Thursday, November 21, 2013, Presentation of Mary
1 Maccabees 2:15-29, Psalm 50:1-2, 5-6, 14-15, Luke 19:41-44
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112113.cfm
APOSTASY?
"The officers of the king in charge of enforcing the apostasy came to the city of Modein." -1 Maccabees 2:15
King Antiochus Epiphanes sent officers to enforce an apostasy. Almost all the Gentiles and even Jews forsook the religions of their fathers and consented to the king's orders (1 Mc 2:19). However, Mattathias, his family, and some others refused to depart from their "religion in the slightest degree" (1 Mc 2:22). Therefore, they were forced to flee to the mountains and leave behind all their possessions (1 Mc 1:28-29).
We also may be tempted to give up our faith. We may even be living during the mass apostasy, which will occur at the end of the world (2 Thes 2:3). To keep the faith as Mattathias and his followers did, we must be firmly founded on Jesus the Rock (see 1 Cor 3:11) by totally committing our lives to Him. We also need to be confirmed in our faith by the Holy Spirit. Moreover, we must come under the authority of the Church and especially of the Pope. Finally, we should be sharing our faith. If we are giving our faith away, we will be able to keep it no matter what temptations and pressures we face.
Does Jesus see in you a faith that will fold or one that will stand? When He looks at you, do you bring a smile to His face or tears to His eyes? (see Lk 19:41)
Prayer: Lord, on this feast of Our Lady of Presentation, I ask You to inspire all those who read this to pray for Presentation Ministries daily. Use us to feed Your people so they can spread Your gospel to the nations.
Promise: "Let everyone who is zealous for the law and who stands by the covenant follow after me!" -1 Mc 2:27
Praise: We praise and thank You, Lord, for all those who have interceded for, worked for, encouraged, and supported Our Lady of Presentation Ministries.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from October 1, 2013 through November 30, 2013
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 22, 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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2013 Presentation Ministries
To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp
To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r
No comments:
Post a Comment