Monday, February 3, 2014, St. Blase, St. Ansgar
2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13, Psalm 3:2-7, Mark 5:1-20
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/020314.cfm
JESUS RESTORES FAMILIES
"Go home to your family and make it clear to them how much the Lord in His mercy has done for you." -Mark 5:19
David's family was a disaster. His son Absalom became his rival, overthrew his government, and was seeking his father's life (2 Sm 15:1ff; 17:3). Instead of seeking a reconciliation with Absalom, David fled. He had no doubt that Absalom was deadly serious about defeating him (2 Sm 15:14).
David believed the worst of his son. Many of you have likewise experienced serious family ruptures. Like David, when you hear that a certain family member is set against you, immediately you believe the worst about that family member and act upon that belief.
Jesus bluntly stated that He came to divide families (Lk 12:51-53). When Jesus delivered the Gerasene demoniac, this man pressed Jesus to accompany Him (Mk 5:18). Far too many of us can relate; the spiritual warfare of accompanying Jesus on deliverance ministry is preferable to the ridicule and rejection you expect to receive from your family if you told them all that Jesus has mercifully done for you.
However, Jesus sent the delivered man straight home to his family to announce God's mercy (Mk 5:19). He might be calling you to do the same. May Jesus use your conversion, prayers, obedience, words, and witness to heal and restore your family.
Prayer: Father, use my fasting, obedience, and prayer to restore any ruined areas in my family (Is 58:12). May I love my family with Your heart of love.
Promise: "When I lie down in sleep, I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. I fear not the myriads of people arrayed against me on every side." -Ps 3:6-7
Praise: St. Ansgar evangelized Scandinavia and was instrumental in converting the King of Sweden to Christianity.
(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, 2014 through March 31, 2014
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 8, 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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