CLOSING THE DEAL - One Bread, One Body, 8/3/2009

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Monday, August 3, 2009

Numbers 11:4-15, Psalm 81:12-17, Matthew 14:13-21
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/080309.shtml

CLOSING THE DEAL

"Give them something to eat yourselves." —Matthew 14:16

Jesus has placed His disciples in a fantastic position. On one side there
is the human race, which continually grows hungry and has a daily need for
food. On the other side is the Lord, Who has a continual desire to feed,
nourish, and even satisfy hungry humanity (see Ps 81:11, 17; Mt 14:20).
God has placed us, as His disciples, between Him and the rest of mankind,
and charges us with feeding His people (Mt 14:16; Jn 21:15ff). We are
God's middlemen, His ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20), charged with bringing the
two parties together.

This is an ambassador's dream: one party with an unceasing demand, and the
other Party with an unlimited ability and unceasing desire to supply that
demand (see Lk 22:15). In the business world, candidates would compete for
this kind of job opportunity and would flock en masse to interview for it,
even if there were tough conditions involved. Most salespeople would
eagerly tackle this challenge, aggressively and creatively finding ways to
get the parties together. In the religious world, we don't seem to respond
as eagerly at this prospect of being ambassadors.

Let's ask the Lord to give us His heart, a heart moved with compassion for
all people (Mt 14:14). He constantly desires to fill the mouths of hungry
humanity with His Word and Eucharist (Ps 81:11), whether or not they
appreciate Him. He will give us His heart for His people in such a way
that we will find rest (Mt 11:29) rather than distress (Nm 11:15) in
feeding them. "Go out now and take your place" (Acts 5:20) as God's
ambassadors.

Prayer: Sacred Heart of Jesus, make my heart like unto Thine. Give me Your
desire to feed Your loved ones (Jn 21:15).

Promise: "All those present ate their fill." —Mt 14:20

Praise: Strangers have asked Joseph for the reason for his peacefulness
and wisdom, and he shares Jesus with them.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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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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