Friday, June 29, 2012, Sts. Peter & Paul
Acts 12:1-11, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18, Psalm 34:2-9, Matthew 16:13-19
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062912.cfm
LOVE THE CHURCH (Eph 5:25)
"I will build My Church." -Matthew 16:18
The Church is founded on the apostles (Eph 2:20; Rv 21:14), especially on St. Peter, the first Pope, and on St. Paul, an apostle and the first Christian missionary. Therefore, today's solemn feast day of Saints Peter and Paul is a celebration in which we thank the Lord for His great gift to us of the Church.
The Church is the body of Christ (see e.g. Eph 1:22-23) and the bride of Christ (Eph 5:25-27; Rv 22:17). The Church was founded by Jesus Himself (Mt 16:18). It belongs to Jesus and is in the process of being built by Jesus (Mt 16:18). Jesus calls the Church "My Church." Jesus has given Peter, his successors, and the Church the keys of the kingdom (Mt 16:19). The Church has Jesus' authority to bind and loose and to attack and conquer the gates of hell (Mt 16:18-19). It is "God's household" and "the pillar and bulwark of truth" (1 Tm 3:15).
The Church is "the fullness of Him Who fills the universe in all its parts" (Eph 1:23). Jesus exalts the Church by identifying with her. He proclaims that, if we listen to the Church, we listen to Him (Lk 10:16) and, if we persecute the Church, we persecute Him (Acts 9:4). Considering what the Lord has revealed to us about His Church, we must love the Church as Jesus does and lay down our lives for her (Eph 5:25).
Prayer: Jesus, give me Your heart for the Church. I will accept Your grace to forgive those members of the Church who have hurt me.
Promise: "Peter was thus detained in prison, while the church prayed fervently to God on his behalf." -Acts 12:5
Praise: "The Holy Spirit descended upon all who were listening to Peter's message" (Acts 10:44).
(For a related teaching, order our tape The Church in God's Plan" on audio AV 67-3 or video V-67.)
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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 June 1, 2012 through July 31, 2012
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 29, 2012
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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