Friday, June 22, 2018, St. Paulinus of Nola, St. John Fisher, St. Thomas More
2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20, Psalm 132:11-14, 17-18, Matthew 6:19-23
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062218.cfm
HOW TO DEFEAT THE TYRANT
"When Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, saw that her son was dead, she began to kill off the whole royal family." -2 Kings 11:1
Athaliah, the queen mother, massacred the rest of the royal family so she could take over the kingdom of Judah. Seven years later, she was dethroned and killed. This victory of justice was achieved by God's grace through four people or groups of people:
* Jehosheba risked her life to rescue a baby, her nephew, Joash, the rightful king (2 Kgs 11:2).
* Others risked their lives daily for seven years by secretly caring for Joash (2 Kgs 11:3-4).
* Jehoiada, the priest, risked his life by leading a coup d'etat (2 Kgs 11:4).
* The captains of the temple guard risked their lives by swearing to support Jehoiada in the coup (2 Kgs 11:4).
The evil reign of Athaliah was stopped by one courageous woman, many acts of courage for seven years, priestly leadership, and the captains' faithfulness in the commitment to Jehoiada. We conquer evil by God's grace expressed in courage, leadership, and faithfulness.
That's what we need to stop the Athaliahs in our time. We can stop the worst evils if we're willing to lay down our lives and make sacrifices.
Look at Jesus crucified and victorious. Act to stop evil.
Prayer: Father, may I realize that my primary enemy is Satan (Eph 6:12). May I fight accordingly (see 2 Cor 10:4).
Promise: "Remember, where your treasure is, there your heart is also." -Mt 6:21
Praise: Both St. Paulinus and his wife entered religious life when their son died.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from June 1, 2018 through July 31, 2018
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 27, 2018
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 © 2018 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