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http://www.presentationministries.com/mypeople/latestMyPeople.asp
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Saturday, May 16, 2009
Acts 16:1-10, Psalm 100, John 15:18-21
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/051609.shtml
ROCKY ROADS AND HAPPY ENDINGS
"The congregations grew stronger in faith and daily increased in
numbers." —Acts 16:5
The very first missionary journey was rocky. It included Elymas being
struck blind (Acts 13:11), John Mark quitting (Acts 13:13), and Paul being
stoned and dragged from Lystra and left for dead (Acts 14:19). The
missionary journey ended successfully in that Paul and Barnabas converted
the governor of Cyprus (Acts 13:12) and started four churches (Acts
14:23).
The second missionary journey also had problems. Paul and Barnabas had an
argument on whether to take John Mark on the mission. "The disagreement
which ensued was so sharp that the two separated. Barnabas took Mark along
with him and sailed for Cyprus. Paul, for his part, chose Silas to
accompany him on his journey" (Acts 15:39-40). Paul and Silas' mission
bogged down when the Holy Spirit prevented them "from preaching the
message in the province of Asia" (Acts 16:6). The Spirit also did not
allow them to go into Bithynia (Acts 16:7).
Eventually Paul had a vision leading him to Macedonia. Here Lydia was
converted (Acts 16:14), a girl was freed from the devil (Acts 16:18), and
Paul and Silas were attacked, stripped, flogged, imprisoned, and chained
(Acts 16:22-24). However, Paul and Silas prayed and praised up an
earthquake (Acts 16:25-26). They even converted the jailer and his family
(Acts 16:33).
When we serve God, "we must undergo many trials" (Acts 14:22; Sir 2:1),
but we will succeed in furthering God's kingdom.
Prayer: Father, like a grain of wheat, may I fall to the earth and die so
as to bear much fruit (Jn 12:24).
Promise: "If you find that the world hates you, know it has hated Me
before you." —Jn 15:18
Praise: When Carol and her husband devoted themselves to sharing with
other couples the Church's teachings on contraception, she finally
conceived.
(For a related teaching, order our leaflet "Spiritual Warfare" or our
audio tape AV 57-3 or video V-57.)
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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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