1 Samuel 1:1-8, Psalm 116:12-14, 17-19, Mark 1:14-20
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/011110.shtml
THE YEAR OF REPENTANCE, FRUITFULNESS, AND JOY
"Hannah, why do you weep, and why do you refuse to eat? Why do you
grieve?" —1 Samuel 1:8
As we begin the new year, the Lord commands us to be "fishers of men" and
women (Mk 1:17). We are to be fruitful in leading others to Christ (see Jn
15:5). However, many of us were not very fruitful in 2009 and have not
changed anything for 2010. We may be spiritually barren as Hannah was
physically barren.
If we don't repent and begin to share our love for Jesus with other
people, we may become like Hannah in other ways. In addition to being
barren, Hannah was so depressed she refused to eat (1 Sm 1:7). We likewise
may lose our joy (see Ps 51:14) and become spiritually anorexic if we
don't bear fruit evangelistically. Many Christians today are noticeably
sad. Young people notice this and see church as a dead, joyless place.
Many Christians go to church only to fulfill their "Sunday obligation."
They aren't hungry for the spiritual nourishment of God's word and Holy
Communion.
We can be like Hannah in more ways than one. We must repent, commit our
lives to Jesus, and share our faith. Then we will come to life.
Prayer: Father, may I reap the greatest harvest this year.
Promise: "This is the time of fulfillment. The reign of God is at hand!
Reform your lives and believe in the gospel!" —Mk 1:15
Praise: Regular Confession has helped Peter keep spiritually fit for
evangelization.
(For a related teaching, order our tape on "Spiritual Anorexia" on audio
AV 101-1 or video V-101.)
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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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