1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22, Psalm 89:16-19, Mark 2:1-12
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/011510.shtml
THE HEART OF THE PROBLEM
"All the elders of Israel came in a body to Samuel at Ramah and said to
him, 'Now that you are old, and your sons do not follow your example,
appoint a king over us, as other nations have.' " —1 Samuel 8:4-5
The Israelites had a problem replacing Samuel as their leader. They tried
to deal with this problem by inaugurating a new form of government for
themselves: a kingdom. This eventually made matters worse. We likewise
often try to deal with our problems by setting up a new system. We are
alarmed because of AIDS, so we develop a massive educational effort to
promote the lie of "safe sex." Our church needs more money, so we concoct
another fund-raiser. We feel depressed, so we develop an involved system
of distractions. These new structures often do nothing but make matters
worse.
Instead of distracting or deceiving ourselves with new systems, we should
go to the heart of the problem: our own heart. If we have humble, contrite
hearts, we will have victory over every problem — even those not our
fault. For those with the heart of Christ, God works all things — even bad
things — together for their good (Rm 8:28). Jesus' solution to all the
world's problems is not new worldly systems, but new hearts. The Lord
promises: "I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you,
taking from your bodies your stony hearts and giving you natural hearts"
(Ez 36:26). Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Prayer: "Jesus, gentle and humble of heart, make my heart like Yours" (see
Mt 11:29).
Promise: "My son, your sins are forgiven." —Mk 2:5
Praise: Whenever Roger struggles internally with someone, he asks the Lord
to give him His heart for that person, and he feels Jesus soften his
heart.
(For a related teaching, order our tape on "Love" on audio AV 58-1 or
video V-58.)
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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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