Sunday, August 17, 2014, 20th Sunday Ordinary Time
Isaiah 56:1, 6-7, Romans 11:13-15, 29-32, Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8, Matthew 15:21-28
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081714.cfm
WHAT IS JESUS TEACHING US TODAY?
Jesus "withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon." -Matthew 15:21
Let's look at today's Gospel passage of a "politically incorrect" interaction from the viewpoint of discipleship. Jesus took his disciples into Tyre and Sidon, a pagan, Gentile stronghold. Jesus wanted to retreat far away from Jewish territory and spend undisturbed time with His disciples, teaching them in a "retreat." In all contexts, Jesus was always teaching His disciples.
How did Jesus teach the disciples in this interaction?
* Jesus ignores the Gentile woman (Mt 15:23). The disciples, and all Jews, had ignored Gentiles their entire lives, and Jesus illustrated their behavior back to them.
* Next, the disciples told Jesus to send the woman away (Mt 15:23). Again, Jesus teaches His disciples, by not sending her away. Disciples are supposed to bring people to Jesus, not send them away.
* Third, Jesus refers to the woman, and all Gentiles, as "dogs" (Mt 15:26). He is showing the disciples how callously they have been treating Gentiles their entire lives.
* Finally, Jesus teaches His disciples the great lesson that Gentiles also hunger for God's love and healing, as do the Jews. Jesus treated the woman as the disciples had been treating her. Then He treated her as God wanted and healed her daughter (Mt 15:28).
The disciples got the message, for Peter later baptized many Gentiles (Acts 10:48). Will we get the message? Are we lovingly bringing people to Jesus or rudely sending them away?
Prayer: Jesus, when You hold a mirror in front of me, may I see the reality of my life, repent, and live as Your faithful servant.
Promise: "God's gifts and His call are irrevocable." -Rm 11:29
Praise: Praise You, risen Lord Jesus, Teacher, Master, and Lord! Glory and praise to You forever and ever!
(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, 2014 through September 30, 2014
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 19, 2014
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 © 2014 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
Our Main Sponsor
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Saturday, August 16, 2014
YOUNG-STIR - One Bread, One Body, 8/16/2014
Saturday, August 16, 2014, St. Stephen of Hungary
Ezekiel 18:1-10, 13, 30-32, Psalm 51:12-15, 18-19, Matthew 19:13-15
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081614.cfm
YOUNG-STIR
"Jesus said, 'Let the children come to Me. Do not hinder them. The kingdom of God belongs to such as these.' " -Matthew 19:14
Do we hinder children from coming to Jesus? When we "celebrate" Mass in a listless way, our youth turn to rock concerts rather than to the Lord for excitement. When we compromise the Gospel with fund-raising, drinking, and gambling, our young people see the contradiction and our hypocrisy. They become turned off to Christianity. When we're ashamed of the Gospel and keep our Christianity to ourselves, our youth are deceived by cults which are not as reluctant as we are to promote their beliefs.
The Lord calls us to reach out to our young people. We should not abandon our children to the secularistic educational system, the sadistic teen culture, or the lying television set. Jesus wants to free our children. He will pray for them and lay His nail-scarred hands on them (Mt 19:13, 15). He is the One they are seeking. He is the Meaning of life. Together with our young people, let's repent and make for ourselves "a new heart and a new spirit" (Ez 18:31). Let the children come to Jesus.
Prayer: Jesus, may I expect millions of young people to turn to You.
Promise: "For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies, says the Lord God. Return and live!" -Ez 18:32
Praise: Though in the high position of king, St. Stephen made certain he was accessible to the poor and oppressed and strove for justice in their treatment.
(For a related teaching, order our tape on How to Get Your Kids to Go to Church" on audio AV 42-3 or on video V-42.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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, 2014 through September 30, 2014
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 19, 2014
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 © 2014 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
Ezekiel 18:1-10, 13, 30-32, Psalm 51:12-15, 18-19, Matthew 19:13-15
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081614.cfm
YOUNG-STIR
"Jesus said, 'Let the children come to Me. Do not hinder them. The kingdom of God belongs to such as these.' " -Matthew 19:14
Do we hinder children from coming to Jesus? When we "celebrate" Mass in a listless way, our youth turn to rock concerts rather than to the Lord for excitement. When we compromise the Gospel with fund-raising, drinking, and gambling, our young people see the contradiction and our hypocrisy. They become turned off to Christianity. When we're ashamed of the Gospel and keep our Christianity to ourselves, our youth are deceived by cults which are not as reluctant as we are to promote their beliefs.
The Lord calls us to reach out to our young people. We should not abandon our children to the secularistic educational system, the sadistic teen culture, or the lying television set. Jesus wants to free our children. He will pray for them and lay His nail-scarred hands on them (Mt 19:13, 15). He is the One they are seeking. He is the Meaning of life. Together with our young people, let's repent and make for ourselves "a new heart and a new spirit" (Ez 18:31). Let the children come to Jesus.
Prayer: Jesus, may I expect millions of young people to turn to You.
Promise: "For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies, says the Lord God. Return and live!" -Ez 18:32
Praise: Though in the high position of king, St. Stephen made certain he was accessible to the poor and oppressed and strove for justice in their treatment.
