"WILL HE FIND FAITH?" (Lk 18:8, RSV-CE) - One Bread, One Body, 2/23/2009

For Lent follow our Bible reading schedule called, "A Prophetic Lent"

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/APropheticLent.asp
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Monday, February 23, 2009, St. Polycarp

Sirach 1:1-10, Psalm 93, Mark 9:14-29
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/022309.shtml

"WILL HE FIND FAITH?" (Lk 18:8, RSV-CE)

"What an unbelieving lot you are!" —Mark 9:19

Sometimes the Lord does things in our lives whether or not we have faith.
Often, however, the Lord wants us to make a free decision to accept His
grace. We express our freedom by faith. For example, Jesus told the father
of a demon-possessed son: "Everything is possible for anyone who has
faith" (Mk 9:23, JB). The father realized that Jesus was calling him to
have faith. So he exclaimed: "I do believe! Help my lack of faith!" (Mk
9:24, our transl.)

In that situation, Jesus called not only the father to faith but also
Jesus' disciples and the large crowd with them. Jesus said: "What an
unbelieving lot you are! How long must I remain with you? How long can I
endure you?" (Mk 9:19) Jesus felt frustrated with those who did not have
faith or exercise it. Jesus promised: "I assure you, if you had faith the
size of a mustard seed, you would be able to say to this mountain, 'Move
from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible for
you" (Mt 17:20). We are saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8). "Without
faith, it is impossible to please" God (Heb 11:6). But Jesus exclaimed:
"When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?" (Lk 18:8,
RSV-CE)

Let us cry out to God: "I do believe! Help my lack of faith!" (Mk 9:24,
our transl.)

Prayer: Father, increase my faith, even if I have to suffer.

Promise: "Fear of the Lord warms the heart, giving gladness and joy and
length of days." —Sir 1:10

Praise: St. Polycarp, a student of St. John the Evangelist for nearly
sixteen years, was one of those early Christians honored by God to give
his life in martyrdom for his King.

(For a related teaching, order our tape "Hold Fast to the Faith" on audio
AV 71-1 or video V-71.)

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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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