Our Main Sponsor

Sunday, August 7, 2016

PM eNewsletter 19th Sunday in Ordinary time

August 7th, 19th Sunday in ordinary time.


Jesus, this week, just stop us from our business, and give us the grace to just come
to You and sit in Your presense and adore You.

Help us to get out of the world and just relax with You.

Lord, give us the grace, to let us, let You be the total Lord of our lives.

Help us to realize that we must continue to try to put You as the center of our lives.

Help us to love others as we should love You.

Give us the grace to proclaim You in all of our actions.

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 AFRAID TO THINK?
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?lang=en&d=8/7/2016


"It has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom." -Luke 12:32

Jesus has revealed to us that our future will be a terrible, just punishment forever or
perfect love and happiness forever. This revelation is mind-boggling (to put it mildly).
We have no experience of "forever," and the possibility of everlasting punishment is
overwhelming. Under these circumstances, many people "shut down," "freeze up," and become
spiritually paralyzed. They try to forget about eternity, the very goal of this earthly life.

Before Jesus revealed His final coming, Judgment Day, and the afterlife, He commanded us: "Do
not live in fear, little flock. It has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom"
(Lk 12:32). Because our heavenly Father is the perfect Father, Who is all-powerful Love, we
need not be afraid of anything, including the awesome consequences of our lives on earth. We
can face the most mind-boggling facts because we have a miraculous security grounded in our
heavenly Father's providential love.

Therefore, let us not be afraid of life or the afterlife. Let us face the truth and prepare
for Christ's final coming at any time.


Prayer: Father, I trust You in life, death, and eternity.

Promise: "Faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for, and conviction about
things we do not see." -Heb 11:1

Praise: Praised be Jesus, the Master of our joy! Alleluia to our risen Savior!



Monday TELL-A-VISION
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?lang=en&d=8/8/2016


"Such was the vision of the likeness of the glory of the Lord." -Ezekiel 1:28



Tuesday THE LIVING BIBLE
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?lang=en&d=8/9/2016


"Eat this scroll, then go, speak to the house of Israel." -Ezekiel 3:1



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


· Who Am I in Christ?
http://presentationministries.com/publications/WhoAmIInChrist.asp

"He who seeks only himself brings himself to ruin, whereas he who brings
himself to nought for Me discovers who he is." -Matthew 10:39

We must know who we are before we .....................................

· 14 Questions on Forgiveness
http://www.presentationministries.com/publications/14Quest.asp

· Mission Impossible?
http://www.presentationministries.com/publications/MissionImpossible.asp

· Leading Your Loved Ones to Christ
http://www.presentationministries.com/publications/LeadLoved.asp

· Hearing God
http://www.presentationministries.com/publications/HearingGod.asp

· Mother Mary
http://www.presentationministries.com/publications/MotherMary.asp

· Healing Adult Children from Dysfunctional Families
http://www.presentationministries.com/publications/HealAdChild.asp



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

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


Thank you God for you have already listened to my prayer.My son cancelled an adventure about
which I was worried and about which I have just prayed. Bless the team who are interceding
for us. Amen
(Marie T., Haz Zebbug Malta, State, Malta, 8/6/2016 6:14:49 PM)

"Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by
a kindly word; always doing the smallest things right, and doing all for love." --St. Therese,
The Little Flower Of Jesus
(Anonymous, , 8/6/2016 3:01:30 PM)

Please pray for Lorna to be healed of gastroenteritis. For PB to keep good health and cope
with additional work. For G to finish all tasks within the stipulated time and have a safe,
blessed and protected flight back with clear skies and good weather. For S and family to get
someone to help while they are on vacation and Mum to improve in health after recent illness.
Good health for JLGL. , Mama Mary, Sweet Jesus intercede for us. Amen
(L, , 8/6/2016 2:05:38 PM)

For mr. b to past his test.
(Anonymous, , 8/6/2016 11:04:09 AM)

Father thank you for my family and friends.Lord I pray for everybody who is sick,especially
my husband and Aiden.Lord I pray for Akos to trust you in what she is going through.,because
you're a loving God who knows what she is going through. In Jesus name we pray Amen.
(Naa, , 8/6/2016 9:19:28 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 well as covering the entire New Testament thru Revelation.
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

The Bible Telephone Line (BTL) has been in operation for 24 years. Begun by Fr. Al in 1991, it now
continues with one deacon of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and two lay teachers trained by
Presentation Ministries. The BTL provides callers with a short teaching on the readings for the
daily Mass. It is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Callers may also leave a short prayer
request which will be shared on the line with the other callers the next day on a separate line.
Daily audio reflections are also available by email Tuesday through Friday. For automatic email
delivery send request to: bibleline@presentationministries.com

