Our Main Sponsor

Monday, February 8, 2010

PROCESSIONS AND RECESSION - One Bread, One Body, 2/8/2010

Monday, February 8, 2010, St. Jerome Emiliani, St. Josephine Bakhita

1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13, Psalm 132:6-10, Mark 6:53-56
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/020810.shtml

PROCESSIONS AND RECESSION

"Advance, O Lord, to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your
majesty." —Psalm 132:8

After Solomon completed the building of the magnificent Temple, he had the
ark of the covenant brought into the Holy of Holies in the Temple. This
procession was spectacular, solemn, awesome, and inexpressibly majestic.
For the occasion, "sheep and oxen too many to number or count" were
sacrificed before the ark (1 Kgs 8:5). "When the priests left the holy
place, the cloud filled the Temple of the Lord so that the priests could
no longer minister because of the cloud, since the Lord's glory had filled
the Temple of the Lord" (1 Kgs 8:10-11).

In today's Gospel reading, we see not the ark of the covenant, but Jesus,
the God of the covenant. Jesus went from village to village. His
procession wasn't as solemn as that of the ark. "The crowds scurried about
the adjacent area and began to bring in the sick on bedrolls" (Mk 6:55).
They "begged Him to let them touch just the tassel of His cloak. All who
touched Him got well" (Mk 6:56). In the Old Testament, when someone
inadvertently touched the ark, they died (see 2 Sm 6:6-7). In the New
Testament, crowds of people pushed, shoved, pulled, and touched Jesus.
Instead of dropping dead, they were healed.

Jesus humbled and emptied Himself (see Phil 2:7), even becoming a human
being. He exposed Himself to our pushing and touching. He even let us
crucify Him. Why did Jesus expose Himself to our insensitivity,
manipulation, violence, and brutality? He did this because He loves us
more than we can ever imagine (see 1 Cor 2:9). Let His love surprise and
overwhelm you.


Prayer: Father, why would You send Your Son to die on the cross for me?
Why? I love You.

Promise: "Let Your faithful ones shout merrily for joy." —Ps 132:9

Praise: St. Jerome escaped from prison only to use his freedom to help
relieve the suffering of others.


-----------------------------------------------------------------

Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
February 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, August 11, 2009

The rescript 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 ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB
eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © 2010 Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

Sunday, February 7, 2010

PM eNewsletter The Fifth Sunday in ordinary time

February 7th The Fifth Sunday in ordinary time


Jesus, this week we celebrate our Lady of Lourdes.

Again and again, Mary our mother, has reached out to us to show
us the way to You.

Help us to truly come closer to You through mom's interceding for us.

Help us to realize how much You and mom love us inspite of our failings.

Help us also to realize that Your mercy is boundless, if only we come
back to You through the sacrament of reconciliation.

Help us to truly see You in the breaking of the bread.

Amen and Amen.


Thank you Lord, for loving us totally.
________________________________________________

For more on the teachings of Father Al Lauer see the home
page of Presentation Ministries? Please take a look.
http://presentationministries.com/home/home.asp

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp
________________________________________________

One Bread, One Body

This weeks readings and reflections


Sunday THE EASY WAY
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=2/7/2010

"Upon doing this they caught such a great number of fish that
their nets were at the breaking point." —Luke 5:6

Jesus called Simon Peter out of his commercial fishing business
by giving him the most successful day in its history (Lk 5:10). This
is an unusual way to get someone to change jobs. Most people
leave things when they're falling apart, not when they're going great.
However, Jesus does things differently. He will sometimes make your
business prosper if He's calling you out of it.

Notice that Jesus did not call Peter to stop fishing for fish after a
whole night of catching nothing. First, Jesus filled two boats full
of fish (Lk 5:7) and then called Peter into fishing for men and women.
Jesus wants us to obey Him and not just be victims of circumstance.
Jesus loves to work through circumstances, but prefers to bless us
into doing His will rather than force us. He prefers to move us from
good to best rather than from bad to best, although most of us seem
to respond more to problems than to God's loving call.

How will you let God work with you? Does something bad have to
happen to you before you repent? Do you insist on failing and
suffering before learning the hard way? Change your job, life, and
lifestyle because the Lord says so and not because you have had
enough of the wages of sin (Rm 6:23).


