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Friday, January 16, 2009

70 X 7 (see Mt 18:22) - One Bread, One Body, 1/16/2009

Read through the whole Bible in 2009. See our reading schedules at:
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/ThroughBible.asp
and
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/FrAlPlanReadingBible.asp
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Friday, January 16, 2009

Hebrews 4:1-5, 11, Psalm 78:3-4, 6-8, Mark 2:1-12
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/011609.shtml

70 X 7 (see Mt 18:22)

"When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralyzed man, 'My son, your
sins are forgiven.' " —Mark 2:5

When Jesus saw the roof being dismantled, He spoke of the forgiveness of
sins. When He saw paralysis, He thought of forgiveness. When He hung on
the cross, He said: "Father, forgive them" (Lk 23:34). Jesus clearly has
forgiveness on His mind.

If we have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16), we also will be preoccupied
with forgiveness. When we watch or read objectionable material, we will
pray: "Father, forgive us." When we feel sick, we'll go to Confession
before going to the doctor. When the phone rings, the word "forgiveness"
will be on the tip of our tongues.

How many times have you said the word "forgiveness" today? Since
forgiveness is the solution to our problems, we should be frequently
telling the good news that forgiveness is available to all through Jesus'
blood shed on Calvary. If we're not speaking of forgiveness, we're not
dealing with the heart of our problems but speaking only on a superficial
level.

Receive forgiveness; give forgiveness; proclaim forgiveness.

Prayer: Father, "forgive us the wrong we have done" (Mt 6:12).

Promise: "Let us strive to enter into that rest, so that no one may fall,
in imitation of the example of Israel's unbelief." —Heb 4:11

Praise: When tempted to be judgmental or unforgiving, Linda reminds
herself of her gravest sins that have been forgiven by the All-Holy One.

(For related teachings, order our booklet, "The Book on Forgiveness," and
our leaflets, "Unforgiveness is the Cause "and "Fourteen Questions on
Forgiveness", or our audio tapes on the leaflets: AV 41-1 on
"Unforgiveness "or AV 106A-1, AV 106A-3, AV 106B-1 on "Forgiveness".)

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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
December 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, June 17, 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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Thursday, January 15, 2009

THE APPROACHABLE FOR THE UNTOUCHABLE - One Bread, One Body, 1/15/2009

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Hebrews 3:7-14, Psalm 95, Mark 1:40-45
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/011509.shtml

THE APPROACHABLE FOR THE UNTOUCHABLE

"A leper approached Him with a request." —Mark 1:40

Lepers were obliged by the law to stay away from people so as not to
spread leprosy. Lepers had to live in isolated places and warn anyone who
unknowingly got near them that they were unclean (Lv 13:45). The leper of
today's Gospel does just the opposite; he approaches Jesus. Jesus also
does the unthinkable by stretching out His hand and touching the leper (Mk
1:41).

Jesus is approachable no matter what our condition. Jesus will never
reject us no matter who we are, what we've done, or how we look (Jn 6:37).
Most people have a form of spiritual leprosy. Inside, many of us feel
dirty, ugly, leprous. We would not tell anyone about this for fear of
being rejected by everyone. However, we can take these shameful things to
Jesus.

We can "come as we are" to Jesus so we don't "stay as we are." He will
forgive our sins and heal our leprous condition.

Prayer: Jesus, may I go to Confession as soon as possible and be healed.

Promise: "We have become partners of Christ only if we maintain to the end
that confidence with which we began." —Heb 3:14

Praise: Rhonda makes a determined effort to seek out the marginalized in a
group and reaches out to them with God's love.

(Presentation Ministries' Discipleship Retreats equip you to imitate
Christ in His character and mission. Discipleship Retreats offer an
opportunity for people to receive healing and be formed as disciples of
Jesus through study of the Church's teachings and the Bible in the context
of the Sacraments and Christian community. Visitors experience a holy
ambience in the rural surroundings, regular prayer life, simple meals, and
much opportunity for silence. Call 937-587-5464 or 513-373-2397 for
information and to request a schedule of events.)

