Tuesday, September 2, 2014
1 Corinthians 2:10-16, Psalm 145:8-14, Luke 4:31-37
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/090214.cfm
A MIND IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE
"We have the mind of Christ." -1 Corinthians 2:16
"The root of all conduct is the mind" (Sir 37:17). Therefore, a great battle rages between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness for control of our minds. Whoever wins the war for our mind will also gain control of our actions, whether for good or for evil (see Sir 37:18). This is why Scripture has so much to say about our mind. We must "be transformed by the renewal of [our] mind," but this can't happen until we break away from the influence of the worldly culture around us (Rm 12:2).
The kingdom of darkness cannot coexist with the kingdom of God, as Jesus makes clear in today's Gospel reading. One kingdom or the other must be driven out (see Lk 4:35). So it is with our minds. We must drive out our sinful and empty thoughts "and acquire a fresh, spiritual way of thinking" (Eph 4:23).
In Baptism, we became children of God and were immersed in the Holy Spirit. When we renewed our Baptism at Easter, we rejected Satan's empty works and promises, and by implication, empty and sinful thoughts. Immersed in the Holy Spirit, we take control of our thoughts, bringing "every thought into captivity to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Cor 10:5). We empty our minds of bad thoughts and continually replace them with good thoughts.
"Your thoughts should be wholly directed to all that is true, all that deserves respect, all that is honest, pure, admirable, decent, virtuous, or worthy of praise" (Phil 4:8). Love God "with all your mind" (Lk 10:27).
Prayer: Jesus, erase from my mind all thoughts that are not from You and bring to my mind Your thoughts.
Promise: "He commands the unclean spirits with authority and power, and they leave." -Lk 4:36
Praise: Daily Scripture reading and quiet prayer time help Dorothy keep her focus on Jesus (see Heb 3:1).
(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 August 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 19, 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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