STAYING POWER - One Bread, One Body, 6/18/2008

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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Wednesday, June 18, 2008

2 Kings 2:1, 6-14, Psalm 31, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/061808.shtml

STAYING POWER

"You have asked for something that is not easy." —2 Kings 2:10

Elijah was about to be taken up to God. Elisha, his successor, asked
Elijah: "May I receive a double portion of your spirit?" (2 Kgs 2:9).
Elijah told him that he had "asked for something that is not easy" (2 Kgs
2:10). However, Elisha did receive what he asked for, because he
persevered and stayed with Elijah, no matter what. Mary Magdalene stayed
with Jesus, whether she had to be at the foot of the cross, or at His tomb
(Jn 19:25; 20:1ff). Both Elisha and Mary received power because they
stayed.

Often in the beginning of a new ministry or spiritual venture, there is a
period of freshness, a "spiritual honeymoon." Like St. Peter, we want to
stay in the "honeymoon" graces of the mountaintop (Mk 9:5). Yet Jesus
moves elsewhere (Mk 1:38). As His disciples, we follow in His footsteps.
For us, there can be no joy apart from Jesus (Jn 15:5). If Jesus moves on,
we stay by His side. Wherever He leads, we "will not leave" Him (2 Kgs
2:6).

Staying with Jesus seems easy on the spiritual honeymoon. Eventually,
however, Jesus goes to places we'd just as soon not go. As He leads us to
the cross, we're tempted to stay put rather than stay with Him. But if we
don't stay with Jesus, the power of the Spirit doesn't stay with us.

Staying with Him is "something that is not easy." Jesus, the Suffering
Servant, looks at us and asks, "Can you stay with Me, no matter what?"
(see Mk 14:37) Where is Jesus leading you now? Will you stay with Him?

Prayer: Jesus, "I will not leave You" (2 Kgs 2:6).

Promise: "Keep your deeds of mercy secret, and your Father Who sees in
secret will repay you." —Mt 6:4

Praise: James stayed with his wife and his marriage vows even when it
seemed most difficult.

(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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