James 1:1-11, Psalm 119:67-68, 71-72, 75-76, Mark 8:11-13
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LOOKING FOR A SIGN?
"[The Pharisees] were looking for some heavenly sign from Him as a test.
With a sigh from the depths of His spirit He said, 'Why does this age seek
a sign? I assure you, no such sign will be given it!' " —Mark 8:11-12
Do you need a sign from God to believe in His power and love? Well, then,
despite not giving the Pharisees of His time a sign, the Lord is about to
give the world an incredible sign, one that's not easily missed. In two
days, hundreds of millions of Catholics worldwide will be walking around
with an ashen sign of the cross drawn on their foreheads. No one will be
able to avoid this sign. The only question is: Will people of "this age"
who are seeking a sign (Mk 8:12) be so "blinded by the god of" this age (2
Cor 4:4), the secular culture which denies the power of God, that they
miss the sign paraded in front of them all day?
In "this age," many people have signs on their bodies. People are walking
advertisements as they take pride in wearing clothes and shoes with the
brand name displayed for all to see. Others wear their signs and messages
in the form of "body art" in which tattoos cover nearly every exposed inch
of skin for people to read. Still others use their bodies to glorify God
(1 Cor 6:20) as signs for righteousness and evangelization by wearing
crosses or medals, dressing modestly, and wearing a cheerful face as a
"sign" of a heart that loves God (Sir 13:25).
The oldies song says, "Sign, sign, everywhere a sign." As Lent begins,
Jesus sends to the world walking signs bearing His message of crucified
love on their foreheads. Each day, may we disciples of Christ be signposts
who lead the world to Jesus.
Prayer: Jesus, use me as Your sign so that those who don't know You might
be able to "read the signs of the times" (Mt 16:3).
Promise: "Let Your kindness comfort me according to Your promise to Your
servants." —Ps 119:76
Praise: Robert now covers the tattoos he once blasphemously displayed, and
wears a crucifix instead.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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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
February 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, August 11, 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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