CLOSED MOUTH - One Bread, One Body, 8/12/2009

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Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Deuteronomy 34:1-12, Psalm 66:1-3, 5, 8, 16-17, Matthew 18:15-20
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/081209.shtml

CLOSED MOUTH

Jesus said, "If your brother should commit some wrong against you, go and
point out his fault, but keep it between the two of you." —Matthew 18:15

Christians don't air their grievances publicly. They don't wash their
dirty laundry for all to see. We're not trying to hide anything but
respecting people's rights not to be talked about behind their backs and
not to be confronted in public. We keep it between the two of us. Even
spouses and families should not know of our complaint. Shooting off our
mouths often does more harm than the original problem.

Christians have shredded one another with razor-blade tongues throughout
Church history. We have played right into the hands of the devil. We are
pawns in the devil's tactics, used to tear down God's Kingdom. But if we
let the Spirit control our tongues, we can control our whole body (Jas
3:2).

This applies not only to our physical bodies but to Christ's body, the
Church. Tongues of gossip, backbiting, negativity, and discouragement
destroy the Church and make our worship pointless (Jas 1:26). Tongues of
praise, prayer, prophecy, and encouragement build up Christ's body (1 Cor
14:3-4). The tongue is the most important member of the body, the Church.

Prayer: Father, may I speak in foreign tongues, not in sinful tongues.

Promise: "Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his
eyes were undimmed and his vigor unabated." —Dt 34:7

Praise: Struggling daily with a family member who has mental illness, Rita
knows that today's hope will lead to God's end.

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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
August 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, February 11, 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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