The latest issue of My People Newspaper is now online. Articles include:
Peace Is Possible
The Sick Are Christ's Living Image
In Defense Of Life: Will The U.S. Lose Its Religious Freedom?
Economic Crisis Needs Creative Solutions
Prison To Praise: Prison Walls
http://www.presentationministries.com/mypeople/latestMyPeople.asp
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Wednesday, February 13, 2013, Ash Wednesday
Joel 2:12-18, 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2, Psalm 51:3-6, 12-14, 17, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/021313.cfm
A LIMITED LENT?
"They are already repaid." -Matthew 6:2, 5, 16
When Jesus says that those who perform religious acts for human recognition are "repaid," He uses a Greek word which suggests commercial payment, that is, payment in full for a service rendered (Mt 6:2, 5, 16). As an example of this term, a plumber fixes your sink and gets the full payment, but only that amount of pay. Jesus says that those who give alms, pray, and fast to further their reputation are looking for the wages of applause. So they get their satisfaction: the repayment. They get nothing more.
Jesus uses a different Greek word when He promises that when you keep your almsgiving, prayer, and fasting secret, your heavenly Father "will repay you" (Mt 6:4, 6, 18). This term means a reward of unspecified amount, determined only by the generosity of the Giver. The entire reward, if any, is up to the One Who is merciful and kind, gracious and unlimited in generosity (Ps 103:8; Ex 20:6; Mt 10:41-42; 2 Cor 9:10). He might give no reward whatsoever, or He might open "the floodgates of heaven, to pour down blessing upon you without measure" (Mal 3:10).
Will the focus of your self-denials this Lent be simply to get the repayment of feasting at Easter, or to receive the lavish outpoured reward of God? (see Ti 3:6) This Lent, place no limits on what the Lord wishes to do in your life. Give Him free rein in directing your prayer, fasting, charity, and suffering. Let Him speak, love, forgive, and work through you. Let Him bless you superabundantly.
Prayer: Father, may I do everything for an audience of One: You.
Promise: "For our sakes God made Him Who did not know sin, to be sin, so that in Him we might become the very holiness of God." -2 Cor 5:21
Praise: Margaret reads the Bible for the blind.
(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 February 1, 2013 through March 31, 2013
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, September 13, 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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