Saturday, September 3, 2016, Pope St. Gregory the Great
1 Corinthians 4:6-15, Psalm 145:17-21, Luke 6:1-5
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/090316.cfm
"A GREAT CONTEST OF SUFFERING" (Heb 10:32)
"God has put us apostles at the end of the line." -1 Corinthians 4:9
Paul repeatedly published lists of the sufferings of Christians (see 2 Cor 6:4ff; 11:23ff). Paul described the apostles as "men doomed to die in the arena," "a spectacle to the universe," "fools on Christ's account," sneered at, "hungry and thirsty, poorly clad, roughly treated, wandering about homeless," insulted, persecuted, and slandered (1 Cor 4:9-13). Paul stated that, in effect, Christians should expect to be treated as the world's garbage; "that is the present state of affairs" (1 Cor 4:13).
Paul emphasized our sufferings with and for Christ:
* so that we would expect to suffer (1 Pt 4:1),
* to teach us that it is a privilege to suffer for Christ (Phil 1:29; Acts 5:41),
* to show us the joy there is in Christian suffering (Col 1:24; 1 Pt 4:13),
* to show us the power in redemptive suffering (see Jn 12:24), and
* so that we would want to suffer with and for Him (see Phil 3:10) more than we want to stay in our "comfort zone."
Christians, don't be afraid of suffering, or you will be afraid to live, die, and love. "Christ suffered for you in just this way and left you an example, to have you follow in His footsteps" (1 Pt 2:21).
Prayer: Father, may my love for You impel me to suffer for You (2 Cor 5:14).
Promise: "May my mouth speak the praise of the Lord, and may all flesh bless His holy name forever and ever." -Ps 145:21
Praise: Pope St. Gregory's mother, Silvia, and two aunts, Tarsilla and Aemiliana, are also canonized saints.
(For a related teaching on Redemptive Suffering", listen to or download our CD 75-1 or DVD 75 on our website or order our tape on audio AV 75-1 or video V-75.)
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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, 2016 through September 30, 2016
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 23, 2016
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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