Wisdom 18:14-16; 19:6-9, Psalm 105:2-3, 36-37, 42-43, Luke 18:1-8
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/111211.cfm
THE WORD ON DELAY
"Will He delay long over them, do you suppose?" -Luke 18:7
Because the Lord is outside of time, His perspective on timing is far different than ours (see 2 Pt 3:8; Is 55:8-9). In our humanity, we might "consider it 'delay' " on God's part (2 Pt 3:9) when it seems He's doing nothing. However, if God seems to be moving slowly or not at all, it's because He is showing "generous patience" (2 Pt 3:9) either to us or for the sake of others. If He "delays, wait for" Him (Hab 2:3), because He "will not be late" and "will not disappoint" (Hab 2:3). We must continue to pray always (Lk 18:1), never wavering in faith (Lk 18:8) and never losing heart (Lk 18:1).
We don't want God to delay, but we hold ourselves to a different standard. So God turns the tables on us and warns us:
* "Delay not" in keeping your promises to God (Eccl 5:3), especially your baptismal promises to reject sin and believe in the Triune God and the faith of the Church.
* "Delay not your conversion to the Lord, put it not off from day to day" (Sir 5:8).
* "Delay not to forsake sins" (Sir 18:21). Repent now!
* "Delay not" to tithe and give alms to the poor (Sir 4:3).
The Church year ends in two weeks. Have you delayed doing God's will all year? "Why delay, then?" (Acts 22:16) Now is the time (2 Cor 6:2) to stop delaying and start delivering. God can save the best for last (Jn 2:10). Get moving! "Delay not!"
Prayer: Father, I've wasted enough of this year and my life on pleasures (1 Pt 4:3). Give me an urgency based on faith in You.
Promise: "He led forth His people with joy; with shouts of joy, His chosen ones." -Ps 105:43
Praise: St. Josaphat worked tirelessly against schism until he was martyred trying to maintain unity in his Ukrainian diocese (see Jn 11:51-52).
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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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 October 1, 2011 through November 30, 2011
?Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Bishop-Elect, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 26, 2011 (for 10-1-2011 through 11-29-2011) and May 26, 2011 (for 11-30-2011)
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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