THE BTL RECENTLY WENT TO A SINGLE NUMBER FOR THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES

United States: 513-823-3111

Canada:
Toronto, ON CAN 647-723-9923
Ottawa, ON CAN 613-694-1257

For automatic email
delivery send request to: bibleline@presentationministries.com
________________________________________________

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 Francis, Shepherd of Truth
http://www.presentationministries.com/pope/fst2016-07.asp?navlink=latest

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


THE VITAL ROLE OF FAMILIES


"DECISIVE FOR THE FUTURE"

The welfare of the family is decisive for the future of the world and that of the Church. (31)


FAMILY CALLINGS

The family is called to join in daily prayer, to read the word of God and to share in
Eucharistic communion and thus to grow in love and become ever more fully a temple in which
the Spirit dwells. (29)


"WE ARE GRATEFUL"

... We are grateful ... for the witness of marriages that have not only proved lasting, but
also fruitful and loving. (38)



(Source: Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia, issued March 19, 2016)
http://www.presentationministries.com/pope/fst2016-07.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/bi2016Announce.asp

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

My People Newspaper
http://presentationministries.com/mypeople/mypeople29-4.asp?navlink=latest

PM Newsletter
http://presentationministries.com/newsletter/newsletter17-3.asp?navlink=latest

St. John Bosco Youth Group
http://youth.presentationministries.com/

________________________________________________

2016 RETREATS
Online Registration

2016 RETREATS

· Healing the Broken Hearted (Divorced & Separated Conference) (Sep 16-18)
· Comfort and Challenge (Widows and Widowers Conference) (Sep 17)
· On Fire with the Spirit: Acts of the Apostles (Oct 21-23)


More information and registration for the Bible Institute
http://presentationministries.com/bibleinst/bi2016Announce.asp

Catholic Retreats
http://presentationministries.com/retreat/retreat.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

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

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

Saturday, August 6, 2016

AFRAID TO THINK? - One Bread, One Body, 8/7/2016

Sunday, August 7, 2016, 19th Sunday Ordinary Time

Wisdom 18:6-9, Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19, Psalm 33:1, 12, 18-20, 22, Luke 12:32-48
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080716.cfm

AFRAID TO THINK?

"It has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom." -Luke 12:32

Jesus has revealed to us that our future will be a terrible, just punishment forever or perfect love and happiness forever. This revelation is mind-boggling (to put it mildly). We have no experience of "forever," and the possibility of everlasting punishment is overwhelming. Under these circumstances, many people "shut down," "freeze up," and become spiritually paralyzed. They try to forget about eternity, the very goal of this earthly life.

Before Jesus revealed His final coming, Judgment Day, and the afterlife, He commanded us: "Do not live in fear, little flock. It has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom" (Lk 12:32). Because our heavenly Father is the perfect Father, Who is all-powerful Love, we need not be afraid of anything, including the awesome consequences of our lives on earth. We can face the most mind-boggling facts because we have a miraculous security grounded in our heavenly Father's providential love.

Therefore, let us not be afraid of life or the afterlife. Let us face the truth and prepare for Christ's final coming at any time.


Prayer: Father, I trust You in life, death, and eternity.

Promise: "Faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for, and conviction about things we do not see." -Heb 11:1

Praise: Praised be Jesus, the Master of our joy! Alleluia to our risen Savior!


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

Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from August 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 23, 2016

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 © 2016 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, August 5, 2016

THE TWO FACES ARE ONE - One Bread, One Body, 8/6/2016

Saturday, August 6, 2016, Transfiguration

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, 2 Peter 1:16-19, Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9, Luke 9:28-36
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080616.cfm

THE TWO FACES ARE ONE

"His face changed in appearance." -Luke 9:29

Isaiah prophesied of the Messiah, the Suffering Servant: "Even as many were amazed at Him - so marred was His look beyond that of man, and His appearance beyond that of mortals" (Is 52:14). Isaiah's prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus' crucifixion and death. How could the severely altered face of the crucified Jesus be the face of God?

Jesus "was transfigured before their eyes and His clothes became dazzlingly white - whiter than the work of any bleacher could make them" (Mk 9:2-3). At the Transfiguration, Jesus' face was no longer emptied (see Phil 2:7) of His divine glory. His face was clearly recognizable as the face of God.

