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Monday, May 11, 2009
Acts 14:5-18, Psalm 115, John 14:21-26
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/051109.shtml
"SKIN FOR SKIN!" (Jb 2:4)
"Gods have come to us in the form of men!" —Acts 14:11
Recently my children and I studied the book of Acts. When we read today's
first reading, the kids burst out in laughter. They thought it was
hilarious that the Lycaonian people would mistake Paul and Barnabas for
gods (Acts 14:11). They laughed even harder when they read about the
elaborate sacrifices the people were attempting to offer to the apostles
(Acts 14:13, 18).
The misguided Lycaonian folks were on to something big. If "the gods" were
to come down to live among them "in the form of men," there could be only
one possible response they could make: offer extravagant sacrifices,
gather crowds of people to pass on the wonderful news, and generate
enthusiastic responses to the incredible act of a god taking on human
flesh.
It just so happens that this teaching is being written on the Feast of the
Incarnation. We celebrate the astounding truth that Jesus Christ, the
eternal God (Jn 1:1), indeed "became flesh and made His dwelling among us"
(Jn 1:14). Jesus came to earth "in the likeness of men. He was known to be
of human estate" (Phil 2:7). Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us (Mt 1:23). To
save us and atone for our sins, Jesus had to become like us in every way
and be our representative, our High Priest, before God (see Heb 2:17-18;
4:14—5:3).
We might be tempted to laugh at the Lycaonians for their absurdity. I
suspect they would laugh at us for not rejoicing exuberantly, repenting
completely, evangelizing zealously, and abandoning ourselves in worship at
the feet of Jesus, God made Man.
Prayer: Father, may I respond in a manner appropriate to what Jesus did in
becoming a human being. Alleluia! Praise You, Jesus!
Promise: "The Holy Spirit...will instruct you in everything, and remind
you of all that I told you." —Jn 14:26
Praise: In certain situations when defending his faith, the Holy Spirit
gives words and ideas to Eric of which he had no prior knowledge.
(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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