Monday, February 25, 2013
Daniel 9:4-10, Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13, Luke 6:36-38
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022513.cfm
ASHAMED OF NOTHING BUT JESUS?
"We are shamefaced." -Daniel 9:7
I recently met a woman who had returned to the U.S.A. after serving twenty years as a foreign missionary. She was utterly shocked by the changes in American culture during her absence. Topics never mentioned in decent conversation were now flaunted publicly from billboards, movies, and prime-time TV. Political candidates who would never have been considered worthy of nomination when she left were now routinely being elected. She was dumbfounded at the absence of the sense of sin and shame.
Daniel was a holy and righteous Jew, blamelessly observing the ordinances of the Lord (Dn 1:8; 6:11). Yet his Jewish people had been exiled "because of their treachery" toward God (Dn 9:7). Daniel humbly recognized his part, however small, in the sins of his nation, and was ashamed (Dn 9:7, 8) of the sins his nation and people had committed against the Lord.
Too many people today are ashamed of nothing but Jesus (Mk 8:38) and His gospel (Rm 1:16). Jesus bluntly declares: "If anyone in this faithless and corrupt age is ashamed of Me and My doctrine, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes with the holy angels in His Father's glory" (Mk 8:38).
Repent! Be ashamed of sin and wickedness. Repent of being ashamed of Jesus. Like Daniel, pray for forgiveness for yourself, your nation, and your people.
Prayer: Father, I will look to You so that I will not be shamefaced but rather radiant with joy (Ps 34:6).
Promise: "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Pardon, and you shall be pardoned." -Lk 6:37
Praise: Dan harbored resentment for many years against his stern, unloving father. Jesus softened both their hearts and now they are close.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) (For a related teaching, order our tape on "Forgiveness" on audio AV 54-1 or video V-54.)
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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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