Hebrews 4:1-5, 11
Psalm 78:3-4, 6-8
Mark 2:1-12
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A HELICOPTER APPROACH
"They began to gather in great numbers. There was no longer any room for them, even around the door." —Mark 2:2
In the Gospels, especially in Mark’s Gospel, we read about Jesus being surrounded by such large crowds that it was almost impossible to approach Him. Consequently, some people thought up various ways to get through, around, or over the crowds. They stepped on one another (Lk 12:1), pushed each other (Mk 3:10), climbed a tree (Lk 19:4), and even made a hole in the roof of the house where Jesus was staying (Mk 2:4).
There can often be major obstacles between us and Jesus. The media, our jobs, our lifestyles, and the whole culture of death can crowd us out of a deep and intimate relationship with Jesus. We need:
- stretcher bearers, that is, intercessors, to carry us around and over the crowd to Jesus (see Mk 2:3ff),
- to look foolish and take risks so as to get to Jesus (see Mk 2:4),
- our sins forgiven (Mk 2:5), and
- to make a stand for Jesus (Mk 2:11).
By faith, make like a helicopter. Get over the crowd. Get to Jesus no matter what it takes.
Prayer: Father, make me want to be close to Jesus more than I want to live.
Promise: "Let us strive to enter into that rest." —Heb 4:11
Praise: St. Hilary grew up in France shortly after the Edict of Milan, which mandated Christianity be tolerated within the Roman Empire. Later in life, he fought heresy as Bishop of Poitiers.
(For a related teaching on Risen Life, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 4A-1 and CD 4A-3 or DVD 4A on our website.)
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"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1,2022 through January 31,2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022"
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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