UNEXCUSED ABSENCES - One Bread, One Body, 1/27/2011

Read our publication "The Challenge of Making Disciples in a Culture of Death"

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/ChallengeDisciples.asp
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Thursday, January 27, 2011, St. Angela Merici

Hebrews 10:19-25, Psalm 24:1-6, Mark 4:21-25
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/012711.shtml

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

"We should not absent ourselves from the assembly, as some do, but encourage one another; and this all the more because you see that the Day draws near." -Hebrews 10:25

This Scripture passage is used to encourage people to go to church on Sundays, but it also applies to many other gatherings. How many have made worship a Sunday-only obligation? These too are absenting themselves from the assembly for almost all of the week.

Some go to the assembly but stay to themselves. They are present in body but absent in spirit. Most Christians absent themselves from the assembly by confining prayer to church and not assembling for family prayer at home. Many Catholics look for the quickest Mass, come late, sit by the door, and leave early. Some people come to church for the wrong reasons; they may be merely cultural Christians or looking to make a deal with God. These too are absences. How many assemble in Jesus' name and not their own?

We need to repent of our absences and be present at church, present to one another, and in God's presence.

Prayer: Father, You are always present, always there for me. May I be like You.

Promise: "In the measure you give you shall receive, and more besides." -Mk 4:24

Praise: St. Angela chose St. Ursula as the model for her sisters, representing many unnamed virgin martyrs.

(For encouragement in praying the Mass daily, order our tape "Loving the Mass" on audio AV 54-3 or video V-54.)

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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 December 1, 2010 through January 31, 2011
?Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 28, 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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