THE KEY TO THE TREASURE CHEST - One Bread, One Body, 6/19/2008

The June issue of My People Newspaper is now online. Articles include:

Pope Emphasizes Conversion And Witness
Grandparents Are A Treasure
In Defense of Life: A Church Divided
Modesty — God's Gift

http://www.presentationministries.com/mypeople/latestMyPeople.asp
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Thursday, June 19, 2008, St. Romuald

Sirach 48:1-14, Psalm 97, Matthew 6:7-15
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/061908.shtml

THE KEY TO THE TREASURE CHEST

"Forgive us the wrong we have done as we forgive those who wrong
us." —Matthew 6:12

When Jesus taught us the "Our Father," He was trying to teach us to pray
(Mt 6:9), to trust in our Abba, and to seek first His kingdom (Mt 6:33).
Jesus was not that successful using the "Our Father" to teach us, for most
of us don't pray very frequently or fervently. Moreover, many Christians
are anxious, fearful, and jealous, as if they couldn't trust their Abba
(see Mt 6:31-32). Also, we see more people seeking the things of the
world's kingdom than seeking first God's kingdom. For many Christians, the
"Our Father" is a locked treasure chest. We carry it around, display,
touch and shake it, but don't open it and receive its treasures.

Jesus put the key to the "Our Father" right next to the "Our Father" in
the Bible. The five verses of the "Our Father" are followed by a two verse
explanation of the command in the "Our Father" to forgive (Mt 6:14-15).
When we forgive, we can learn to pray (see Mk 11:25). When we forgive, we
remove an obstacle to receiving our Abba's love. Seeking first God's
kingdom is also a matter of forgiveness (Mt 18:23ff). Forgiveness is the
key to the "Our Father." Turn the key.

Prayer: "Father, forgive" (Lk 23:34).

Promise: "You are destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end
to wrath before the day of the Lord, to turn back the hearts of fathers
toward their sons, and to reestablish the tribes of Jacob." —Sir 48:10

Praise: St. Romuald gave his life to Jesus as a sacrifice offered on
behalf of his father, who had committed a murder.

(For a related teaching, order our tape on "Praying the Our Father" on
audio AV 67-3 or video V-67.)

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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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