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Wednesday, May 6, 2009

TONGUES OF FIRE (see Acts 2:3) - One Bread, One Body, 5/6/2009

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Acts 12:24—13:5, Psalm 67, John 12:44-50
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/050609.shtml

TONGUES OF FIRE (see Acts 2:3)

"I have not spoken on My own; no, the Father Who sent Me has commanded Me
what to say and how to speak." —John 12:49

The Father not only told Jesus what to say but how to say it. Jesus spoke
just as the Father had instructed Him (Jn 12:50). The Lord tells us to
control our tongues, which control our whole bodies (Jas 3:2).

Even better than controlling our tongues is speaking according to God's
instruction. When God the Father "has our tongue," we can speak in Jesus'
name and in the Holy Spirit. We can prophesy and say what God the Father
is saying when He's saying it. We can "lip synch" Jesus as He intercedes
for us at the right hand of the Father. Therefore, whatever we ask in His
name is given to us (Jn 14:14). When we're persecuted, we will not be the
speakers, but the Holy Spirit will give us the words to say (Mt 10:20). We
can utter mysteries in the Spirit by speaking in tongues (1 Cor 14:2). The
Lord can do more with our speech than we ever ask or imagine (Eph 3:20).

Let the risen Christ "put words in your mouth." May you speak from the
abundance of a heart overflowing with love for the Lord (Lk 6:45). May
your tongue be a weapon for justice (Rm 6:13), which resurrects (Ez 37:4),
encourages, consoles, and builds up the Church (1 Cor 14:3-4). Let the
Lord give you a well-trained tongue (Is 50:4).

Prayer: Jesus, be the Lord of my tongue.

Promise: "The word of the Lord continued to spread and increase." —Acts
12:24

Praise: When Alberto learned he had incurable cancer, he praised his Lord
and prepared his soul to meet his Savior.

(For a related teaching, order our leaflet, "Speaking in Tongues".)

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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 April
1, 2009 through May 31, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 3, 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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Read the latest issue of Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth entitled
"Religious Vocations" at:
--> http://www.presentationministries.com/BST/latestBST.asp

Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth is designed as a bulletin insert
which you can use at your local church to keep up to date on what the Holy
Father is saying. You are free to reproduce it for this purpose.

You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB
eBook edition, and an online donation form at
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Tuesday, May 5, 2009

BREAKING NEW GROUND - One Bread, One Body, 5/5/2009

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Acts 11:19-26, Psalm 87, John 10:22-30
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/050509.shtml

BREAKING NEW GROUND

"However, some men of Cyprus and Cyrene among them who had come to Antioch
began to talk even to the Greeks, announcing the good news of the Lord
Jesus to them." —Acts 11:20

The Spirit so empowered the early Church it could hardly contain itself in
witnessing for the risen Christ. Although the first Christians assumed
that the good news of Jesus' resurrection was only for the Jews, some
"began to talk even to the Greeks" (Acts 11:20). If we have been deeply
moved by the risen Christ, we too will break new ground. We will share our
faith with people, under circumstances, and in ways that we've never
dreamed of before. We will surprise ourselves with our freedom and
boldness.

What is the situation in which you can least see yourself witnessing for
Jesus? In what situation are you most afraid? Who are the Sauls in your
life so hostile to the Lord that no one would even think of telling them
about Jesus? Where would it take a miracle for you to be Jesus' witness?

God has already done your miracle: He has worked the miracle of miracles,
the resurrection of His Son, Jesus. Because He has risen, we can rise to
new heights, do the impossible, and break new ground. When Jesus rose from
the dead by His almighty power, He did what had never been done before. It
is appropriate for resurrection-witnesses also to do the unprecedented.

Prayer: Father, may my behavior be appropriately unusual in the light of
Your Son's resurrection from the dead.

Promise: "No one shall snatch them out of My hand. My Father is greater
than all, in what He has given Me, and there is no snatching out of His
hand." —Jn 10:28-29

Praise: Living out his witness for Christ, Louis led his entire family in
prayer at a recent reunion.

