeared." —Mt 8:3
Praise: St. Cyril used his gifts to speak and preach the truth. God used
St. Cyril to foster unity in a conflicted church.
(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 June
1, 2008 through July 31, 2008
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, January 4, 2008
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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