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Wednesday, January 14, 2009

THE HUMAN SPONGE - One Bread, One Body, 1/14/2009

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Hebrews 2:14-18, Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9, Mark 1:29-39
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/011409.shtml

THE HUMAN SPONGE

"Jesus likewise had a full share in ours." —Hebrews 2:14

Jesus had a full share in our human condition. This is a shocking reality.
Jesus, Who did not know sin, was made to be sin (2 Cor 5:21). He did not
sin, but He took on our sinful condition. Jesus "was tempted in every way
that we are, yet never sinned" (Heb 4:15), which teaches that He was
tempted to murder, commit sexual sin, gossip, hold a grudge, curse, hate,
etc.

Although Jesus never sinned, He took upon Himself the atonement and
punishment for all our sins. "He was pierced for our offenses, crushed for
our sins" (Is 53:5). "The Lord laid upon Him the guilt of us all" (Is
53:6). Under the inexpressible weight of all our sins for all time, Jesus
screamed: " 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?', that is, 'My God, My God, why
have You forsaken Me?' " (Mt 27:46)

Jesus soaked up all the sin of the world and destroyed it by His death.
Therefore, repent of all your sins and give them to Jesus. Give Him your
failures, weaknesses, strengths, hopes, dreams, and desires. Accept Jesus
as your Lord, Savior, and God.

Prayer: Jesus, why do You love me so much?

Promise: "So He went into their synagogues preaching the good news and
expelling demons throughout the whole of Galilee." —Mk 1:39

Praise: John had led such a selfish, sinful life that he found himself in
prison for life, but there found the One Who is Life.

(For a related teaching, order our leaflet "Accepting Jesus as Lord,
Savior, and God" or on audio AV 43-1 or video V-43.)

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Tuesday, January 13, 2009

SPOTLIGHT ON THE EUCHARIST - One Bread, One Body, 1/13/2009

Tuesday, January 13, 2009, St. Hilary

Hebrews 2:5-12, Psalm 8, Mark 1:21-28
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/011309.shtml

SPOTLIGHT ON THE EUCHARIST

"At present we do not see all things thus subject, but we do see
Jesus." —Hebrews 2:8-9

I walked to Mass today amid dark clouds and a blustery wind. Because of
the cloud cover, the Church was relatively dark for a noon Mass. As the
priest lifted the Holy Eucharist at the moment of consecration, a shaft of
bright sunlight shone through the stained glass directly onto the altar,
flooding the Eucharist in brilliant light. The beam of light continued
during the elevation of the Precious Blood. Following the consecration,
the clouds again covered the sky. The sun broke through once more, at the
instant the host and cup were lifted at the doxology to close the
Eucharistic prayer. After the priest lowered the host and cup, the clouds
covered the sun the rest of the day.

We often "walk in the dark valley" (Ps 23:4). We know "all things" are
subject to King Jesus, but often we can't see this (Heb 2:8). Instead,
what we see is that at least half of the registered Catholics are so
uninspired by His eucharistic presence that they can't manage to spend an
hour with Him at Sunday Mass (cf Mt 26:40). If we aren't diligent, we
might soon join this "other half."

The Eucharist is a "mystery of light" (Ecclesia de Eucharistia, Pope John
Paul II, 6). "We do see Jesus" in the Eucharist (Heb 2:9), yet we must fix
our eyes ever more earnestly on Him (Heb 3:1). The more we look at Jesus
present in the Eucharist, the more we are able to see His brightness (Jn
8:12). The less attention we pay to Jesus in the Eucharist, the more we
focus on the darkness and forget Him (see Jn 3:19-20). Go to Mass
frequently, daily if possible. Devote your life to Jesus in the Eucharist.

Prayer: Jesus, Bread of Life (Jn 6:35), fill me with "eucharistic
amazement" (Ecclesia de Eucharistia, Pope John Paul II, 6).

Promise: "He gives orders to unclean spirits and they obey!" —Mk 1:27

Praise: St. Hilary fought against the Arian heresy and for belief in
Jesus' divinity.

