THE SPIRIT OF SUFFERING - One Bread, One Body, 8/6/2008

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Wednesday, August 6, 2008, Transfiguration

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, 2 Peter 1:16-19, Psalm 97, Matthew 17:1-9
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/080608.shtml

THE SPIRIT OF SUFFERING

"This is My beloved Son on Whom My favor rests." —Matthew 17:5

Jesus was transfigured about eight days after He first predicted His
passion and death (Lk 9:28) and the day before His second prediction (Lk
9:37, 44ff). The transfigured and conquering Christ was supposed to open
us to the transfixed and crucified Christ. However, despite Jesus'
glorified body and dazzling clothes, the appearance of Moses and Elijah,
the overshadowing cloud, and the voice of the Father, the Transfiguration
did not work. Jesus' disciples weren't yet able to accept suffering and
death as part of the gospel (Lk 9:45).

Even Jesus' death and resurrection did not motivate His disciples to
listen to the message of the cross. Only by the Holy Spirit of Pentecost
can we be empowered to overcome our natural aversion to pain and
suffering. Openness and even happiness in the face of suffering is one of
the best ways to prove the presence of the Spirit in our lives. Only the
Spirit-filled leave the upper room of fear and expose themselves to
suffering and persecution. Therefore, "happy are you when you are insulted
for the sake of Christ, for then God's Spirit in Its glory has come to
rest on you" (1 Pt 4:14).

Prayer: Father, send the Spirit of Truth to reveal to me the privilege of
suffering for love of You (Phil 1:29).

Promise: "I saw One like a Son of Man coming, on the clouds of heaven;
when He reached the Ancient One and was presented before Him, He received
dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve
Him." —Dn 7:13-14

Praise: Praise You, Jesus, Light of the World (Jn 8:12). Alleluia!

(For a related teaching, order our tape "Power in The Spirit" on audio AV
64-1 or video V-64.)

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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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