Genesis 49:29-32, 50:15-26, Psalm 105:1-4, 6-7, Matthew 10:24-33
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A LIFE OF FALSE GUILT
"Now that their father was dead, Joseph's brothers became
fearful." —Genesis 50:15
Joseph's brothers were fearful, guilt-ridden, and steeped in self-hatred.
They flung themselves before Joseph and said: "Let us be your slaves!" (Gn
50:18) After they tried to murder Joseph and finally sold him into
slavery, his brothers carried their burden of sin for thirty-nine years.
Is there any sin of yours from many years ago that still upsets you? Do
you have any sin for which you've received forgiveness from God but not
from yourself? Have any perversions, especially past sexual sins, warped
your self-image? It's not unusual to be like Joseph's brothers and spend a
lifetime twisted and misshapen by guilt, even false guilt.
The way to freedom for us is to repent and go to Confession, if we haven't
already done so. Next we should ask others to lay hands on us and pray
over us for healing. If this does not result in total healing and freedom,
we should tell our terrible sin to another trustworthy Christian (see Jas
5:16). This may seem impossible to do, but the Lord will give us the right
opportunity. If this doesn't work, there's something wrong with our
relationship with the Lord. We must turn our lives over to Him
unreservedly. He Who is the Truth will set us free from all guilt.
Prayer: Father, "thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse
me" (Ps 51:4).
Promise: "Do not be afraid of anything." —Mt 10:31
Praise: St. Benedict was inspired to gather hermit monks together with a
lifestyle of prayer, study, and manual work.
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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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