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Monday, June 9, 2014, St. Ephrem
1 Kings 17:1-6, Psalm 121:1-8, Matthew 5:1-12
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/060914.cfm
A PROPHETIC LIFESTYLE
"They persecuted the prophets before you in the very same way." -Matthew 5:12
Elijah prophesied: "During these years there shall be no" rain in Israel "except at my word" (1 Kgs 17:1). This prophecy turned Israel's economy upside down. Elijah's prophecy so threatened Israel's culture of death that he actually had to leave the country, moving east of the Jordan (1 Kgs 17:3). Elijah's face was on the top of the Most Wanted Poster in King Ahab's government.
What did Elijah say that was so threatening to Israel? Elijah prophesied against Baal, the pagan fertility God. First, Elijah prophesied drought. Then, as God's agent, he controlled the duration of the drought. This action graphically showed the people of Israel that Baal, supposedly all-powerful in the area of fertility and rain, had no power to influence the growth of crops. Some fertility-god Baal turned out to be! Since the only way to restore Baal's tarnished image was to kill Elijah and hope to get the rains pouring again, the Lord had to protect His prophet. So God removed Elijah from Israel, settled him by a remote stream which hadn't yet dried up, and provided his daily meals.
Living a prophetic lifestyle of obedience to God puts us in a position of radical trust in the Lord. We reach a point of no return in which we have to rely completely on God. With such a daily relationship of trust, we are compelled to speak out (2 Cor 4:13) against the culture of death.
Who will trust God enough to speak up for Him? Who will not fear the Goliaths of the present day, but rather fear the Lord even more? Trust God with your lifestyle and life.
Prayer: Father Provider, put Your words in my mouth (Jer 1:9). I am Yours. Release me from the fear of man.
Promise: "Blest are they who hunger and thirst for holiness; they shall have their fill." -Mt 5:6
Praise: St. Ephrem was a teacher, Scripture scholar, prolific songwriter and worship leader, and is a Doctor of the Church.
(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 June 1, 2014 through July 31, 2014
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 2, 2014
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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