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Monday, April 6, 2009, Holy Week
Isaiah 42:1-7, Psalm 27, John 12:1-11
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/040609.shtml
ALL-GIVING
"The Lord...Who gives breath to its people." —Isaiah 42:5
For today's Mass, I was the lector. As Mass started, I was seized by a
mild asthma attack, and could breathe only in shallow gasps. I prayed for
mercy, gave my breath to Jesus, and stood up to proclaim today's first
reading to the congregation. At the instant I read aloud the passage that
the Lord "gives breath to" His people (Is 42:5), I could suddenly breathe
more deeply. Praise God, Who gives breath and all good gifts! (see Jas
1:17)
Though we can never outgive God, it's our life's vocation to give Him
everything, to give the Lord our all. A woman gave her hair to Jesus out
of love for Him (Lk 7:38). Mary of Bethany gave her perfume, worth a
year's salary, to Jesus (Jn 12:3ff). A poor widow gave the Lord all she
had (Mk 12:42-44). Jesus Himself taught that we must give all we have to
obtain the kingdom of God, the pearl of great price (Mt 13:46). It may
seem impossible to give the Lord your all, but "nothing is impossible with
God" (Lk 1:37).
By contrast, Judas began his discipleship by laying down his life to serve
Jesus. Judas held the purse for the apostles. Before long, he was not
giving Jesus his all, but had begun helping himself to the money (Jn
12:6). In addition to holding the purse, he also held back from giving his
life to Jesus. He did not love Jesus with abandon as did Mary of Bethany.
Finally, he betrayed Jesus. Judas forgot, despite personally witnessing
years of Jesus' miracles, that Jesus provides all that is needed when we
serve Him.
Will you give all to Jesus as did Mary? Or will you hold onto things and
keep them from Jesus? Repent of not giving Him all.
Prayer: Lord, I know I can't outgive You, but I will give You my heart,
mind, soul, strength, and my all.
Promise: "I, the Lord, have called you for the victory of justice. I have
grasped you by the hand." —Is 42:6
Praise: Praise Jesus, Whose life was poured out like a libation.
(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 April
1, 2009 through May 31, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 3, 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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