Genesis 9:8-15
1 Peter 3:18-22
Psalm 25:4-9
Mark 1:12-15
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LENT ON TRIAL
"He stayed in the wasteland forty days, put to the test there by Satan." —Mark 1:13
Lent is a time of special testing. The Lord lets us be tested by Satan so that we will grow in holiness. Then we will have a strong faith by which we can renew our baptismal promises this Easter time and receive the glory of the risen Christ. “There is cause for rejoicing here. You may for a time have to suffer the distress of many trials; but this is so that your faith, which is more precious than the passing splendor of fire-tried gold, may by its genuineness lead to praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ appears” (1 Pt 1:6-7).
We often have “many trials” throughout our lives. However, there’s something unique about Lenten trials. There may be more trials in Lent than at other times, or the combination of trials may be more challenging. Possibly the timing of our Lenten trials may seem exceptionally bad or even mysterious.
If we pray more than ever through these trials and fast as Jesus did in the desert, trials will bring out the best in us. If we repent and do penance, trials will not warp, twist, poison, confuse, or weaken us. Rather, God will use these trials to greatly strengthen our trust in His providential, faithful, and perfect love for us. However, if we endure trials without praying, fasting, and repenting, we can become lifelong slaves because of the fear of death (Heb 2:15); or bitter, unforgiving, resentful shad
ows of our former selves. If we mix sin and trials, we will become slaves of compulsions, self-deception, and self-hatred.
Thank the Lord for trials. Be holy and become holier.
Prayer: Father, no matter what it takes, make me holy.
Promise: "The reason why Christ died for sins once for all, the just Man for the sake of the unjust, was that He might lead you to God." —1 Pt 3:18
Praise: Praise the Lord, for His loving kindness will never fail. Alleluia.
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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 the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 2023"
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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