Acts 15:1-6, Psalm 122:1-5, John 15:1-8
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CONVERSION-CONVERSATIONS
"[The apostles] made their way through Phoenicia and Samaria, telling
everyone about the conversion of the Gentiles as they went." —Acts 15:3
Instead of telling the Phoenicians and Samaritans about the Church
bickering in Antioch (Acts 15:2), the apostles told them about the
conversion of the Gentiles. These apostles spoke from the abundance of
their hearts (Lk 6:45) and what filled their hearts was the joy of Jesus
in heaven over the conversion of repentant sinners (Lk 15:7, 10). The
ongoing church dissension and controversy, while important enough to cause
their trip to Jerusalem, was not absorbing the hearts of the apostles.
Their minds were fixed on what was above rather than what was on earth
(Col 3:1ff). Since the Lord in heaven finds more joy in the conversion of
one sinner, the hearts of the apostles were focused on conversion and on
finding ways to please Jesus (see Ps 104:34).
How many times have you heard conversations about the conversions taking
place in your parish RCIA programs or soup kitchens? Now, how many times
have you heard conversations focused on internal church squabbles? Repent
of desiring to talk about church dissensions, strife, discord, and
controversies (see 1 Tm 6:4). Allow God to prune away any spirit of
dissension and disunity. Remain in Jesus (Jn 15:4), Who came to seek and
save the lost (Lk 19:10), and bear "much fruit" of evangelization and
conversion (Jn 15:8).
Prayer: Father, help me to "say only the good things" people "need to
hear, things that will really help them" (Eph 4:29).
Promise: "He who lives in Me and I in him, will produce abundantly, for
apart from Me you can do nothing." —Jn 15:5
Praise: When conversations drift toward criticism of fellow Church
members, Wanda tactfully guides the talk to other topics.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) (Need a
refresher course on the "Gifts of the Spirit"? Attend our retreat on June
4-5. Call 937-587-5464 for info or to register.)
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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 April
1, 2010 through May 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 9, 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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