Acts 16:1-10, Psalm 100:1-3, 5, John 15:18-21
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/050810.shtml
PENTECOST PROMISES AND EASTER COMMANDS
"Through all this, the congregations grew stronger in faith and daily
increased in numbers." —Acts 16:5
Could you say that through this Easter season "the congregations grew
stronger in faith, and daily increased in numbers"? If we don't see Jesus
adding to the Church's number daily (Acts 2:47), it's not that His
promises are not true but that we are not receiving them.
Jesus said: "I — once I am lifted up from earth — will draw all men to
Myself" (Jn 12:32). Jesus has been lifted up in His death, resurrection,
and ascension. Therefore, we should see people being drawn to Him and to
His body, the Church.
The fulfillment of God's promises is often conditional on obeying His
commands. For example, the Lord will daily increase our numbers if we
serve as His witnesses. He will give us victory if we obey Him and enter
the battle. The Spirit will miraculously give us the right words to say if
we expose ourselves to persecution (Mt 10:19-20). We will work signs and
wonders if we profess our faith (Mk 16:17). We will rise from the dead
into glory if we die in Christ (2 Tm 2:11). Easter will lead to a new
Pentecost if we "let it be done" unto us according to God's word (Lk
1:38).
Obey God's commands and inherit His promises of "growth, victory, signs,
wonders, glory, and a new Pentecost."
Prayer: Father, may my delight be to obey Your will (Ps 40:9).
Promise: "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own; the
reason it hates you is that you do not belong to the world. But I chose
you out of the world. Remember what I told you: no slave is greater than
his master." —Jn 15:19-20
Praise: Linda did not worry about how many were attending the youth
meetings. Instead, she focused on spreading God's love, knowing the Holy
Spirit would take care of the rest.
(For a related teaching, order our leaflet "Obedience School" or our tape
titled "Obeying God" on audio AV 62-3 or video V-62.)
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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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