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Friday, June 26, 2009
Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22, Psalm 128:1-5, Matthew 8:1-4
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/062609.shtml
THE LAST LAUGH
"Abraham prostrated himself and laughed as he said to himself, 'Can a
child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Or can Sarah give birth
at ninety?' " —Genesis 17:17
Abraham and Sarah laughed at jokes God didn't even tell (Gn 18:12). We
often laugh when God is serious. God is serious about fulfilling His
promises. He's serious about healing the leprous (Mt 8:3) and those
incurable by medical standards. Many times doctors and Christians have
laughed at God before He healed the terminally ill or even raised the dead
(Mt 10:8).
The Lord is also extremely serious about saving us. Nobody in their right
mind cracks a smile at the foot of the cross. He's serious about cleansing
us of our sins in His blood. Shed blood is no laughing matter.
However, the Lord isn't all serious. He laughs at the learned and clever
who take themselves too seriously (Lk 10:21). He gets a laugh out of
mighty nations who think they're something more than a moment in time (Ps
2:4). He considers our preoccupation with money and material possessions
ludicrous. It would be even more hilarious if we weren't so foolish (Lk
12:20).
The Lord laughs a lot and even cries (Lk 19:41). We do the same. Yet do
we laugh and cry for the same reasons as He does?
Prayer: Father, teach me to laugh when You laugh and cry when You cry (Jas
4:9).
Promise: "Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him and said, 'I do
will it. Be cured.' Immediately the man's leprosy disappeared." —Mt 8:3
Praise: Timothy jokes that he prayed for boldness and got baldness, but
his prayerfulness inspires many.
(Our retreat on Prophecy and Deliverance" is held July 6-9. The world is
in great need of these gifts of the Spirit. Scripture tells us that
prophecy is to be sought above all other gifts (1 Cor 14:1). Jesus taught
us to pray: "Deliver us from evil" (see Mt 6:13). Call 937-587-5464 or
513-373-2397 for information or to register.)
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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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