I AND I AM - One Bread, One Body, 4/2/2009

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Thursday, April 2, 2009, St. Francis of Paola

Genesis 17:3-9, Psalm 105:4-9, John 8:51-59
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/040209.shtml

I AND I AM

"Jesus answered them: 'I solemnly declare it: before Abraham came to be, I
AM.' " —John 8:58

Jesus claims to be God. When Jesus called Himself "I AM" to a Jewish
audience, they had to either worship Him or stone Him for blasphemy. When
He also said He was before Abraham and that Abraham rejoiced to see His
day, this made Jesus' claim to be God all the more challenging (Jn
8:56-58).

In today's culture, Jesus states His claim to divinity in equally
challenging ways. He declares:
* Before "doing your own thing," I AM.
* Before "feeling good," I AM.
* Before "enjoying yourself," I AM.
* Before "feeling comfortable," I AM.
* Before "self-realization," I AM.

Jesus makes sure there are no gods besides Him (see Ex 20:3). We must deny
our "I," our ego, to acknowledge Jesus as the I AM (see Lk 9:23). We must
deny the ways and lies of the world and our pleasure-seeking lifestyle to
acknowledge Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jn 14:6). We must
throw rocks (Jn 8:59) — either at the false gods of the present age (see 2
Cor 4:4) or at Jesus.

Prayer: Jesus, Lord and God, I rejoice in submitting every detail of my
life to You.

Promise: "I will maintain My covenant with you and your descendants after
you." —Gn 17:7

Praise: St. Francis of Paola heard God's call and became a teenage hermit,
and eventually had others join him to form the Minims.

(For a related teaching, order our leaflet, "Accepting Jesus as Lord,
Savior, and God", or on audio AV 43-1 or video V-43.)

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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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