2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12
Psalm 123:1-2
Mark 12:18-27
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LIGHT MY FIRE
"I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God..." —2 Timothy 1:6
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus speaks of flame when He references the burning bush (Mk 12:26). Moses saw an angel of the Lord appear to him “in fire flaming out of a bush” (Ex 3:2). That experience stirred into flame a blazing fire for God in Moses’ heart.
In our Baptism and Confirmation, we have been given gifts of the Spirit (Rm 12:6; Eph 4:8). Hundreds of millions of people on this earth have received incredible gifts from the Holy Spirit. Why then is the world in such a mess when the Spirit has given us so much help? Many have stifled (1 Thes 5:19) and saddened (Eph 4:30) the Spirit by living “at the level of the flesh” (Eph 2:3), and the flesh fights against the Spirit (Gal 5:17). However, the Holy Spirit also fights against the flesh (Gal 5:17), if only we give the Spirit permission.
Jesus came to light a fire on the earth (Lk 12:49), but many are afraid they’ll get burnt. When you’re tempted to douse the fire of the Spirit, God wants you to throw gasoline on it. When you’re tempted to put a damper on the Spirit’s fire burning in your life, God wants you to put a blowtorch on it.
Fr. Al Lauer, founder and longtime author of One Bread, One Body, once said: “The more I say ‘No’ to myself, the more I say ‘Yes’ to the Holy Spirit.” “My point is that you should live in accord with the Spirit and you will not yield to the cravings of the flesh” (Gal 5:16).
Prayer: Father, may I not be so afraid of getting burnt that I fail to catch fire. Consuming Fire (Heb 12:29), melt my heart in Your love.
Promise: "God has saved us and has called us to a holy life." —2 Tm 1:9
Praise: St. Charles Lwanga and his fellow Ugandan martyrs endured cruel and sinister punishment imposed by the vicious King Mwanga. Pope St. Paul VI canonized them in 1964.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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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."
In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from June 1, 2020 through July 31, 2020. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 18, 2019
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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