We must never look at the crucified face of Jesus without remembering His transfigured face. Jesus' cross is not a denial of His divinity but can be understood only in the light of His divinity.

We must never look at the transfigured face of Jesus without also picturing the thorn-crowned face of the crucified Christ. Jesus' crucifixion takes us into the mysterious depths of His divinity.

There is an ancient tradition which holds that the Transfiguration took place forty days before Jesus' crucifixion and death. Thus, in 1457, Pope Callistus III set the date for the feast of the transfiguration: forty days before the feast of the Triumph of the Cross, September 14. The Transfiguration and crucifixion go together. Jesus is both fully God and fully man.


Prayer: Father, on this feast of the Transfiguration, plunge me into the mystery of the cross.

Promise: "You, O Lord, are the Most High over all the earth, exalted far above all gods." -Ps 97:9

Praise: Praise the crucified, transfigured face of Jesus!


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

Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from August 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 23, 2016

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 © 2016 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, August 4, 2016

MARY MAJOR - One Bread, One Body, 8/5/2016

Friday, August 5, 2016, Dedication of St. Mary Major

Nahum 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7, Deuteronomy 32:35-36, 39, 41, Matthew 16:24-28
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080516.cfm

MARY MAJOR

"If a man wishes to come after Me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross, and begin to follow in My footsteps." -Matthew 16:24

To be disciples of Jesus, we must deny ourselves and take up His cross daily (Lk 9:23). In effect, we must lose our lives (Mt 16:25). We no longer operate independently, but obediently. We don't do our thing, but His thing. We have been crucified with Christ and the lives we live are no longer our own (Gal 2:19-20).

Although the cost of discipleship is so high, deep down we sense that only by losing our lives as disciples of Jesus will we find the meaning and fulfillment of life (Mt 16:25). At the same time, we are hesitant to make the great act of faith necessary to be Jesus' disciple. Jesus is aware of our problem. As He was hanging on the cross, He provided Mary as our mother and major discipler (see Jn 19:26-27). She will intercede for us and prophesy to us (see Acts 1:14, 2:4) so that we will decide to pay the cost of discipleship. She will lead us to obey her Son (see Jn 2:5).

However, Jesus does not force us to accept His mother as our mother. We must decide. Traditionally, we accept another's help in discipleship by putting on that person's cloak (see 1 Kgs 19:19). That is the meaning of the scapular. It represents Mary's cloak. Wearing it means we accept Jesus' plan for discipleship and will pay the cost of discipleship. Wear your scapular and live its meaning.


Prayer: Father, may I let Mary influence me as she influenced Jesus.

Promise: "See, upon the mountains there advances the bearer of good news, announcing peace!" -Na 2:1

Praise: Joe loved Jesus with his whole heart, but had closed his heart to Mary. Then he realized that he had been snubbing His Lord's mother. He asked Jesus and Mary for forgiveness, and now prays the rosary with his children.


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

Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from August 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 23, 2016

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 © 2016 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, August 3, 2016

THE VOICE OF GOD ON EARTH - One Bread, One Body, 8/4/2016

Attend one of our upcoming retreats at our the Our Lady of Guadalupe Retreat Center in Peebles, OH. Visit the link below for a listing of retreats. We look forward to meeting you there!

http://www.presentationministries.com/retreat/retreatSchedule.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, August 4, 2016, St. John Mary Vianney

Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:12-15, 18-19, Matthew 16:13-23
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080416.cfm

THE VOICE OF GOD ON EARTH

"You are not judging by God's standards but by man's." -Matthew 16:23

As we write this, the Catholic Church, led by St. Peter's successor Pope Francis, often seems like a lone voice crying out in the wilderness of the culture of death (see Mt 3:1ff). The Catholic Church has consistently spoken out against the use of contraception, defends marriage as occurring between one man and one woman, defends the poorest of the poor, condemns abortion as murder, and stands against capital punishment and for social justice. Many teachings of the Catholic Church are attacked by the world. In the USA, the Church is under attack by the Health and Human Services' mandate, which attempts to force the Church and its members to compromise their stance on contraception. However, the Church will not submit to such attempts at intimidation (Mt 10:26).

So often, the Church is the voice of God on this earth. Praise God for the Church, which is a marriage between the divine and human. Though the Church is made up of sinners, she strives to have the mind of Christ (see Mt 16:23; 1 Cor 2:16), her Head. Therefore, listen to the teachings of the Church. Learn them and seek to follow them, for Jesus speaks through His Church today, as He did two-thousand years ago (see Acts 2:42; Lk 10:16).


