THE BEST OR THE REST? - One Bread, One Body, 2/16/2009

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Monday, February 16, 2009

Genesis 4:1-15, 25, Psalm 50, Mark 8:11-13
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/021609.shtml

THE BEST OR THE REST?

"Abel, for his part, brought one of the best firstlings of his
flock." —Genesis 4:4

Both Cain and Abel brought offerings to the Lord. God accepted Abel and
his offering, but He did not look with favor on Cain and his offering.
Although we don't know the details of this event, Scripture does provide
us with a clue into what God looks for in a sacrifice. Abel brought to the
Lord his "best" (Gn 4:4). Cain simply brought "an offering" (Gn 4:3).

The Lord repeatedly emphasizes offering the best we have, without blemish
(see Lv 1:10). What we give to the Lord should be as perfect as we are
capable of making it. The prophet Malachi bluntly accused priests of
despising the Lord when they offered tarnished sacrifices (Mal 1:6ff).
These priests kept the best lambs for their own meals, and burned the
weak, blind, and lame ones as offerings to the Lord, in opposition to the
command of the law of Moses. Malachi says to those who offered these
halfhearted, self-seeking sacrifices: "Present it to your governor; see if
he will accept it, or welcome you" (Mal 1:8).

Would our boss be happy to receive the same quality we give to the Lord,
Who created our boss? Do we give our best time to our jobs, recreation,
TV, or friends, and then give God the leftovers? Give the Lord your best,
and He will multiply the rest (see Mal 3:10).

Prayer: Father, I give You my life, my energies, my entire will.

Promise: "If you do well, you can hold up your head; but if not, sin is a
demon lurking at the door: his urge is toward you, yet you can be his
master." —Gn 4:7

Praise: James tries to give the Lord his best by attending daily Mass
before going to work.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) (Are you
giving God your best? Attend our "Seek First the Kingdom" retreat on Feb.
27 & 28 in the Cincinnati area and re-order your priorities. Call
937-587-5464 or 513-373-2397 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
February 1, 2009 through March 31, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, August 11, 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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