Friday, March 22, 2019
Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28, Psalm 105:16-21, Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032219.cfm
THE VICTIMS' VICTIM
"The Stone Which the builders rejected has become the Keystone of the structure. It was the Lord Who did this and we find it marvelous to behold." -Matthew 21:42; Psalm 118:22
Jesus is "the Stone Which the builders rejected." Jesus was rejected at birth (Lk 2:7). He was rejected by his hometown (see Lk 4:29). He was rejected by the Pharisees, scribes, and priests. He was abandoned by His apostles and disciples, denied three times by Peter, and betrayed by Judas for thirty pieces of silver. At His crucifixion, He was rejected by Pontius Pilate, Herod, the soldiers executing Him, the criminals crucified with Him, and us by our sins against Him. Even after His death Jesus continues to be rejected, as we by our sins crucify Him and hold Him up to contempt (Heb 6:6). Jesus is the most rejected Person Who has ever walked the face of the earth. Jesus is the most divorced, abused Victim of injustice.
What does Jesus do after and in the midst of all this abuse? Jesus loves us unconditionally. He opens His heart to us. He turns the other cheek (Mt 5:39). Jesus hates sin because He loves sinners so much. Jesus, the most rejected One, never rejects us (Jn 6:37). Jesus forgives us and loves us infinitely forever. Let us love as He loves and enter into the mystery of God, Who is Love (see 1 Jn 4:8, 16).
Prayer: Father, teach me the forgiveness, mercy, justice, and vulnerability in Your love.
Promise: "He made him lord of his house and ruler of all his possessions." -Ps 105:21
Praise: Joyce's entire community fasts on bread and water during the Fridays of Lent.
(For a related teaching on "God's Love", order, listen to, or download our CD 8A-1 or DVD 8A on our website.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from February 1, 2019 through March 31, 2019
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018
The "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") 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 the "Nihil Obstat" agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
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