Prayer: Jesus, You said that those who hear Your apostles, and by implication their successors the bishops, also hear You (Lk 10:16). May I seek Your voice through the voice of Your Church.

Promise: "I will place My law within them, and write it upon their hearts." -Jer 31:33

Praise: St. John became a saint by persevering with simplicity in his role as parish priest.

(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 August 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 23, 2016

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 © 2016 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, August 2, 2016

LOVE LOVES ME - One Bread, One Body, 8/3/2016

Attend one of our upcoming retreats at our the Our Lady of Guadalupe Retreat Center in Peebles, OH. Visit the link below for a listing of retreats. We look forward to meeting you there!

http://www.presentationministries.com/retreat/retreatSchedule.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Jeremiah 31:1-7, Jeremiah 31:10-13, Matthew 15:21-28
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080316.cfm

LOVE LOVES ME

"With age-old love I have loved you." -Jeremiah 31:3

God the Father has loved us into being. There has never been a moment when we have not been loved perfectly by Him. He loves us so much that He has sent His eternally begotten Son to die for us (Jn 3:16). He has also given us the Holy Spirit, the eternal Fruit of the love of the Father and the Son. We are loved with a divine, constant, perfect, crucified, unconditional, and infinite love.

Beloved, it is impossible for us to be loved more. Yet we can "grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ's love, and experience this love which surpasses all knowledge" (Eph 3:18-19). We must "come to know and to believe in the love God has for us" (1 Jn 4:16). "God is Love," and we can abide in love (1 Jn 4:16). Thereby, we abide in God and God in us (1 Jn 4:16).

As we receive God's love, we can respond by loving Him with all our hearts and loving our neighbors as ourselves (Mt 22:37-39). In His love, we can even love our enemies. Live in God's love (Jn 15:10).


Prayer: Sacred Heart of Jesus, I accept You as my Lord, Love, and God.

Promise: "Woman, you have great faith! Your wish will come to pass." -Mt 15:28

Praise: Rhonda obeyed God's command to show unconditional love to her atheist neighbor, whom she saw baptized before her death.

(Know how much Love loves you by reading the Bible every day. We have several series to help you. "Overview of the Bible" is six CDs starting with CD 10A-1, or audio tape AV 10A-1. "15 Minute Bible Teaching - New Testament" is forty CDs with detailed teaching as to chapter and verse starting with CD 700 or audio tape AV 700. "An Introduction to Each Book of the Bible" is thirty two CDs starting with CD 21-1 or audio tape AV 21-1.)

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

Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from August 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 23, 2016

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 © 2016 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

Monday, August 1, 2016

SINKER - One Bread, One Body, 8/2/2016

Tuesday, August 2, 2016, St. Eusebius of Vercelli, St. Peter Julian Eymard

Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22, Psalm 102:16-23, 29, Matthew 14:22-36
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080216.cfm

SINKER

"Lord, if it is really You, tell me to come to You across the water." -Matthew 14:28

"Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water, moving toward Jesus" (Mt 14:29). Peter became afraid and began to sink. After pulling him up, Jesus exclaimed: "How little faith you have!...Why did you falter?" (Mt 14:31) If Jesus was disappointed in Peter's little faith, what about the faith of those who were still in the boat? If Jesus is displeased with those sinking in the water, what about those who are working their way up to sinking? "When the Son of Man comes, will He find any faith on the earth?" (Lk 18:8)

Do you remember when the disciples did not deliver a boy from a demon? Jesus did not blame the devil, the boy, or the father. He blamed the disciples' lack of faith (Mt 17:19-20). If they possessed just a little faith, the size of a mustard seed, they could have set the boy free (Mt 17:20). However, most of us have not failed to drive out demons; we failed to possess the faith even to try deliverance. Must Jesus repeat to us: "What an unbelieving and perverse lot you are! How long must I remain with you? How long can I endure you?" (Mt 17:17)

Jesus has a much higher standard for faith than we do. His ways are not our ways (Is 55:8). Ask for and expect more faith.


Prayer: Father, erase the way I used to think about faith. Let me start over and believe.

Promise: "You shall be My people, and I will be your God." -Jer 30:22

Praise: St. Eusebius learned his faith from his father who had been martyred. His faith remained staunch despite imprisonment, beatings, and starvation.

(If you are divorced or widowed, you may feel you are drowning in a sea. Call 513-373-2397 or visit our website for information for this September retreat for the "Divorced and Widowed".)

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

Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from August 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 23, 2016

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 © 2016 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