2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29, Psalm 132:1-5, 11-14, Mark 4:21-25
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/012810.shtml
WHY ME?
"Who am I, Lord God, and who are the members of my house, that You have
brought me to this point?" —2 Samuel 7:18
We should never think we deserve to wake up, live another day, breathe,
walk, sing, smile, or pray. These and millions of other things are all
gifts from God as He constantly pours out His love on us. We've done
nothing to merit these blessings and ought not to take them as merited.
When something bad happens to us and our families, we say: "Who am I, Lord
God, and who are the members of my house, that You have brought me to this
point?" (2 Sm 7:18) We are quick to say that we don't deserve our
sufferings, although we give the impression we do deserve our blessings.
For the most part it's the other way around. We are responsible for many
of our sufferings. We have caused them by our sins. However, our blessings
have not been caused by our meritorious conduct but by the Lord's
crucified, unconditional love for us.
Therefore, we should live in gratitude for millions of unmerited blessings
and in repentance for our sins and consequent sufferings. In the midst of
God's love, we should ask: "Who am I ...?" And we answer: "I am a sinner,
forgiven, saved, and loved by God in His mercy." Alleluia!
Prayer: Father, give me an attitude of gratitude even under the most
difficult circumstances.
Promise: "In the measure you give you shall receive, and more
besides." —Mk 4:24
Praise: St. Thomas was humbled by the vision of the glories of God before
he died. He then ceased his prolific theological writing, and prepared his
soul for the hour of death, saying, "All I have written seems to me like
so much straw compared with what I have seen and what has been revealed to
me."
(For a related teaching, order our tape "Effects of Sin" on audio AV 81-3
or video V-81.)
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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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