Wednesday, December 13, 2017, St. Lucy
Isaiah 40:25-31, Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, Matthew 11:28-30
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121317.cfm
MEEK, NOT WEAK
"They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles' wings." -Isaiah 40:31
The Lord is our Strength (Ps 27:1). The joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh 8:10). In Him Who is the Source of our strength we have strength for everything (Phil 4:13).
Samson had incredible physical strength, but spiritually he had weaknesses. If we rely on our own strength, we will falter. However, if we rely on the Lord's strength, we will not grow weary or fade away (Is 40:28ff). Therefore, we must constantly seek the Lord and His strength (Ps 105:4).
In our weakness, God's strength and power reach perfection (2 Cor 12:9-10). As the song says, in Jesus, "we are weak, but He is strong." Fortitude (strength) is a gift of the Holy Spirit bestowed on us in the Sacrament of Confirmation (Catechism, 1831, 1845). The Spirit strengthens us throughout our Christian life if we are open to receive His graces.
Jesus is meek (Mt 11:29) but He is not weak. He pours out the Holy Spirit upon us (Rm 5:5) and, with His strength, we can leap over a wall (Ps 18:30). Obstacles and barriers cannot keep us down. By waiting on the Lord, that is, by serving Him as does a waiter in a restaurant, God renews our strength (Is 40:31). We have strength in the Lord to bear even the heaviest cross.
Prayer: Father, may I rely not on my own understanding and strength (see Prv 3:5-6). Give me both Your meekness and Your strength.
Promise: "He pardons all your iniquities, He heals all your ills." -Ps 103:3
Praise: Through the intercession of St. Lucy, countless people have been healed of problems with the eyes.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from December 1, 2017 through January 31, 2018
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 3, 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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2017 Presentation Ministries
To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp
To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r
No comments:
Post a Comment