(For a related teaching, order our tape "Power in the Spirit" on audio AV
64-1 or video V-64.)

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

Read the latest issue of Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth entitled
"Religious Vocations" at:
--> http://www.presentationministries.com/BST/latestBST.asp

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

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Monday, May 4, 2009

THE GATEWAY IS THE FREEWAY - One Bread, One Body, 5/4/2009

Monday, May 4, 2009

Acts 11:1-18, Psalm 42:2-3; 43:3-4, John 10:1-10
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/050409.shtml

THE GATEWAY IS THE FREEWAY

"Truly I assure you: Whoever does not enter the sheepfold through the gate
but climbs in some other way is a thief and a marauder." —John 10:1

The early Church was tempted to exclude those they should have included
and vice versa. Many Jewish Christians in the early Church wrongly
supposed that Gentiles were not included in God's kingdom. Consequently,
they objected that Peter "entered the house of uncircumcised men and ate
with them" (Acts 11:3). Some of the people in John's community wrongly
included in their fellowship and leadership spiritual thieves and
marauders. These people harmed the Church, for they came "only to steal
and slaughter and destroy" (Jn 10:10).

Jesus says that He is the Criterion for inclusion or exclusion in the
Church. He is the Gate (Jn 10:7). Although people turn us off and even
seem a threat, we should welcome them into our church, if they are living
a life of faith in Jesus. On the other hand, although certain people are
very attractive to us and fun to be with, we should not let them influence
us if they are not living for Jesus. Jesus is the Gate into the Church and
into our lives (Jn 10:9). We should not allow pastors, politicians,
superstars, TV personalities, or experts to influence the Church or us
unless these people are giving glory to Jesus, for Jesus is the Gate.

Prayer: Father, may Jesus, my Peace (Eph 2:14), guard my heart and mind
(Phil 4:7).

Promise: "I came that they might have life and have it to the full." —Jn
10:10

Praise: Fr. Marvin, pastor of an English-speaking parish, was assigned an
additional parish which had many members who only spoke Spanish. Fr.
Marvin took a crash course in Spanish, and within weeks had made his
Hispanic parishioners feel welcome and loved.

(For a related teaching, order our leaflet, "Hearing God", or on audio AV
45-1 or video V-45.)

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

Read the latest issue of Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth entitled
"Religious Vocations" at:
--> http://www.presentationministries.com/BST/latestBST.asp

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

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Sunday, May 3, 2009

PM eNewsletter Fourth Sunday of Easter

May 3rd Fourth Sunday of Easter

Jesus, You are the way, the truth, and the life.

You are always calling us to an intimate relationship with You.

Lord, help us to understand Your love, and love You in return.

Jesus, grace us to desire to come and worship You in Your
eucharistic presence, help us to commit to adoring You every
week, and give us the peace of heart that only Your presence gives us.

Lord, let us slowly come into a metanouia of heart, that will
cause us to be seen as truly your vessals of love, and faith, and hope.

Help us all in these troubling times to be beacons of love and
trust in You.

Jesus guard, guide, and protect us, and our families. 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
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One Bread, One Body

This weeks readings and reflections

Sunday DAILY DYING (1 Cor 15:31)
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/3/2009

"It was done in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean Whom
you crucified and Whom God raised from the dead." —Acts 4:10

Jesus said: "I am the Good Shepherd; the Good Shepherd
lays down His life for the sheep" (Jn 10:11). "For these sheep
I will give My life" (Jn 10:15). "The Father loves Me for this:
that I lay down My life to take it up again. No one takes it from
Me; I lay it down freely" (Jn 10:17-18). Jesus repeatedly
emphasized that He freely laid down His life for us.

"The way we came to understand love was that He laid down
His life for us; we too must lay down our lives for our brothers"
and sisters (1 Jn 3:16). "Continually we carry about in our
bodies the dying of Jesus, so that in our bodies the life of
Jesus may also be revealed. While we live we are constantly
being delivered to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of
Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh" (2 Cor 4:10-11).
Paul said: "I swear to you, brothers, by the very pride you
take in me, which I cherish in Christ Jesus our Lord, that I
face death every day" (1 Cor 15:31). The Christian life is a
life of love expressed in a daily dying to self, which
culminates in a total and final dying for Jesus and His people.