Monday PROCESSIONS AND RECESSION
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=2/8/2010

"Advance, O Lord, to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your
majesty." —Psalm 132:8


Tuesday HAVE A HEART
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=2/9/2010

"Their heart is far from Me." —Mark 7:6


For more readings and inspiration from Presentation Ministries,
check us out at
http://presentationministries.com/home/home.asp

Share an OBOB e-mail with a friend today! It's easy and
quick and it will make Jesus smile!
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobDriveEmail.asp
________________________________________________

Brochures

" Over 90 Biblically based brochures. Many on topics you
don't usually hear addressed."

This Week's Featured Brochures


Mary


Mother Mary
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/MotherMary.asp

Novena of Mary, "The Mother of Forgiveness"
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/NovenaOfMary.asp

The Pro-Life Scriptural Rosary
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/ProlifeRosary.asp

The Pro-Life Scriptural/Encyclical Rosary
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/EncycRosary.asp

The Scriptural Rosary
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/ScripturalRosary.asp

The Secret of the Rosary
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/SecretRosary.asp

The Seven Day Bible Rosary
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/7DayBibleRosary.asp


Brochures by Topic
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/brochures.asp
________________________________________________

PM Internet Prayer Requests
http://www.presentationministries.com/prayer/prayer.asp

Not all my children remained Catholic after leaving home. I pray
that they will commit their way to the Lord and continue their faith.
also bringing their children into the faith. I pray for Catholic
husbands for my daughters and for me as I am a widow be it Gods
will.. Thank you
(K.A., akron, ohio, United States, 2/6/2010 2:32:50 PM)

Rosary novenas of petition # 21, day 21 Joyful mysteries. Lord,
please hear my prayers and grant my heart's desire. Mother Mary,
please offer my request to your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
(L., 2/6/2010 12:25:37 PM)

Soul of Christ, make us holy. Body of Christ, save us, Blood of
Christ, fill us with love. Water from Christ's side, wash me and my
family. Passion of Christ, strengthen me and my family. Good Jesus,
hear me. Within your wounds, hide us. Never let us be parted from
you. From the evil enemy, protect us. At the hour of our death, call
us, and tell us to come to you so that with your saints we may praise
you through all eternity. Amen.
(Anonymous, 2/6/2010 8:46:03 AM)

Lord I commend myself and my family to Thy care. Thank you Abba,
Thank you Jesus, Thank you Holy Spirit. Jesus you are the one true
God and you died on the cross for our salvation and on the third day
rose from the dead and now siteth in glory watching over us at the
right side of the Father. Seal us and save us by your precious blood
my Lord. Thank you Jesus Christ my Lord, my savior.
(Anonymous, 2/6/2010 8:45:54 AM)

For the salvation of souls and the end to Abortion/Murder. Amen
(Anonymous, 2/6/2010 7:47:54 AM)

Praise Jesus Always. Amen (Anonymous, 2/6/2010 7:47:18 AM)

Please follow link to additional prayer intentions.
http://www.presentationministries.com/prayer/prayer.asp
________________________________________________

MP3 4 You

The internet ministry for PM is highlighting our downloadable
tapes online. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
are featured as are The Acts of the Apostles Part 1 thru 4, 1
Corinthians Part 1 & 2, and Romans Parts 1-3. Also available,
many MP3 formatted Audio tapes of most epistles in the bible
and numerous 15 minute Bible studies by Fr. Al Lauer.

Take a moment and check the link below
http://presentationministries.com/tapes/tape.asp?pubID=269
________________________________________________

Small Christian Communities

We believe the Lord is calling us to build hundreds of more
communities by raising up leaders who will form communities

PM's Small Christian Community Network

Learn about the Communities in our Network
http://presentationministries.com/community/hbcNetwork.asp

Small Christian Community Resources

Introduction to Small Christian Community
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/IntroCommunity.asp

"Unless the Lord Build the House..." — Psalm 127:
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/UnlessTheLordBuild.asp

Building Small Christian Communities (Team Manual)
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/CommunityManual.asp

Building Small Christian Communities (Guide Book)
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/CommunityGuidebook.asp

For more information contact: community@presentationministries.com
________________________________________________

Bible Telephone Line

** Please check these listings as a number of changes have been made.**

Cincinnati 859 291-7000
Cleveland 440 572-4366
Columbus 614 470-0020
Detroit 734 720-1852
Indianapolis 317 767-5413
Long Island 631 778-5015
Los Angeles 213 455-0872
Miami 305 356-7638
Toledo 419-464-9880
________________________________________________

Listen Online!
Inspired teaching on the daily Scripture readings
of the Catholic Church by Fr. Al Lauer

Best of Daily Bread Radio Program
http://www.presentationministries.com/dbread/dbread.asp
________________________________________________

Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth
http://presentationministries.com/BST/bst2009-08.asp?navlink=latest


Notable quotations from Pope Benedict XVI and official
teachings of the Roman Catholic Church

PEACE AND CREATION


"IMMENSE CONSEQUENCE"

Respect for creation is of immense consequence, not least because
"creation is the beginning and foundation of all God's works, "
(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 198) and its preservation has now
become essential for the pacific coexistence of mankind.


