Sirach 6:5-17, Psalm 119:12, 16, 18, 27, 34-35, Mark 10:1-12
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/022511.shtml
DEEP PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
"A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure." -Sirach 6:14
Committed relationships are the essence of Christianity. The Father "so loved the world that He gave His only Son" (Jn 3:16). Jesus is our Blood-brother, Who sealed His covenant with us by His blood shed on Calvary. The Spirit is committed to us in that He lives within us as His temple (1 Cor 6:19). We respond to God's love by committing ourselves to Jesus as Lord, Savior, and God. Through Jesus we commit ourselves to the Father, and live no longer for ourselves but for Him (2 Cor 5:15).
Then the Lord calls us to covenant with others. Some are called to covenant in the sacrament of marriage. The two "become as one. They are no longer two but one flesh" (Mk 10:8). God joins them together inseparably (Mk 10:9).
All are called to covenant with other Christians. With some, we are called to a special unity. Every Paul has his Barnabas or Silas, every David his Jonathan (2 Sm 1:26). We should be very careful about these special Christian friendships but also open to them. God's word teaches: "Let your acquaintances be many, but one in a thousand your confidant. When you gain a friend, first test him, and be not too ready to trust him" (Sir 6:6-7). But God's word also promises: "A faithful friend is beyond price, no sum can balance his worth. A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, such as he who fears God finds" (Sir 6:15-16).
Prayer: Father, may I be a true brother or sister to a Christian from a different race.
Promise: "A kind mouth multiplies friends." -Sir 6:5
Praise: Henry and his family travelled halfway around the world to join Presentation Ministries' community.
(Women, come meet other Christ-centered women at our annual Women's retreat April 9th at our retreat center in Adams County, Ohio. The retreat will address the needs you have and call you to a deeper relationship with the Lord. Call Betty at 937-587-5464 or 513-373-2397 to register or for information.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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, 2011 through March 31, 2011
?Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July27, 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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2011 Presentation Ministries
To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp
To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r
No comments:
Post a Comment