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

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Monday, January 12, 2009

NET-WORK - One Bread, One Body, 1/12/2009

Monday, January 12, 2009, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, (Canada)

Hebrews 1:1-6, Psalm 97, Mark 1:14-20
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/011209.shtml

NET-WORK

Jesus "observed Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the
sea." —Mark 1:16

Jesus called the fishermen, Simon and Andrew, after observing them casting
their nets into the sea. When Jesus called them, "they immediately
abandoned their nets and became His followers" (Mk 1:18). He called the
next two apostles, James and John, while they were putting their nets in
order (Mk 1:19). Nets are mentioned three times in Mark's account of Jesus
calling the first four apostles. What is the significance of the nets?

From the fish's point of view, nets are traps which take away the fish's
freedom and lead to their death. When we follow Jesus, we must abandon our
nets. We must repent of sinful patterns in our lives which have trapped us
and brought about our spiritual death. Through repentance, we can be free
to follow Jesus.

From the fisherman's point of view, nets are essential to his work.
Therefore, these nets need to be in order, and the fisherman must cast
them into the sea skillfully and frequently. The nets are our evangelistic
outreach. To follow Jesus means to be fishers of men and women (Mk 1:17).
To follow Jesus without daily and frequently evangelizing is a
contradiction.

All Christians must evangelize. Leave the nets of sin and cast the nets of
faith.

Prayer: Jesus, may I not let a day go by without telling someone about
Your love.

Promise: "In times past, God spoke in fragmentary and varied ways to our
fathers through the prophets; in this, the final age, He has spoken to us
through His Son." —Heb 1:1-2

Praise: St. Marguerite's life was changed when she looked upon a statue of
Mary and, like Mary, also chose to be the handmaiden of the Lord.

(For a related teaching, order our series of tapes on "Evangelization" on
audio AV 55-1, AV 55-3, or video V-55.)

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eBook edition, and an online donation form at
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Sunday, January 11, 2009

PM eNewsletter The baptism of the Lord

January 11th The baptism of the Lord

Jesus, You are truly like us in everything but sin, help us to
realize that our baptism not only regenerated us, but gave us
a share in the etenal life to come.

Lord, help us to understand that with this gift comes an
obligation to help others.

Lord, bring us all to Adoration, so that our eyes and hearts
will be opened to your love, and we become willing to help
others no matter what the cost.

Jesus, help us all to understand that in You we are all
brothers and sisters, and that we are truly the family of God.

Lord, let our prayers draw down graces for all peoples, and
let us truly be Your hands and hearts, to help, and heal.
Amen and Amen

Thank you Lord, for loving us totally.
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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

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One Bread, One Body

This weeks readings and reflections

Sunday "THE PROMISE OF MY FATHER" (Lk 24:49)
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=1/11/2009

"Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in
the Jordan." —Mark 1:9

At the Jordan river, God told Joshua: "Today I will begin to
exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know I am
with you" (Jos 3:7). Then Joshua led the Israelites across
the Jordan river into the land of promise (Jos 3:14ff). Once
in the promised land, the Israelites "ate their fill; when filled,
they became proud of heart and forgot" God (Hos 13:6).

In the same Jordan river, Jesus, the new Joshua, was
baptized. When Jesus rose out of the waters of the Jordan,
God exalted Him in the sight of all by testifying that Jesus
is His beloved Son (Lk 3:21-22; 1 Jn 5:9). Jesus left the
Jordan and walked into the same promised land as Joshua
had earlier, inviting us to a fresh start and a new baptismal
fullness.

In this land of promise, Jesus tells us: "I send down upon
you the promise of My Father" (Lk 24:49), life in the
Holy Spirit. Jesus baptizes us into God's family that we
"might become sharers of the divine nature" (2 Pt 1:4). He
lavishes the Spirit on us (Ti 3:6; Jn 3:34) to give us
abundant life (Jn 10:10; Is 55:2-3).

On this last day of the Christmas season, promise the
Lord that you won't become proud and forget Him as did
the Israelites. Keep your promise by letting Jesus "baptize
you in the Holy Spirit" (Mk 1:8). Each day, "seek the Lord"
and "listen to" Jesus (Is 55:6; Lk 9:35). Live the "radical
newness" of your Baptismal life (Lay Members of Christ's
Faithful People, Pope John Paul II, 10).