DISRUPTED HARMONY

The harmony between the Creator, mankind and the created world ...
was disrupted by the sin of Adam and Eve, by man and woman, who
wanted to take the place of God and refused to acknowledge that
they were His creatures.


"CHILLING PROSPECTS"

The ecological problem must be dealt with not only because of the
chilling prospects of environmental degradation on the horizon; the
real motivation must be the quest for authentic world-wide solidarity
inspired by the values of charity, justice and the common good.


(Source: Message for World Day of Peace, issued 12/08/09)

http://presentationministries.com/BST/bst2010-01.asp?navlink=latest
________________________________________________

PM Ministry List

" The Lord works through PM in many different ways. Below
you can find information about some of our ministries.

Bible Institute
http://presentationministries.com/bibleinst/bi2005Home.asp

Word Gifts Ministry
http://presentationministries.com/general/prophecies.asp
________________________________________________

2009 RETREATS
Online Registration

2009 RETREATS


· Who Am I in Christ? (Feb 12-13)
· Women's Retreat (Mar 20)
· Seek First the Kingdom of God (Apr 16-17)

http://presentationministries.com/pjdc/retreatSchedule.asp
________________________________________________

· Sign-up for the OBOB daily e-mail list
http://presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

________________________________________________

--------------------------------------------------

Visit Presentation Ministries at http://www.presentationministries.com

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

THE EASY WAY - One Bread, One Body, 2/7/2010

Sunday, February 7, 2010, Fifth Sunday Ordinary Time

Isaiah 6:1-2, 3-8, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Psalm 138:1-5, 7-8, Luke 5:1-11
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/020710.shtml

THE EASY WAY

"Upon doing this they caught such a great number of fish that their nets
were at the breaking point." —Luke 5:6

Jesus called Simon Peter out of his commercial fishing business by giving
him the most successful day in its history (Lk 5:10). This is an unusual
way to get someone to change jobs. Most people leave things when they're
falling apart, not when they're going great. However, Jesus does things
differently. He will sometimes make your business prosper if He's calling
you out of it.

Notice that Jesus did not call Peter to stop fishing for fish after a
whole night of catching nothing. First, Jesus filled two boats full of
fish (Lk 5:7) and then called Peter into fishing for men and women. Jesus
wants us to obey Him and not just be victims of circumstance. Jesus loves
to work through circumstances, but prefers to bless us into doing His will
rather than force us. He prefers to move us from good to best rather than
from bad to best, although most of us seem to respond more to problems
than to God's loving call.

How will you let God work with you? Does something bad have to happen to
you before you repent? Do you insist on failing and suffering before
learning the hard way? Change your job, life, and lifestyle because the
Lord says so and not because you have had enough of the wages of sin (Rm
6:23).


Prayer: Father, may I move from grace to grace (see Jn 1:16) and not only
from sin to grace.

Promise: "I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you
received and in which you stand firm. You are being saved by it at this
very moment." —1 Cor 15:1-2

Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who has come to give us life in abundance
(Jn 10:10).

(This Lent, change your lifestyle by reading His word. For encouragement,
order our tape "How to Read the Bible" on audio AV 46-3 or video V-46.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
February 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, August 11, 2009

The rescript 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 ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB
eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © 2010 Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

Friday, February 5, 2010

A TALE OF TWO KINGS - One Bread, One Body, 2/5/2010

Hundreds of MP3s, audio and video tapes of Fr. Lauer's teachings are
available on our website. There are tons of bible study tapes and also
tapes on a variety of topics that you do not often hear about.