As we die daily, we bear much fruit for God's kingdom,
although we may know this only by faith. Jesus said: "I
solemnly assure you, unless the grain of wheat falls to the
earth and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat. But if it dies,
it produces much fruit" (Jn 12:24). Therefore, die today and
every day for love of Jesus.

Monday THE GATEWAY IS THE FREEWAY
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/4/2009

"Truly I assure you: Whoever does not enter the sheepfold
through the gate but climbs in some other way is a thief and
a marauder." —John 10:1

Tuesday BREAKING NEW GROUND
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/5/2009

"However, some men of Cyprus and Cyrene among them
who had come to Antioch began to talk even to the Greeks,
announcing the good news of the Lord Jesus to them." —Acts 11:20

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

· Through the New Testament in Easter
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/NTEaster.asp
After Jesus rose from the dead, He spent the afternoon
walking almost seven miles with two disciples. On this walk,
Jesus interpreted for them every passage of the Scriptures
which referred to Him (Lk 24:27). On the evening of that first
Easter Sunday, Jesus opened the apostles' minds to the
understanding of the Scriptures (Lk 24:45). Jesus made it
clear from the several hours He spent in the word on the first
resurrection-day that believing deeply in His resurrection and
hearing God's word were interrelated.

With this in mind, I invite you to read the whole New
Testament in the fifty-day Easter season. The Lord will give
you the grace to be faithful to this discipline. Ask and you
shall receive (Mt 7:7). I suggest that you ........................

· How to Teach the Bible in the Holy Spirit
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/HowToTeachBible.asp

· Seek First the Kingdom
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/SeekFirst.asp

· Risen Life
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/RisenLife.asp

· Do You Renounce Satan?
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/RenounceSatan.asp

· The Challenge of Making Disciples in a "Culture of Death"
http://presentationministries.com/brochures/ChallengeDisciples.asp

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

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

During the third hour, I pray: Jesus of Divine Mercy, please
pour out Your Mercy on every man, woman, child and family
this day and every day until the end of time. For the conversion
of poor sinners.
(K., Texas, 5/2/2009 3:13:22 PM)

Lord I consecrate the souls of my younger sister and her
husband unto Thee through the intercession of my Merciful
Mother Mary for immediate conversion. They are lead by
their own evil and selfish desires and have no remorse for
having insulting and hurting me and my family. If this is not
your will then let them be bound by St, Michael and the
glorious arch angels for them to stay away from me and my
loved ones. In the name of Jesus Christ my Lord and savior
and also with the intercession of St. Joseph my family's
patron saint, St. Jude, St. Michael and St. Anthony I ask
this favor to be granted today. Thank you Jesus. I also
place at your feet families falling apart around the world
because of ego, pride and selfishness. Lord please turn
your merciful heart towards us. Praise you Jesus. Mary
Mother of God pray for us sinners who have recourse to
thee. Amen +++
(Anonymous, 5/2/2009 10:43:43 AM)

Please pray for Marsha: she has intractable pain in her
back. Please pray for Nanda's intentions. Please pray for
the full recovery of Diane who suffers from undiagnosed
weakness and trembling
(S., North Bay, California, 5/2/2009 9:14:26 AM)

Please say a prayer for me to get the Social Security job
that I interviewed 2 times for. They said it could be months
if at all if they would have a position open. Please help me.
Thank you.
(P., KY, United States, 5/2/2009 9:12:34 AM)

For the Will of Jesus and for us ( the Grace) to love Jesus
and His Will, amen
(Anonymous, 5/2/2009 9:10:41 AM)

