Nehemiah 8:2-4, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-30, Psalm 19:8-10, 15, Luke
1:1-4; 4:14-21
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/012410.shtml
THE BIBLE CHALLENGE
"He came to Nazareth where He had been reared, and entering the synagogue
on the sabbath as He was in the habit of doing, He stood up to do the
reading." —Luke 4:16
Jesus began His public ministry reading and proclaiming God's word. Ezra
began a renewal of the Israelite nation by reading and teaching God's word
from daybreak to midday (Neh 8:3, 8). We too can begin this year with an
extensive time in God's word. Consider committing yourself to read and
pray the Bible for an hour a day until the beginning of Lent. If this
seems too much, commit yourself to fifteen to thirty minutes of daily
Bible reading for the next two weeks.
When we deeply expose ourselves to God's word, we are purified of evil
(Eph 5:26) and trimmed of that which limits our growth in the Lord (Jn
15:3). By receiving God's word, we hear the Lord better and grow in faith
(Rm 10:17). God's word will help us know ourselves better by judging the
thoughts and reflections of our hearts (Heb 4:12). By God's word, we are
fed spiritually (Mt 4:4), made joyful, and strengthened (Neh 8:10). God's
word will make us "fully competent and equipped for every good work" (2 Tm
3:17).
These are only a few effects of God's word. His word is so living,
effective (Heb 4:12), powerful, and rich that this may well be the best
year of our lives if we begin it with a deep experience of the word.
Prayer: Father, may I be as eager for Your word as a newborn baby for milk
(1 Pt 2:2).
Promise: "If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one
member is honored, all the members share its joy." —1 Cor 12:26
Praise: Praise You, risen and glorified Jesus, the Word-made-flesh! Be
exalted and glorified in all the earth. Alleluia!
(Check our website www.presentationministries.com to see what is new at
Presentation Ministries.)
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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
December 1, 2009 through January 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, June 4, 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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