Monday NET-WORK
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=1/12/2009

Jesus "observed Simon and his brother Andrew casting
their nets into the sea." —Mark 1:16

Tuesday SPOTLIGHT ON THE EUCHARIST
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=1/13/2009

"At present we do not see all things thus subject,
but we do see Jesus." —Hebrews 2:8-9

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
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Brochures

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

This Week's Featured Brochures

http://presentationministries.com/brochures/HowToRead.asp

View A· TV Addiction
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/TVAddiction.asp

· Fr. Al's Plan for Reading the Bible Each Year
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/FrAlPlanReadingBible.asp

· Hearing God
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/HearingGod.asp

Hearing God
"Anyone committed to the truth hears My voice." —John 18:37

Your oldest son is rebellious and secretive. You're afraid
he's ruining his life.

What should you do? Ask God.

There's less and less communication in your marriage.
Something's got to give. What's the answer? What's God saying?

The doctor discusses the possibility of ......................

· Through the Bible in One Year
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· How to Read the Bible ll Brochures
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PM Internet Prayer Requests
http://www.presentationministries.com/prayer/prayer.asp

I try my hardest to do a good job but my boss is relentless
and demanding. No matter how hard I try, it's never enough.
Please God, help me find a better job that is at least
rewarding and where I don't have to be humiliated constantly.
I'm a hard worker and smarter than my boss gives me
credit for. She is a terrible boss, very disorganized and
bad at communication, yet expects me to be a mind
reader and to be perfect 24/7. I can't take it anymore.
(fed up, L.A., CA, United States, 1/10/2009 6:19:40 PM)

Dear Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ his son our lord, and
Holy Spirit, Thank you for all the gifts that you have
brought us, can you please forgive us for our sins, can
you please bring mercy, grace, forgiveness, healing,
peace, humbleness, & love to my wife & I. We are
separated & have been estranged. I have not been to
contact her & have not heard from her for 3 months, I
just heard from her & she wants divorce. Please bring
us to be able to communicate with each other with
peace, humbleness & love. Please bring us to make
the right choices, find healing & peace, & can accept
whatever happens. Please bring us to find our ways to
you dear God & that we love & serve you. I ask this in
Christ Jesus name. Amen
(D, MD, 1/10/2009 3:07:54 PM)

I need help cause things keep going wrong in my life-
i neeed help. my mom kept bothering me-yet i forgive
them. but it seems as if she is oblivious to me- deep
psychological wounds- need help. healing of mental stuff.
(Anonymous, 1/10/2009 1:26:38 PM)

Pray God to bless michael in central california with a
good and loving woman to be his wife and helpmate...
he could use the help ! thanks for any prayers
(M.C., central calif, calif, United States, 1/10/2009 10:14:34 AM)

Please pray for Jayanti who recovered from Cancer
and it is now beginning to show up again. Her sons
are all abroad and she and her husband live together.
That she is able to carry on her day to day activities
without too much strain and is thus able to beat the cancer.
(A., 1/10/2009 3:43:26 AM)

Please pray that my cluster headaches and other
illnesses be healed so I can sleep and work and
better serve God.
(K.M., WI, United States, 1/9/2009 9:09:15 PM)

I pray my daughter's long flight back to Japan will not
cause anymore acne or blemish breakouts on her face.
I pray her skin clears up and she will be acne and
blemish free. I pray her skin clears up immediately,
permanently, and completely. I pray she will take
proper care of her skin.
(SL, VA, 1/9/2009 7:50:51 PM)

My wifde and I have been separated for over 2 years
and have 4 kids that I am taking care of. I am
unemployed and on welfare. I have been praying for
our marriage to be reconciled, but things have gotten
worse. She is involved with another man and is
pregnant for him. I still wantm our marriage to be
reconciled and family restored.
(L., baton rouge, louisiana, United States, 1/9/2009 6:54:09 PM)

Please pray the Lord will grant me mercy and courage
and strength and faith and hope. I pray to end the worry
and weariness of my days. I pray to take care of my
children and grandchildren and pay the debts and save
my home and go to court action that is due to a debt
and have it end justly. I pray for courage. I am so
burdened with worry and my heart aches to be strong
and have faith. I pray that the Lord is watching over
my every day and gives me more work and better
health. I need better health and I need to save the
family. I need joy and peace of mind and a calm mind
to find the way. God Bless.
(V.M, stow, massachusetts , United States, 1/9/2009 6:40:43 PM)

