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Friday, February 20, 2009
Genesis 11:1-9, Psalm 33, Mark 8:34—9:1
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/022009.shtml
LOSERS
"Whoever would preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life
for My sake and the gospel's will preserve it." —Mark 8:35
Jesus commands us to lose our lives for His sake and the gospel's. Losing
our lives includes:
* denying our very selves,
* taking up Jesus' cross,
* following in Jesus' steps, and
* not being ashamed of Jesus and His teachings (Mk 8:34, 38).
Doing these things results in losing our lives because these things seem
absurd (see 1 Cor 1:18) and even threatening to "this faithless and
corrupt age" (Mk 8:38). Because we don't belong to the world, it hates us
and makes sure that we are losers by worldly standards (Jn 15:19).
Therefore, if we live a godly life, we should expect to be persecuted (2
Tm 3:12) and deprived of "worldly" opportunities. However, we're losing
nothing of lasting value, for "the world with its seductions is passing
away" (1 Jn 2:17).
So we laugh at the world's pleasures, positions, and power. If we gain it
all, we would gain nothing and destroy ourselves in the process (Mk 8:36).
We Christians may look like losers now, but the worst losers are those who
lose their immortal souls forever. Win now and lose everything later. Lose
now and rejoice forever in heaven.
Prayer: Jesus, make me happy to be insulted, persecuted, and slandered for
Your sake, for my reward will be great in heaven (Mt 5:11-12).
Promise: "The plan of the Lord stands forever; the design of His heart,
through all generations." —Ps 33:11
Praise: Susan could have been a star in Hollywood but chose "the better
portion" (see Lk 10:42), that is, to serve God quietly in a convent.
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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, 2009 through March 31, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, August 11, 2008
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.
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