Youth Can Offer New Hope To World
Faith Is A Safe Anchor For The Sick And Suffering
In Defense of Life: The Beginning Of The End Of Religious Freedom
Prison To Praise: "I Am A Christian And A Criminal"
http://www.presentationministries.com/mypeople/latestMyPeople.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, February 12, 2012, 6th Sunday Ordinary Time
Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46, 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1, Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 11, Mark 1:40-45
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/021212.cfm
AN EPIDEMIC OF LEPROSY
"A leper approached Him with a request." -Mark 1:40
Our society and churches are filled with lepers. These people don't have physical leprosy, which is Hanson's disease, but the spiritual leprosy of self-hatred. They continually "cry out 'Unclean, Unclean!' " (Lv 13:45) They do things to turn people away from them. They even tell God to stay away from them. They wallow in depression and degrade themselves through self-destructive compulsions such as overeating, alcoholism, gambling, TV addiction, sexual promiscuity, masturbation, gossip, etc.
Only one Person can cure leprosy - Jesus. In our leprous condition, we must kneel down and make an act of faith in Jesus, saying: "If You will do so, You can cure" us (Mk 1:40). He will have mercy on us, stretch out His hand, touch us, and say: "I do will it. Be cured" (Mk 1:41). Then we will be freed from years of self-hatred and self-destruction. We will no longer be degraded by the tyranny of doing what feels good. We will be truly free and fully alive.
Then we should tell the good news of our healing to whomever the Lord leads us. These people may also be lepers. They may have been discouraged by the lepers in their family and church. By sharing our healing, we will open them to Jesus. They will no longer tell Jesus to stay away from them, but will let Him touch them.
Prayer: Father, may I repent of self-hatred and let Jesus touch me in Confession.
Promise: "Whether you eat or drink - whatever you do - you should do all for the glory of God." -1 Cor 10:31
Praise: Praise Jesus, the Spotless Lamb, Who by His blood has washed us clean.
(For a related teaching, order our leaflet, "The Truth Will Set You Free".)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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, 2012 through March 31, 2012
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 29, 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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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 © 2012 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