Monday, October 9, 2017, St. Denis, St. John Leonardi
Jonah 1:1-2:1, 11, Jonah 2:3-5, 8, Luke 10:25-37
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/100917.cfm
LIVING A HELL OF A LIFE?
Jonah "paid the fare, and went aboard to journey with them to Tarshish, away from the Lord." -Jonah 1:3
Jonah refused to go to the Ninevites and tell them to repent (Jon 1:2ff). When he refused to do God's will, he could not stay where he was; instead, he felt compelled to flee (Jon 1:3). In his flight, Jonah caused a "furious tempest" (Jon 1:4). Next, he was thrown into the sea and swallowed by a large fish, in whose belly he remained for "three days and three nights" (Jon 1:15-2:1). Then Jonah was regurgitated onto the shore (Jon 2:11).
If we say "no" to living with God, we begin living hell. We separate ourselves from God and turn our lives into "a violent wind" and "furious tempest" (Jon 1:4). If we refuse to do God's will, we will feel as if we are drowning and swallowed alive by circumstances beyond our control. In our sin, we live in a cavernous darkness, and like a dog we return to our vomit (see 2 Pt 2:22) until we are thrown up.
"The Lord, indeed, knows how to...continue the punishment of the wicked up to the day of judgment" (2 Pt 2:9). A life of selfishness, disobedience, and sin has its pleasures but also its horrors - not only after death but also before death. Live the only good life. Give yourself to Jesus, "the Way, and the Truth, and the Life" (Jn 14:6).
Prayer: Father, may I repent and do penance.
Promise: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." -Lk 10:27
Praise: St. Denis evangelized the Franks. In return, he was martyred with his companions Fr. Rusticus and deacon Eleutherius.
(Presentation Ministries offers a retreat, "Orientation and Training for Guadalupe Bible College Teachers and Mentors", on Oct. 20-22 at our Retreat Center in Peebles, Ohio. Perhaps you feel a calling to help teach the Bible. Call 513-373-2397 or visit our website at www.presentationministries.com for more information.)
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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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