IN HIS PRESENCE - One Bread, One Body, 7/30/2009

Thursday, July 30, 2009, St. Peter Chrysologus

Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38, Psalm 84:3-6, 8-11, Matthew 13:47-53
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/073009.shtml

IN HIS PRESENCE

"Then the cloud covered the meeting tent, and the glory of the Lord filled
the Dwelling." —Exodus 40:34

In the Old Testament, Moses pitched a tent for God (Ex 40:18-19). In the
New Testament, God became a human being and pitched His own tent (Jn 1:14
in the original Greek). Therefore, in the New Testament we have a much
greater opportunity to be deeply and intimately in the presence of God.

In the Old Testament, the focal point of God's presence moved. To stay
centered on God's presence, the Israelites had to move every time the
cloud which hovered over God's tent moved (Ex 40:36). In the New
Testament, God's presence is so strong that we don't have to follow the
cloud. Instead, as witnesses to Jesus, we are the cloud (see Heb 12:1). We
are immersed in God's presence, which is immersed in us. He lives in us
and we live in Him (Jn 6:56). The curtain between us and the sanctuary has
been torn open by Jesus on Calvary (Mt 27:51). We are in the Holy of
Holies. Our prayers rise like incense into God's throne (Rv 5:8). We are
citizens of heaven, and from there we await Jesus' final coming (Phil
3:20).

Many Christians are surprised to hear that God's presence on earth is so
strong and that we already experience in some way God's heavenly presence.
Many people, even Christians, feel far away from God. To change this,
"draw close to God, and He will draw close to you. Cleanse your hands, you
sinners; purify your hearts" (Jas 4:8). When we repent and are purified,
our awareness of God's presence will be restored.

Prayer: Father, may I be always aware of Your presence.

Promise: "Every scribe who is learned in the reign of God is like the head
of a household who can bring from his storeroom both the new and the
old." —Mt 13:52

Praise: St. Peter Chrysologus preached, "He has made you in His image that
you might in your person make the invisible Creator present on Earth."

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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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