TURN OUT RIGHT IN THE END - One Bread, One Body, 2/26/2010

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http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/SecretConfession.asp
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Friday, February 26, 2010

Ezekiel 18:21-28, Psalm 130:1-8, Matthew 5:20-26
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/022610.shtml

TURN OUT RIGHT IN THE END

"If the virtuous man turns from the path of virtue to do evil, ...can he
do this and still live? None of his virtuous deeds shall be remembered,
because he has broken faith and committed sin; because of this, he shall
die." —Ezekiel 18:24

The year 2002 was notable for the uncovering of sexual abuse scandals
involving certain Roman Catholic priests. Upon hearing the breaking
stories, most people reacted like God did in the above passage. Any good
deeds done by these priests were forgotten. They were generally condemned
by the public because they had turned from virtue to commit evil.

Most people who have experienced their spouse leaving them for another
person would have a similar reaction. Most good memories of the marriage
would be forgotten because the departing spouse turned from faithfulness
to break the covenant.

If we can react like this to the bad endings of others, then we can't
accuse God of being unfair when he uses a similar standard to judge us (Ez
18:25). God holds us, His children, to the highest standards of holiness
and faithfulness (Mt 5:20). Yet God pours out unending supplies of grace
so that we can repent and not only meet His standards, but flourish and
grow in holiness (Eph 1:3).

If you are falling short of God's standards, turn back to Him (Is 45:22).
"Delay not your conversion to the Lord, put it not off from day to day"
(Sir 5:8). "When you have sinned, show repentance. Delay not to forsake
sins, neglect it not till you are in distress" (Sir 18:20-21). "Now is the
acceptable time! Now is the day of salvation!" (2 Cor 6:2) Turn and return
to the Lord.

Prayer: Father, I throw myself on Your mercy. Cleanse me of sin.

Promise: "With the Lord is kindness and with Him is plenteous
redemption." —Ps 130:7

Praise: After receiving the Holy Spirit in a Life in the Spirit seminar,
Jason repented of years of viewing pornography, and now praises God to be
able to live in purity.

(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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