and Answers on Building Small Christian Communities is now online. It is
a great resource for Small Chrisitan Communities.
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/UnlessTheLordBuild.asp
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Sunday, August 10, 2008, 19th Sunday Ordinary Time
1 Kings 19:9, 11-13, Romans 9:1-5, Psalm 85, Matthew 14:22-33
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/081008.shtml
THE LITTLE WAY?
"How little faith you have!" —Matthew 14:31
Jesus' remark on Peter's little faith seems to also apply to many
Catholics in the USA. Jesus could certainly say to many American
Catholics:
* "O you of little prayer time and Bible study."
* "O you of little repentance and Confession."
* "O you of little family sizes compared to Catholics of previous
centuries."
* "O you of little vocations to priesthood and religious life."
* "O you of little contributions and little faith" (see Mt 14:31).
* "O you of dwindling Sunday Mass attendance."
No wonder the world doesn't pay much attention to the Lord. It merely
reads the messages that our lifestyles often display: that we don't
believe God is big enough to trust with all our heart, mind, soul,
strength, and life (Lk 10:27). If we who belong to Him only regard God as
worthy of a little bit of our lives, why should the worldly take Him
seriously?
The good news is that God understands littleness. Jesus came to earth as a
little child. He welcomed the little ones (Mt 18:2). The Lord spoke to
Elijah through a "tiny" voice (1 Kgs 19:12). Jesus compared God's kingdom
to the "smallest" mustard seed (Mt 13:31-32). Therefore, come to Jesus
with the little strength you have (Jgs 6:14; Mt 11:28). If you must remain
little, then follow St. Therese's little way, and become like a little
child (Mt 18:3). Trust God with all your life.
Prayer: Father, may my attitude and actions never convey to the world that
You are a little God. Be exalted through my life.
Promise: "The Lord Himself will give His benefits." —Ps 85:13
Praise: Praise You, Jesus, "the King of kings and Lord of lords, Who alone
has immortality and Who dwells in unapproachable light" (1 Tm 6:15-16).
(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
August 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, February 25, 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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