Sunday, October 22, 2017, 29th Sunday Ordinary Time
Isaiah 45:1, 4-6, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, Psalm 96:1, 3-5, 7-10, Matthew 22:15-21
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102217.cfm
LIVING THE HARD LIFE
"Grace and peace be yours." -1 Thessalonians 1:1
First Thessalonians is probably the earliest book of the New Testament. Therefore, it has special significance. To better understand these words of St. Paul, we must understand his life. Paul described his life in the following way: "...with my many more labors and imprisonments, with far worse beatings and frequent brushes with death. Five times at the hands of the Jews I received forty lashes less one; three times I was beaten with rods; I was stoned once, shipwrecked three times; I passed a day and a night on the sea. I traveled continually, endangered by floods, robbers, my own people, the Gentiles; imperiled in the city, in the desert, at sea, by false brothers; enduring labor, hardship, many sleepless nights; in hunger and thirst and frequent fastings, in cold and nakedness. Leaving other sufferings unmentioned, there is that daily tension pressing on me, my anxiety for all the churches" (2 Cor 11:23-28).
Paul suffered greatly in his life for Christ. Paul had a very hard life. However, it made him better rather than bitter because he belonged "to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thes 1:1). Despite his extreme sufferings, Paul did not see his life as a series of cruel tragedies but as grace upon grace (see 1 Thes 1:1). When Paul looked at people, especially Christians, he kept thanking God for all of them and remembering them in his prayers (1 Thes 1:2). Although Paul was treated inhumanely, he loved life and people, because he loved Jesus. Live and love accordingly, especially if your life is hard.
Prayer: Father, work together all things for the good of those who love You (see Rm 8:28).
Promise: "...opening doors before him and leaving the gates unbarred." -Is 45:1
Praise: Praise Jesus, the risen Savior and Lord! Praise Jesus, Redeemer, Messiah, and King!
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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, 2017 through November 30, 2017
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 12, 2017
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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