Please pray for the H family whose daughter has been
missing for four years and the suspect has been lying and
taunting this family all this time with people also lying and
covering up for him. The police know who is responsible for
this innocent girl's disappearance but they are about to
close the case because of not enough evidence which
means this desperate family will never know what happened
to their beautiful daughter or be able to put her soul to rest.
Please pray that our Lord will send them the miracle they
so desperately need to find the answer for their precious
daughter as time is running out for them and pray that the
police will find the evidence they need to bring this suspect
and the evil doers who are covering for him to justice.
(Anonymous, 5/2/2009 9:08:38 AM)

Lord you know all my hurts, pain and problems. Help me-
heal and reconcile my relationship with KA. Bring us peace,
love and faithfulness. Help me in my work too. Thank you
and praise you Lord and all the angels and saints
(M, 5/2/2009 8:43:24 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
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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
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________________________________________________

Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth

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

RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS

"GIVE THANKS TO GOD"

..Responding to the Lord's call and docile to the movement
of the Holy Spirit,... countless ranks of priest and consecrated
persons placed themselves totally at the service of the Gospel
in the Church. Let us give thanks to God, because even today
He continues to call together workers into His vineyard

"UNSHAKABLE CERTITUDE"

While it is undoubtedly true that a worrisome shortage of
priests is evident in some regions of the world, and that the
Church encounters difficulties and obstacles along the way,
we are sustained by the unshakable certitude that the one
who firmly guides her in the pathways of time towards the
definitive fulfillment of the Kingdom is He, the Lord, Who
freely chooses persons of every culture and of every age
and invites them to follow Him according to the mysterious
plans of His merciful love.

GROW IN TRUST

We must pray that the whole Christian people grows in its
trust in God, convinced that the "Lord of the harvest" does
not cease to ask some to place their entire existence freely
at His service so as to work with Him more closely in the
mission of salvation.

(Source: Message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations, May 3, 2009, dated
1/20/09)
http://presentationministries.com/BST/bst2009-04.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

· 40 Hours Devotion & Family Campout (May 14-16)
· Catholic Family Campout for Children (Jun 12-14)
· Life Style in the Spirit (Jun 26-27)

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

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DAILY DYING (1 Cor 15:31) - One Bread, One Body, 5/3/2009

Sunday, May 3, 2009, Fourth Sunday of Easter

Acts 4:8-12, 1 John 3:1-2, Psalm 118, John 10:11-18
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/050309.shtml

DAILY DYING (1 Cor 15:31)

"It was done in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean Whom you crucified
and Whom God raised from the dead." —Acts 4:10

Jesus said: "I am the Good Shepherd; the Good Shepherd lays down His life
for the sheep" (Jn 10:11). "For these sheep I will give My life" (Jn
10:15). "The Father loves Me for this: that I lay down My life to take it
up again. No one takes it from Me; I lay it down freely" (Jn 10:17-18).
Jesus repeatedly emphasized that He freely laid down His life for us.

"The way we came to understand love was that He laid down His life for us;
we too must lay down our lives for our brothers" and sisters (1 Jn 3:16).
"Continually we carry about in our bodies the dying of Jesus, so that in
our bodies the life of Jesus may also be revealed. While we live we are
constantly being delivered to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of
Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh" (2 Cor 4:10-11). Paul said: "I
swear to you, brothers, by the very pride you take in me, which I cherish
in Christ Jesus our Lord, that I face death every day" (1 Cor 15:31). The
Christian life is a life of love expressed in a daily dying to self, which
culminates in a total and final dying for Jesus and His people.

As we die daily, we bear much fruit for God's kingdom, although we may
know this only by faith. Jesus said: "I solemnly assure you, unless the
grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains just a grain of
wheat. But if it dies, it produces much fruit" (Jn 12:24). Therefore, die
today and every day for love of Jesus.

Prayer: Father, let my faith in Your risen Son free me to die daily,
knowing that Your resurrection power is within me.

Promise: "The reason the world does not recognize us is that it never
recognized the Son. Dearly beloved, we are God's children now." —1 Jn
3:1-2

Praise: Praise Jesus, the Firstborn from the dead, Who showed us not only
how to die, but also how to live!

