Sunday, July 1, 2012, 13th Sunday Ordinary Time
Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24, 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15, Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13, Mark 5:21-43
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/070112.cfm
FAITH OVER FEAR
"Fear is useless. What is needed is trust." -Mark 5:36
The dictionary defines 'fear' as "an emotional reaction to a perceived threat of evil to our well-being." Fear, then, is an emotional reaction. We can be afraid of things that are not actually evil, even though they might be perceived as such. That which we fear could actually help us grow in faith. For example, a severe downturn in the economy could compel us to turn to the Lord, walk more closely with Him, and trust Him more than ever before. However, there are some things we should fear. We teach children to fear things that can harm them, such as a hot burner on the stove. As adults, we should be especially afraid of things that can harm our soul.
To overcome fear, we need faith (Mk 5:36). The synagogue official and the woman with the chronic bleeding both broke through any fears to come to Jesus. The synagogue official risked ruining his reputation with his Jewish peers. The bleeding woman was 'unclean'; she would have been fearful of passing on her uncleanness to anyone who touched her (see Lv 13:45). Nonetheless, each stepped past that emotional reaction of fear and stepped out in faith.
Of what should you be afraid? Be afraid of not becoming all that Jesus wants you to be. Today at Mass, when you receive Jesus in the Eucharist, give over to the Lord that one powerful fear that keeps you from becoming the disciple God wants you to be. Surrender your fear today and let Jesus put it away forever.
Prayer: Father, give me perfect love to cast out all fear (1 Jn 4:18).
Promise: "It is your faith that has cured you." -Mk 5:34
Praise: Praise Jesus, risen, glorified, and worshipped by the angels and saints!
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) (For a related teaching, order our tape "Hold Fast to The Faith" on AV 71-1 or video V-71.)
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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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