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Saturday, October 10, 2009
Joel 4:12-21, Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12, Luke 11:27-28
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/101009.shtml
CONTINUOUS, LASTING HAPPINESS
"A woman from the crowd called out, 'Blest is the womb that bore You and
the breasts that nursed You!' " —Luke 11:27
The woman from the crowd called out that Jesus' mother must be happy.
Jesus used the opportunity to proclaim that happiness is hearing and
keeping God's word (Lk 11:28). The psalmist said the same thing: Happy is
the one who "delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on His law day
and night" (Ps 1:1, 2). John the Evangelist also proclaimed: "Happy is the
man who reads this prophetic message, and happy are those who hear it and
heed what is written in it, for the appointed time is near!" (Rv 1:3)
This happiness that comes from hearing and living God's word is not the
"happiness" which the world gives (cf Jn 14:27). This happiness is beyond
understanding (cf Phil 4:7). It has nothing to do with circumstances, but
transcends them. Through God's word, we can be happy even under the worst
circumstances, and we cannot lose this happiness against our will (see Jn
16:22).
The prophet Jeremiah was happy because of finding God's word. He said:
"When I found Your words, I devoured them; they became my joy and the
happiness of my heart" (Jer 15:16). But Jeremiah also said: "I did not sit
celebrating in the circle of merrymakers; under the weight of Your hand I
sat alone because You filled me with indignation. Why is my pain
continuous, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed?" (Jer 15:17-18)
Jeremiah was lonely, filled with indignation, suffered continuous pain,
and had an incurable wound. Yet, he was miraculously, amazingly happy
through God's words. God will do the same for you.
Prayer: Father, give me a happiness which doesn't depend on circumstances
beyond my control.
Promise: "A fountain shall issue from the house of the Lord." —Jl 4:18
Praise: Prone to depression, Samantha turns to the Scriptures for joy that
lasts.
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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
October 1, 2009 through November 30, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, June 3, 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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