CONSTRUCTION WORKERS - One Bread, One Body, 9/25/2009

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Friday, September 25, 2009

Haggai 1:15—2:9, Psalm 43:1-4, Luke 9:18-22
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/092509.shtml

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS

"Greater will be the future glory of this house than the former, says the
Lord of hosts." —Haggai 2:9

After the temple had been destroyed for sixty-seven years, the Israelites
returned from exile. Following seventeen more years of seeing the temple
lie in ruins, the Lord raised up the prophets Haggai and Zechariah (see
Zec 6:11-12) to command Zerubbabel the governor, Joshua the high priest,
and the remnant of the people to get to work (Hg 2:1-2).

Four groups of people were necessary for the rebuilding of the Temple. If
we are to rebuild the Church, we will need these same four groups of
workers. First, we need prophets to tell us what God is saying. Without
them, we don't know what work to do or when to do it. "Without prophecy
the people become demoralized" (Prv 29:18). After the prophets tell us
what God wants, we need civil officials — not to play party politics, but
to come under Jesus' Lordship. Next, we need the clergy. We need priests
who will rebuild the Church by fearlessly proclaiming our need for
repentance and salvation. Finally, we need the "remnant of the people" to
do the work of rebuilding the Church. The remnant is not just the
"leftovers," the few remaining people in a time of eroded faith. They are
prophetic, called by God, uncompromised with the world, and totally
committed to the Lord.

With two prophets, one or two righteous politicians and priests, and
several members of the remnant, we have the workers needed to rebuild the
Church.

Prayer: Father, make me another St. Francis of Assisi.

Promise: "Send forth your light and your fidelity; they shall lead me on
and bring me to your holy mountain." —Ps 43:3

Praise: Marian builds up the Church by helping others develop their
spiritual gifts and encouraging others to attend daily Mass.

(There is still time to register for our October series of retreats,
"Building Christian Community", "Bible Time Line", and "Disciple""ship,
Leadership, Redemptive Suffering & Mary", Oct 2-11. Come to some or all of
these retreats. Call 937-587-5464.)

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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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