Friday, November 20, 2015
1 Maccabees 4:36-37, 52-59, 1 Chronicles 29:10-12, Luke 19:45-48
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112015.cfm
PURITY
Jesus "entered the temple and began ejecting the traders." -Luke 19:45
Jesus has made it clear that He wants His temple purified (see 1 Mc 4:36). Jesus commands us to be pure, even "as He is pure" (1 Jn 3:3). Jesus is purifying His Church "in the bath of water by the power of the word, to present to Himself a glorious church, holy and immaculate, without stain or wrinkle or anything of that sort" (Eph 5:26-27). "By obedience to the truth," we can purify ourselves "for a genuine love" of our brothers and sisters (1 Pt 1:22). The Lord has promised us "a fountain to purify from sin and uncleanness" (Zec 13:1).
This fountain of purification is our Baptism into Jesus (Rm 6:3) in which we have stripped "off the carnal body completely" (Col 2:11). If we live our Baptism by being holy in every aspect of our conduct (1 Pt 1:15), we are pure. Even if we have defiled ourselves through sin after our Baptism, we can be purified by repentance, especially by accepting God's mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Therefore, "since we have these promises, beloved, let us purify ourselves from every defilement of flesh and spirit, and in the fear of God strive to fulfill our consecration perfectly" (2 Cor 7:1).
Prayer: Father, may I want to be pure more than a person with cancer wants to be free of all cancerous cells.
Promise: "All the people prostrated themselves and adored and praised Heaven, who had given them success." -1 Mc 4:55
Praise: John found the best way to deal with a difficult person and situation was to frequent the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
(For related teaching, order our leaflet, "Be Holy, For I Am Holy".)
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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 October 1, 2015 through November 30, 2015
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 20, 2015
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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