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Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth is designed as a bulletin insert
which you can use at your local church to keep up to date on what the Holy
Father is saying. You are free to reproduce it for this purpose.
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Saturday, December 13, 2008, St. Lucy
Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11, Psalm 80, Matthew 17:9, 10-13
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/121308.shtml
ESCAPING THE WRATH (see Mt 23:33)
"You are destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath
before the day of the Lord." —Sirach 48:10
The day of the Lord mentioned in the above verse is "a day of wrath...a
day of anguish and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of
darkness and gloom, a day of thick black clouds" (Zep 1:15), the final
Judgment Day. It is "a day of wrath" (Zep 1:15), the pouring out of God's
blazing wrath which is spoken of more than two hundred times in the Old
Testament.
There is still "time...to put an end to wrath before" it is too late (Sir
48:10). We can continue the prophet Elijah's ministry of turning away
God's wrath by turning people to God and away from sin. Like Elijah, we
can work to heal and restore families, especially by helping fathers to
turn their hearts to their children (Sir 48:10). We can spread God's word
in prophecy and teaching. Those to whom we speak may even repent, like the
wicked Ninevites, and cry out: "Who knows, God may relent and forgive, and
withhold his blazing wrath, so that we shall not perish" (Jon 3:9).
Whoever disobeys Jesus must endure the wrath of God (Jn 3:36). We can put
an end to wrath by leading people to obedient faith (Rm 1:5).
We can intercede and pray, as Elijah did. "Elijah was only a man like us,
yet he prayed earnestly" and his prayers were heeded (Jas 5:17-18). "The
fervent petition of a holy man is powerful indeed" (Jas 5:16). Interceding
for others, we ask God for them: "In Your wrath remember compassion!" (Hab
3:2) Our love for them can cover a multitude of sins (1 Pt 4:8) and draw
them to Jesus. Then we will hear the Lord say: "I will heal their
defection, I will love them freely; for my wrath is turned away from them"
(Hos 14:5).
Prayer: Father, may I help lead others to a reverent fear of You.
Promise: "Give us new life, and we will call upon Your name." —Ps 80:19
Praise: Though she experienced the wrath of the unholy, St. Lucy
persevered in purity and received the crown of martyrdom.
(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
December 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, June 17, 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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