Friday, August 31, 2012
1 Corinthians 1:17-25, Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 10-11, Matthew 25:1-13
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/083112.cfm
PRACTICE THE PRESENCE OF THE MASTER (Part 2)
" 'Master, Master!' they cried. 'Open the door for us.' But He answered, 'I tell you, I do not know you.' " -Matthew 25:12
During our life on earth, we can prepare for hell by living a "hell on earth." We simply live a lifestyle we know would be displeasing to Jesus. Since we presume He's not present, what's to stop us from living as we please? Before long, we've run the risk of sliding so far away from Jesus that even if we did recognize His presence, we might not be able to change our lifestyle. We're far enough down the road to hell, an eternal future without the presence of Jesus (Catechism, 1033, 1035), that the Good News is unacceptable to us (see 1 Cor 1:18).
Alternatively, we can prepare for heaven by living a "heaven on earth," that is, a life lived constantly in the presence of Jesus. Every breath we take, each step we make, every moment we act in constant awareness that the Master is present. We act differently because we know He is present. We long for His presence more than the deer longs for running waters (Ps 42:2). Our hearts are restless until they rest in His presence (Catechism, 30). We change our lifestyle and do whatever it takes to have more time in His presence. Eucharistic adoration, frequent Mass, service to the suffering (Mt 25:35ff), Scripture reading, prayer, praise (Ps 22:3, JB), working for justice are ways to remain in the Master's presence and thereby keep our lamps full of the oil of the Spirit.
Our life on earth and eternal future are centered around the presence of Jesus. "Why delay, then?" (Acts 22:16). Live "resolutely in the presence of the Lord," and continue "to grow strong" (2 Chr 27:6).
Prayer: Master, I would rather suffer deprivation and enjoy Your presence than have luxury without You (see Ps 84:11).
Promise: "The plan of the Lord stands forever." -Ps 33:11
Praise: "Exult, you just, in the Lord; praise from the upright is fitting" (Ps 33:1).
(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 August 1, 2012 through September 30, 2012
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 30, 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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