Sunday, August 18, 2013, 20th Sunday Ordinary Time
Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10, Hebrews 12:1-4, Psalm 40:2-4, 18, Luke 12:49-53
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081813.cfm
ADD WATER
"There was no water in the cistern, only mud, and Jeremiah sank into the mud." -Jeremiah 38:6
"No water, only mud" - is that a description of your life? Are you in a hole, sinking in the mud, starving to death spiritually? (see Jer 38:9) You need to add water to turn your mud into a mud puddle, and your mud puddle into a fountain of living waters (see Jn 4:14).
Most of us have already received the life-giving waters of Baptism, but we should renew our baptismal promises. We have already done that on Easter Sunday, but maybe we didn't realize what we were doing or have stifled the Spirit since then. So let's renew our baptismal promises and let the living waters flow and lift us out of the mud of sin.
Jesus proclaimed that He had a baptism to receive (Lk 12:50). By this, He was referring to the baptism in the bath of pain on Calvary (see Mk 10:38). When we renew our baptismal promises, we are also committing ourselves to suffer with Jesus and for love of Him. Aware of the suffering involved, renew your baptismal promises now. Reject Satan, his works, and his empty promises. Profess your faith in your loving Father; in Jesus as your Savior, Lord, and God; and in the Holy Spirit. Sprinkle yourself with holy water. Get out of the mud, out of sin, and out of prison. By faith, add water.
Prayer: Father, as the deer "longs for the running waters, so my soul longs for You, O God" (Ps 42:2).
Promise: "Remember how He endured the opposition of sinners; hence do not grow despondent or abandon the struggle." -Heb 12:3
Praise: Praise You, Jesus our Savior! Your love washes us clean, and You lead us to risen life. Alleluia!
(For a related teaching, order our tape series "Baptismal Promises" on audio AV 83-1, AV 83-3, AV 84-1, AV 84-3 or our video series starting with V-83.)
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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, 2013 through September 30, 2013
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 4, 2013
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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