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

Read the latest issue of Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth entitled
"Religious Vocations" at:
--> http://www.presentationministries.com/BST/latestBST.asp

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

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Saturday, May 2, 2009

RAISE THE DEAD - One Bread, One Body, 5/2/2009

Saturday, May 2, 2009, St. Athanasius

Acts 9:31-42, Psalm 116, John 6:60-69
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/050209.shtml

RAISE THE DEAD

"Peter first made everyone go outside; then he knelt down and prayed.
Turning to the dead body, he said, 'Tabitha, stand up.' She opened her
eyes, then looked at Peter and sat up." —Acts 9:40

The resurrection is not only a past and future event but also a present
happening. After Jesus' resurrection, the early Church saw people raised
from the dead. For example, Peter raised Tabitha from the dead in Joppa
(Acts 9:40). Paul also raised the dead (Acts 20:9-12) and may have been
raised from the dead himself (Acts 14:19-20). The writer of Hebrews makes
it clear that "women received back their dead through resurrection" (Heb
11:35).

We should expect this because Jesus promised that those who believed in
Him would do greater works than He did (Jn 14:12). He even commanded us to
raise the dead (Mt 10:8). Most dead people should stay dead and go right
to the merciful arms of the Lord, but a few should be raised from the
dead. We should at least be open to God using us in this way on some
occasions. We must not automatically rule out something the Lord has
clearly called us to do.

So "cure the sick, raise the dead" (Mt 10:8). The Lord will provide the
power to do what He commands us, even the power to raise the dead.

Prayer: Lord, remove any of my preconceived notions that are not Yours.
Pour out Your Spirit on us, that we may raise both the physically dead and
the spiritually dead.

Promise: "You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe; we
are convinced that You are God's Holy One." —Jn 6:68-69

Praise: As a new bishop, St. Athanasius went on retreat with Anthony of
the Desert. Later, he faithfully suffered lawsuits, persecution, and
misunderstanding for love of his God.

(For a related teaching, order our tape "I Believe in Miracles" on audio
AV 63-3 or video V-63.)

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

Read the latest issue of Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth entitled
"Religious Vocations" at:
--> http://www.presentationministries.com/BST/latestBST.asp

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

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Friday, May 1, 2009

ST. JOSEPH WORKS - One Bread, One Body, 5/1/2009

Friday, May 1, 2009, St. Joseph the Worker

Genesis 1:26—2:3 or, Colossians 3:14-15, 17, 23-24, Psalm 90, Matthew
13:54-58
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/050109.shtml

ST. JOSEPH WORKS

"Isn't this the carpenter's Son?" —Matthew 13:55

For decades, May Day was the occasion for Communist countries to parade
their military power. On this day in 1955, Pope Pius XII inaugurated the
celebration of St. Joseph the Worker. It seemed comical, even absurd, to
raise up Joseph to challenge the Communist military machine on its May Day
march, but look at what has happened! The disintegration of Communism is
often attributed to the Lord working through Mary. Mary's Fatima
prophecies definitely have had much to do with the upheaval in the former
Soviet Union, the Baltic States, and Eastern Europe.

However, we shouldn't overlook that the Lord has transformed the world
through Joseph and through simple, common, obscure workers like him.
Therefore, "whatever you do, work at it with your whole being. Do it for
the Lord rather than for men" (Col 3:23). "Be slaves of Christ the Lord"
(Col 3:24).

Our obscure lives and routine work can change the world if we have faith
enough to work for Jesus. The Lord is speaking to us: "Take courage, all
you people of the land, says the Lord, and work! For I am with you, says
the Lord of hosts" (Hg 2:4).

Prayer: Father, thank You for using the little people, the "nobodies," to
transform this world (see 1 Cor 1:28).

Promise: "God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it He
rested from all the work He had done in creation." —Gn 2:3

Praise: St. Joseph worked with his whole being to serve his family. He is
the patron of the universal Church. Praise You, Lord, for choosing to work
so powerfully through St. Joseph!

(For a related teaching, order our leaflet "Job Performance for Jesus" or
on audio AV 43-4 or video V-43.)

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

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