Please follow link to additional prayer intentions.
http://www.presentationministries.com/prayer/prayer.asp
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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 The Acts of the Apostles Part 1 thru 4,
1 Corinthians Part 1 & 2 and Romans Parts 1-3.
Take a moment and check the link below
http://presentationministries.com/tapes/tape.asp?pubID=269
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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
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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
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Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth

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

THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

COMFORT FOR THE SUFFERING

Christians have always sought the smile of Our Lady ...
This smile ... is for all; but it is directed quite particularly
to those who suffer, so that they can find comfort and
solace therein.

NOT OUTDATED

To seek Mary's smile is not an act of devotional or
outmoded sentimentality, but rather the proper
expression of the living and profoundly human
relationship which binds us to her whom Christ gave
us as our Mother.

TURN TO MARY

I would like to say, humbly, to those who suffer and
to those who struggle and are tempted to turn their
backs on life: turn towards Mary! Within the smile
of the Virgin lies mysteriously hidden the strength
to fight against sick and for life. With her, equally,
is found the grace to accept without fear or
bitterness to leave this world at the hour chosen by God.

(Source: Homily, Mass for the Sick, 9/15/08, Lourdes, France)
http://presentationministries.com/BST/bst2008-12.asp?navlink=latest
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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
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2008 RETREATS
Online Registration

2008 RETREATS

· Co-Workers' Retreat ~ Focus on St. Paul (Jan 30-31)
· "Seek First The Kingdom of God" (Feb 27-28)
· Women's Retreat (Mar 28)
· "Living in Reality" (Apr 17-18)

http://presentationministries.com/pjdc/retreatSchedule.asp
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"THE PROMISE OF MY FATHER" (Lk 24:49) - One Bread, One Body, 1/11/2009

Sunday, January 11, 2009, Baptism of Jesus

Isaiah 55:1-11, 1 John 5:1-9, Isaiah 12:2-6, Mark 1:7-11
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/011109.shtml

"THE PROMISE OF MY FATHER" (Lk 24:49)

"Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the
Jordan." —Mark 1:9

At the Jordan river, God told Joshua: "Today I will begin to exalt you in
the sight of all Israel, that they may know I am with you" (Jos 3:7). Then
Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan river into the land of promise
(Jos 3:14ff). Once in the promised land, the Israelites "ate their fill;
when filled, they became proud of heart and forgot" God (Hos 13:6).

In the same Jordan river, Jesus, the new Joshua, was baptized. When Jesus
rose out of the waters of the Jordan, God exalted Him in the sight of all
by testifying that Jesus is His beloved Son (Lk 3:21-22; 1 Jn 5:9). Jesus
left the Jordan and walked into the same promised land as Joshua had
earlier, inviting us to a fresh start and a new baptismal fullness.

In this land of promise, Jesus tells us: "I send down upon you the promise
of My Father" (Lk 24:49), life in the Holy Spirit. Jesus baptizes us into
God's family that we "might become sharers of the divine nature" (2 Pt
1:4). He lavishes the Spirit on us (Ti 3:6; Jn 3:34) to give us abundant
life (Jn 10:10; Is 55:2-3).

On this last day of the Christmas season, promise the Lord that you won't
become proud and forget Him as did the Israelites. Keep your promise by
letting Jesus "baptize you in the Holy Spirit" (Mk 1:8). Each day, "seek
the Lord" and "listen to" Jesus (Is 55:6; Lk 9:35). Live the "radical
newness" of your Baptismal life (Lay Members of Christ's Faithful People,
Pope John Paul II, 10).

Prayer: "God indeed is my Savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength
and my courage is the Lord" (Is 12:2).

Promise: "All you who are thirsty, come to the water!" —Is 55:1

Praise: Praise Jesus, Whose Spirit is the Promise of the Father (Acts
1:4). Praise Jesus, the Beloved Son of the Father. Alleluia!

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

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eBook edition, and an online donation form at
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