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http://www.presentationministries.com/mypeople/latestMyPeople.asp
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Wednesday, August 27, 2008, St. Monica
2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18, Psalm 128, Matthew 23:27-32
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/082708.shtml
WORK FOR THE UNEMPLOYED
"You shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; happy shall you be, and
favored." —Psalm 128:2
St. Paul told us to avoid people who wander "from the straight path," and
who do not "follow the tradition received from" the Church (2 Thes 3:6).
These people should be temporarily ostracized from the Church (2 Thes 3:6,
14). What abominable crime had these people committed to warrant
excommunication? Their sin was that they did not work and therefore they
depended on others for food.
Paul said these people were living "lives of disorder" (2 Thes 3:7). He
laid "down the rule that anyone who would not work should not eat" (2 Thes
3:10). Paul, of course, believed in feeding the starving. He knew that
whatever we do to the least of the brethren, we do for Jesus (Mt 25:40).
He took up a collection for the starving Christians in Jerusalem (Rm
15:26; Acts 24:17). Paul, however, believed in providing food only for
those who could not work to provide their own food.
Paul's teaching can be understood to mean people should work and not be on
welfare. Most people feel that those on welfare don't want to work. Many,
however, do want to work, but lack training and opportunities. Giving
others work is work in itself. If we can provide even temporary work for
the unemployed, the Lord wants us to work at it.
Prayer: Father, bless the work of our hands.
Promise: "Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord." —Ps 128:4
Praise: St. Monica worked at her son's conversion by suffering, visiting,
introducing him to good Christians, and "praying always and not losing
heart" (Lk 18:1).
(Mothers and Daughters: a retreat weekend just for you, Oct. 24 & 25.
Nurture your relationship with a focus on God's will, and enjoy the fall
foliage at our retreat center in Adams County, OH. Call 937-587-5464 or
513-373-2397 with questions or to register.)
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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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