We are in the process of converting all the audio to MP3 format which is a
huge job! Many MP3s are available for download now and more are uploaded
each week.

http://www.presentationministries.com/tapes/tapes.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, February 5, 2010, St. Agatha

Sirach 47:2-11, Psalm 18:31, 47, 50-51, Mark 6:14-29
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/020510.shtml

A TALE OF TWO KINGS

"With [David's] whole being he loved his Maker and daily had His praises
sung." —Sirach 47:8

For the past three weeks, we have read about King David in the readings
for Mass. Although David's relationship with the Lord gets a mixed review
elsewhere in the Old Testament, Sirach's summary of David's life contains
only the highest of praise. However, the other king in today's readings,
Herod, received nothing but bad press for his life.

History shows David to be a scoundrel who is at least Herod's equal, if
not his superior. David actually was more cruel in his dealings with
Uriah, husband of Bathsheba, than Herod was with John the Baptizer. At
least Herod listened to John with respect and fear (Mk 6:20). David not
only plotted in cold-blood to kill Uriah; he also exploited Uriah's great
loyalty and had him hand-deliver a letter containing his own death
sentence (2 Sm 11:14ff). David's lack of faith caused him to ignore the
wise counsel of his leaders and take a census of Israel. This disobedience
resulted in seventy- thousand Israelites being killed by a plague (2 Sm
24:2ff). David also committed many other sins and crimes.

Why then is David ultimately extolled while Herod is condemned? The
difference is in the repenting. David was quick to repent each time he had
sinned. He sinned greatly, but he repented greatly. "With his whole being
he loved his Maker" (Sir 47:8), and he worshipped God with abandon (2 Sm
6:14). "The Lord forgave him his sins" (Sir 47:11). "That is why [his]
many sins are forgiven — because of [his] great love" (Lk 7:47). Love the
Lord. Repent!


Prayer: Father, may I love You enough to repent in full.

Promise: "God's way is unerring, the promise of the Lord is fire-tried; He
is a Shield to all who take refuge in Him." —Ps 18:31

Praise: St. Agatha's last words before she died as a martyr are said to
have been: "Make me worthy to overcome the devil."

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
February 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, August 11, 2009

The rescript 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 ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB
eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © 2010 Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

Thursday, February 4, 2010

THE LAST WORD - One Bread, One Body, 2/4/2010

Attend our upcoming retreat "Who Am I in Christ?" on Feb. 12 & 13.
Discover your true identity, the one the Lord Jesus gave you before you
were born. Discover, live and love the vocation to which he has called
you.

Online registration and more information about retreats is available at:
http://www.presentationministries.com/pjdc/retreatSchedule.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, February 4, 2010

1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12, 1 Chronicles 29:10-12, Mark 6:7-13
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/020410.shtml

THE LAST WORD

"I am going the way of all mankind." —1 Kings 2:2

David had an eventful life. He was very handsome. With his own hands, he
killed both a lion and a bear. He beheaded the giant Goliath and won
victory for the Israelite nation. David was the anointed king of Israel
for forty years (1 Kgs 2:11). He escaped several attempts on his life. He
was the most successful general in Israelite history. He won many wars and
personally killed thousands of people. His kingdom survived a civil war.
He had several wives and dozens of children. One of his children died
shortly after birth. David saw 70,000 people die in three days because of
his sin. He wrote many of the psalms. He was a gifted musician and dancer.
He was a top-notch businessman and the standard by which all kings would
be measured in Israelite history. To put it mildly, David had an eventful
life.

When David lay on his deathbed, he looked back at his life of pleasure,
power, violence, intrigue, sex, money, sin, blessing, worship, success,
prosperity, etc. Then David looked at his son Solomon and all he had to
say to him was: "Keep the mandate of the Lord, your God, following His
ways and observing His statutes, commands, ordinances, and decrees" (1 Kgs
2:3).

In the end, after all is said and done, the meaning of life is: "Obey
God." What we have done in obedience to Him lasts forever; everything else
passes away. Obey God. It's our duty and privilege to obey Him.


Prayer: Father, give me daily the grace to desire to obey You. Pour out
Your Spirit on me so that I may always do Your will.

Promise: "They went off, preaching the need of repentance. They expelled
many demons, anointed the sick with oil, and worked many cures." —Mk
6:12-13

Praise: Evelyn's faithful example eventually drew her wayward children
back to their Lord.

(For a related teaching, order our leaflet "Obedience School" or on tape
titled "Obeying God" on audio AV 62-3 or video V-62.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
February 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, August 11, 2009

The rescript 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 ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB
eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © 2010 Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

DOWN FOR THE COUNT - One Bread, One Body, 2/3/2010

Attend our upcoming retreat "Who Am I in Christ?" on Feb. 12 & 13.
Discover your true identity, the one the Lord Jesus gave you before you
were born. Discover, live and love the vocation to which he has called
you.

