Sunday, February 26, 2017, 8th Sunday Ordinary Time
Isaiah 49:14-15, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Psalm 62:2-3, 6-9, Matthew 6:24-34
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022617.cfm
THE GOD OF LIFESTYLE
"You cannot give yourself to God and money. I warn you, then: do not worry about your livelihood." -Matthew 6:24-25
It often seems that much of Western Christianity has sold its birthright for petty pleasures (see Gn 25:34) and has blinded itself by bowing down before the god of the present age, the god of lifestyle (2 Cor 4:4). Many of us who call ourselves Christians think we can seek the most comfortable lifestyle possible and still serve God. However, the Lord says that's impossible (Mt 6:24).
If we're set upon the things of the world, we're enemies of the cross (Phil 3:18-19). If we love what the world affords, the Father's love finds no place in us (1 Jn 2:15). The unbelievers are always concerned about what they are to eat, drink, or wear (Mt 6:31-32). Yet we have been chosen out of the world (Jn 15:19). We have been crucified to the world and the world to us (Gal 6:14). Because of our love for Jesus, we have come to rate all as loss and to consider it dung (Phil 3:8). We despise the world's petty pleasures and refuse to take Satan's bribes (see Lk 4:6-7). We have already devoted enough time to what the pagans enjoy (1 Pt 4:3). We must not spend what remains of our earthly lives "on human desires but on the will of God" (1 Pt 4:2).
Prayer: Father, may my lifestyle make no sense to someone who doesn't know You.
Promise: "With God is my safety and my glory, He is the Rock of my strength; my refuge is in God." -Ps 62:8
Praise: Praise be to the risen Jesus, Who is joy for all ages. Alleluia!
(For a related teaching, order our leaflet "The Bible on Money".)
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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, 2017 through March 31, 2017
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 12, 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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