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Sunday, August 8, 2010

A LIFE OF FEAR OR FAITH? - One Bread, One Body, 8/8/2010

Start reading our booklet Conversion Conversations. It contains 40 weeks of daily conversations with the LORD to help you grow in loving and following Him.

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Sunday, August 8, 2010, 19th Sunday Ordinary Time

Wisdom 18:6-9, Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19, Psalm 33:1, 12, 18-20, 22, Luke 12:32-48
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/080810.shtml

A LIFE OF FEAR OR FAITH?

"Do not live in fear, little flock." -Luke 12:32

The Lord commands us not to live in fear (Lk 12:32), for we can be slaves our whole lives because of the fear of death (Heb 2:15). The Lord has simply commanded us to not fear anything (Mt 10:31). To escape a life of fear we usually try to avoid fearful situations, but Jesus tells us to sell what we have and give alms (Lk 12:33), actions which would place us in a position needing to trust radically in God.

Although this seems to increase our fears rather than allay them, the way to overcome a life of fear is to challenge, not avoid our fears. If we try to control and avoid circumstances, we will always be fearful and victims of circumstances. However, if we sell what we have and refuse to play it safe, we will find that our heavenly Father knows how to take care of His children. We will be fearless regardless of circumstances. We will have a fearlessness based on God Himself.

Even the fearsome events at the end of the world will not trouble us. We will "stand erect and hold our heads high" (Lk 21:28). We will be fearless, for the Lord is our Light and our Salvation; whom shall we fear? (Ps 27:1)


Prayer: Father, "though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war be waged upon me, even then will I trust" in You (Ps 27:3).

Promise: "Faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for, and conviction about things we do not see." -Heb 11:1

Praise: Praise You, Jesus, "the Resurrection and the Life" (Jn 11:25). Your death and resurrection have conquered fear and death. Alleluia!

(Has the "world" or its people left you hurting? Has death of a spouse or rejection by a loved one broken your heart? We offer two retreats Sept. 10 - 11 to renew and strengthen you: "Healing the Broken Hearted" (for divorced and separated) and "Widows and Widowers Retreat". Call 513-373-2397 for info and 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 August 1, 2010 through September 30, 2010
?Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 8, 2010

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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