Online registration and more information about retreats is available at:
http://www.presentationministries.com/pjdc/retreatSchedule.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday, February 3, 2010, St. Blase, St. Ansgar

2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17, Psalm 32:1-2, 5-7, Mark 6:1-6
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/020310.shtml

DOWN FOR THE COUNT

"Afterward, however, David regretted having numbered the people, and said
to the Lord: 'I have sinned grievously.' " —2 Samuel 24:10

David committed serious sins in his life. For example, he committed
adultery and arranged for the husband of his mistress to be killed. One of
David's worst sins was not so spectacular. Against God's will, David
counted the number of men fit for military duty in Israel and Judah. This
sin resulted in the deaths of seventy thousand people (2 Sm 24:15).

Counting can be a calling from God, but it can also be a sin. For example,
counting the times we've been offended can be a sin against love (see 1
Cor 13:5). Counting money can be a sin of greed. Counting people in your
church, ministry, or prayer group can be a sin of pride. Counting someone
out may be a sin of unforgiveness or arrogance. Even counting our
blessings can be an occasion of comparing ourselves to others.

When we were little children, someone taught us to count. Yet have we ever
learned to count responsibly and not sinfully? Jesus is the divine
Accountant. Let Him audit your books, and take over your life.


Prayer: "Through the intercession of St. Blase, bishop and martyr, may you
be delivered from every ailment of the throat and every other illness."

Promise: "He began to teach in the synagogue in a way that kept His large
audience amazed." —Mk 6:2

Praise: St. Blase, bishop and martyr in Armenia, was known for being one
of the Holy Helpers.

(Lent is approaching. To help you observe Lent more deeply, order our
leaflet, "Lent and the Renewal of Our Baptismal Promises, "or on tape
titled "Baptismal Promises" on audio AV 83-1, AV 83-3, AV 84-1, AV 84-3
or video V-83, V-84.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
February 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, August 11, 2009

The rescript 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 ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB
eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © 2010 Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

YOUR PRESENT TO GOD - One Bread, One Body, 2/2/2010

Attend our upcoming retreat "Who Am I in Christ?" on Feb. 12 & 13.
Discover your true identity, the one the Lord Jesus gave you before you
were born. Discover, live and love the vocation to which he has called
you.

Online registration and more information about retreats is available at:
http://www.presentationministries.com/pjdc/retreatSchedule.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, February 2, 2010, Presentation of the Lord

Malachi 3:1-4, Hebrews 2:14-18, Psalm 24:7-10, Luke 2:22-40
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/020210.shtml

YOUR PRESENT TO GOD

"Be presented to the Lord." —Luke 2:22

I recently saw an advertisement for a bride's camp. This was a service for
brides who had only a few months left before their wedding day. The "camp"
involved a feverish workout, nutrition, and beauty regimen designed to put
the bride in the best possible shape for her wedding day. The idea is to
make her "presentable" in the best possible way.

Our presentation of ourselves to God involves much more than the above
example. It's true that God loves us "just as we are." We don't need to
make ourselves presentable since He never rejects anyone who comes to Him
(Jn 6:37). Jesus says: "Come to Me" (Mt 11:28). Even if we come to Him at
the most disgusting low point of our life (see Lk 15:16ff), Jesus loves us
completely.

Yet, out of sheer love for the Lord, we want to look our best for Him "to
present to [Him] a glorious church, holy and immaculate" (Eph 5:27). He
Himself helps us by making us holy and beautiful through His abundant
grace. Catholic families teach their children this concept by dressing up
in their Sunday best for Mass. We want to love the Lord so much more than
a bride loves her husband. We will fast, pray, read and obey His word,
sacrifice, evangelize, and bear fruit — simply to bring joy to the Lord.
We want Him to rejoice because of us (Zep 3:17). We want to present
ourselves to Him "beautiful as a bride prepared to meet her husband" (Rv
21:2). Give Jesus the present of your presentation to Him today.


Prayer: Jesus, I present to You my body as a living sacrifice (Rm 12:1)
and a weapon for justice (Rm 6:13).

Promise: "Since He was Himself tested through what He suffered, He is able
to help those who are tempted." —Heb 2:18

Praise: Praise the Infant Jesus, Whose perfections in love cause us to
respond in kind.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
February 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, August 11, 2009

The rescript 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 ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB
eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © 2010 Presentation Ministries

To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp

To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r