PASSING THE BUCK-THORN - One Bread, One Body, 8/19/2009

The August issue of My People Newspaper is now online. Articles include:

Economic Crisis Needs Ethical Approach
Nations Need Equal Voice In Development
In Defense of Life: Terri Laughs And Cries
Sudan Faces Permanent Humanitarian Emergency
World Refugee Day: End Targeting Women As A Weapon Of War
Light to the Nations: A Christian Perspective on World News
A Priest's Prayer

http://www.presentationministries.com/mypeople/latestMyPeople.asp
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Wednesday, August 19, 2009, St. John Eudes

Judges 9:6-15, Psalm 21:2-7, Matthew 20:1-16
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/081909.shtml

PASSING THE BUCK-THORN

"Once the trees went to anoint a king over themselves. So they said to the
olive tree, 'Reign over us.' But the olive tree answered them, 'Must I
give up my rich oil?' " —Judges 9:8-9

When those called to lead refuse God's call, people get stuck with bad
leaders. For every bad leader, three people may have refused God's call to
lead (see Jgs 9:9-13). For every buckthorn, an olive tree, fig tree, and
vine may have refused to make the sacrifices necessary to answer God's
call. When our leaders come from the "bottom of the barrel," it means that
those from the top and the middle of the barrel are disobeying God by
refusing His call.

How many Christians have been called to run for political office but said
"no"? How many parents have turned their children over to the secular
media to be parented? How many people have refused vocations to the
priesthood and religious life? Why do we wonder at having such poor
leadership?

Even if we have disobeyed God for years, we should repent and start
leading. Jesus can give us a full day's pay for even a few minutes of
last-minute leadership (see Mt 20:9). Jesus is merciful, and we can
receive His mercy, if we only repent and lead.

Prayer: Father, may I make any sacrifices necessary to take back the lead
of my children, church, co-workers, or country.

Promise: "You welcomed him with goodly blessings, You placed on his head a
crown of pure gold." —Ps 21:4

Praise: St. John Eudes touched the hearts of many by leading them to the
Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

For a related teaching, order our leaflet, "Leading Your Loved Ones to
Christ," or on audio AV 42-3 or video V-42.)

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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
August 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, February 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.

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