1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14
Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 11
Luke 6:39-42
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GOD'S DOUBLE STANDARD
"Because I did not know what I was doing in my unbelief, I have been treated mercifully." —1 Timothy 1:13
Jesus has a double standard in working with people. He is lenient with the unbeliever. He continues to pray: “Forgive them; they do not know what they are doing” (Lk 23:34). “These were enemies of Your servants, doomed to death; yet, while You punished them with such solicitude and pleading, granting time and opportunity to abandon wickedness, with what exactitude You judged Your sons” (Wis 12:20-21).
However, there’s discipline for the believer (Heb 12:6-7). “The slave who knew his master’s wishes but did not prepare to fulfill them will get a severe beating, whereas the one who did not know them and nonetheless deserved to be flogged will get off with fewer stripes. When much has been given a man, much will be required of him” (Lk 12:47-48).
The Lord must be strict with us, His disciples, so we will spread His salvation to the ends of the earth. He must get the plank out of our eyes so we can “see clearly enough to remove the speck” from our brother’s eye (Lk 6:42). “The season of judgment has begun, and begun with God’s own household” (1 Pt 4:17).
Even though the Lord is stricter with believers, now is still the time of mercy. Later, there will not be the combination of mercy and judgment we experience on this earth, but only judgment. The season of mercy will be over. Before it’s too late, repent. You’re first.
Prayer: Father, send the Spirit to motivate me to confess my sins as soon as possible in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Promise: "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, Who has strengthened me, that He has made me His servant and judged me faithful. I was once a blasphemer." —1 Tm 1:12-13
Praise: "My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my Savior" (Lk 1:46-47).
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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 August 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 8, 2025"
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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