The latest issue of My People Newspaper is now online. Articles include:
Lenten Message Focuses On Christ's Poverty
Buying And Selling People
Deathbed Conversions Inspire
South Sudan At Crossroads
South Sudanese Still Believe To Hope
Lifting The Lid On Human Trafficking
Light To The Nations: A Christian Perspective On World News
http://www.presentationministries.com/mypeople/latestMyPeople.asp
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Saturday, March 29, 2014
Hosea 6:1-6, Psalm 51:3-4, 18-21, Luke 18:9-14
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032914.cfm
"FEELING GOOD ABOUT OURSELVES"
"For everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled while he who humbles himself shall be exalted." -Luke 18:14
Jesus addressed the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector "to those who believed in their own self-righteousness while holding everyone else in contempt" (Lk 18:9). Very few people claim that this parable is addressed to them. Who admits to self-righteousness? Who thinks they hold "everyone else in contempt?" We act as though this parable applies to no one, when in fact it applies to everyone.
We all have a Pharisee lurking deep within us. We think we're not so bad compared to others. We thank God we're "not like the rest of men" (Lk 18:11), and we think God owes us a favor after all we've done for Him. Our arrogance is sinful and ridiculous, but we're so blinded by sin that we've lost perspective on our lives.
In our pride, prayer becomes a mere exercise in self-realization. When we pray, we talk to ourselves and think of our thinking, rather than of God. If we fast, we're actually dieting and expressing our will-power and/or vanity. If we tithe or give alms, it's not just our left hands that know what our right hands are doing (see Mt 6:3). We give not out of love for Jesus in the poor but to "feel good about ourselves" and to put salve on our consciences.
"God 'is stern with the arrogant but to the humble He shows kindness' " (1 Pt 5:5). Let us humble ourselves before the Lord.
Prayer: Father, this Lent teach me humility any way You wish.
Promise: "For it is love that I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than holocausts." -Hos 6:6
Praise: Jesus healed Sandra of shingles.
(For a related teaching, order our tape on "Arrogance" on audio AV 52-1 or video V-52.)
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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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