"COMPLETE ABSURDITY" - One Bread, One Body, 6/15/2009

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Monday, June 15, 2009

2 Corinthians 6:1-10, Psalm 98:1-4, Matthew 5:38-42
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/061509.shtml

"COMPLETE ABSURDITY"

"You have heard the commandment, 'An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.'
But what I say to you is: offer no resistance to injury." —Matthew 5:38-39

Most of us grew up in a Christian environment. We're accustomed to
Christian terminology and activities. Because of this, it's difficult for
people to see Christianity objectively. From the point of view of many
outsiders, Christianity is "complete absurdity" (1 Cor 1:18). For example,
Jesus commanded us to love our enemies (Mt 5:44), "offer no resistance to
injury," even turn the other cheek, give a bonus to anyone who has
defrauded us in court, and volunteer to go an extra mile after having been
forced to go the first one (Mt 5:39-41).

This sounds absurd, but Jesus followed this literally, even to death on
the cross. The early Church did so as well, "acting with patient endurance
amid trials, difficulties, distresses, beatings, imprisonments, and riots"
(2 Cor 6:4-5). Paul describes how outsiders look at Christians: "We are
called impostors, yet we are truthful; nobodies who in fact are well
known; dead, yet here we are, alive; punished, but not put to death;
sorrowful, though we are always rejoicing; poor, yet we enrich many. We
seem to have nothing, yet everything is ours!" (2 Cor 6:8-10)

Does this describe you as a Christian? Or have you merely subscribed to a
cultural Christianity that is a far cry from the real thing? Is your
Christianity "complete absurdity"? Or is it the contemporary lukewarm
counterfeit?

Prayer: Lord, I want to be a Christian by Your standards.

Promise: "Now is the acceptable time! Now is the day of salvation!" —2 Cor
6:2

Praise: Thomas works part time so he is free to work in active ministry
for the Lord.

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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 June
1, 2009 through July 31, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, January 5, 2009

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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