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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Sunday, June 29, 2008, Sts. Peter & Paul
Acts 12:1-11, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18, Psalm 34, Matthew 16:13-19
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/062908.shtml
MAKE A BREAK
"The chains dropped from Peter's wrists." —Acts 12:7
Often we put ourselves in self-made jails of sin, fear, self-hatred,
unforgiveness, or confusion. We may even merit being persecuted and thrown
into a real jail. Nonetheless, no matter what kind of jail we're in, we
all need to know how to get out of jail.
Like Peter, we get out of jail by:
* communal prayer. "Peter was thus detained in prison, while the Church
prayed fervently to God on his behalf" (Acts 12:5).
* putting on our belts (Acts 12:8). The truth is the belt which
protects our loins, the area of our sexual organs (Eph 6:14). True, holy,
committed relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ help us
overcome sexual temptations and can get us out of jail.
* putting on our sandals (Acts 12:8). Our sandals represent "zeal to
propagate the gospel of peace" (Eph 6:15). As we proclaim the good news of
forgiveness and reconciliation in Jesus, we set ourselves and many others
free from jail.
* putting on our cloaks (Acts 12:8). In the Bible, the cloak is
sometimes a sign of discipleship (see 1 Kgs 19:19). When we obey Jesus'
command to make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19), we will not only be
out of jail ourselves, but also break others out of jail.
Jesus frees us from jail by calling us to communal prayer, empowering us
to be sexually pure, sending us to proclaim reconciliation and
forgiveness, and commanding us to be His disciples and to make disciples
of all nations. You can break out of jail anytime you decide to accept
God's grace. "Make a break."
Prayer: Jesus, on this great feast day of Peter and Paul, set me free so I
will really be free (Jn 8:36).
Promise: "I will entrust to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven." —Mt
16:19
Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who broke our chains to mortality.
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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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