(For a related teaching, order our tape on How to Get Your Kids to Go to Church" on audio AV 42-3 or on video V-42.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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, 2014 through September 30, 2014
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 19, 2014
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 © 2014 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 15, 2014
JESUS IS GOD - One Bread, One Body, 8/15/2014
Friday, August 15, 2014, Assumption
Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10, 1 Corinthians 15:20-27, Psalm 45:10-12, 16, Luke 1:39-56
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081514.cfm
JESUS IS GOD
"They are borne in with gladness and joy; they enter the palace of the king." -Psalm 45:16
Mary was assumed into heaven because she was immaculately conceived. She was immaculately conceived because she was the mother of God. Thus, Mary's special graces indicate that Jesus, her Son, is God. In other words, this feast day, as well as other Marian feasts, are primarily about Jesus and secondarily about Mary. Elizabeth, Mary's kinswoman, expressed this well when she exclaimed: "But who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Lk 1:43) She called the Baby in Mary's womb "Lord," that is, she called Jesus "God."
Today, on this special feast day, Mary is visiting us as she visited Elizabeth. Mary is a walking tabernacle. She brings Jesus to us, or, more precisely, she brings us to Jesus. The purpose of this holy day is not so much to praise Mary as to praise Jesus with Mary by proclaiming the greatness of the Lord and finding joy in God our Savior (Lk 1:46-47). Mary's purpose in mothering us is to call us to do whatever Jesus tells us (Jn 2:5). She is happiest when we worship and live for Jesus alone.
Prayer: "Mary, assumed into heaven, pray for us who have recourse to thee."
Promise: "Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: 'Now have salvation and power come, the reign of our God and the authority of His Anointed One.' " -Rv 12:10
Praise: Praise Jesus, Son of Man, Son of Mary, and Son of God! Praise Jesus, Lord and God!
(For a related teaching, order our leaflet, Mother Mary, "and our tape on "The Assumption of Mary" on audio AV 81-1 or video V-81.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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, 2014 through September 30, 2014
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 19, 2014
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 © 2014 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
Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10, 1 Corinthians 15:20-27, Psalm 45:10-12, 16, Luke 1:39-56
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081514.cfm
JESUS IS GOD
"They are borne in with gladness and joy; they enter the palace of the king." -Psalm 45:16
Mary was assumed into heaven because she was immaculately conceived. She was immaculately conceived because she was the mother of God. Thus, Mary's special graces indicate that Jesus, her Son, is God. In other words, this feast day, as well as other Marian feasts, are primarily about Jesus and secondarily about Mary. Elizabeth, Mary's kinswoman, expressed this well when she exclaimed: "But who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Lk 1:43) She called the Baby in Mary's womb "Lord," that is, she called Jesus "God."
Today, on this special feast day, Mary is visiting us as she visited Elizabeth. Mary is a walking tabernacle. She brings Jesus to us, or, more precisely, she brings us to Jesus. The purpose of this holy day is not so much to praise Mary as to praise Jesus with Mary by proclaiming the greatness of the Lord and finding joy in God our Savior (Lk 1:46-47). Mary's purpose in mothering us is to call us to do whatever Jesus tells us (Jn 2:5). She is happiest when we worship and live for Jesus alone.
Prayer: "Mary, assumed into heaven, pray for us who have recourse to thee."
Promise: "Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: 'Now have salvation and power come, the reign of our God and the authority of His Anointed One.' " -Rv 12:10
Praise: Praise Jesus, Son of Man, Son of Mary, and Son of God! Praise Jesus, Lord and God!
(For a related teaching, order our leaflet, Mother Mary, "and our tape on "The Assumption of Mary" on audio AV 81-1 or video V-81.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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, 2014 through September 30, 2014
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 19, 2014
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 © 2014 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 14, 2014
THE MIRACLES OF FORGIVENESS - One Bread, One Body, 8/14/2014
Thursday, August 14, 2014, St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe
Ezekiel 12:1-12, Psalm 78:56-59, 61-62, Matthew 18:21-19:1
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081414.cfm
THE MIRACLES OF FORGIVENESS
"My heavenly Father will treat you in exactly the same way unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart." -Matthew 18:35
We must forgive:
* everyone for every sin (see Mt 6:12),
* 70 x 7 (Mt 18:22),
* immediately (Mt 5:23-25),
* enemies (see Mt 5:39ff),
* those who apologize (Lk 17:4) and those who don't,
* those who keep sinning against us (Lk 23:34), and
* from our hearts (Mt 18:35).
Obviously, it is humanly impossible to forgive by God's standards. "To err is human; to forgive is divine." Yet we must forgive, or we will not be forgiven (Mt 6:14-15). We are in an impossible situation. We need the Savior. We need Jesus. He is divine, and He will immediately give us His divine power to forgive.
By Jesus' grace, decide to forgive all for every sin committed against you. Verbally state your decision. Say: "By the power of Jesus, I decide to forgive (name) for (sin)." Now, like the father of the prodigal son, show love and mercy to those whom you are forgiving (see Lk 15:20ff). Receive the miracle of forgiveness immediately.
Prayer: Father, make me a minister of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18). Show me what You mean by this.
Promise: "I canceled your entire debt when you pleaded with me. Should you not have dealt mercifully with your fellow servant, as I dealt with you?" -Mt 18:32-33
Praise: Suffering a nearly fatal illness only deepened St. Maximilian's efforts in spreading God's truth and defending the faith.
(For a related teaching, order our leaflet, "Fourteen Questions on Forgiveness", or our audio on "Forgiveness", AV 106A-1, AV 106A-3, AV 106B-1 or our video V-106A, V-106B.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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, 2014 through September 30, 2014
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 19, 2014
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 © 2014 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
Ezekiel 12:1-12, Psalm 78:56-59, 61-62, Matthew 18:21-19:1
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081414.cfm
THE MIRACLES OF FORGIVENESS
"My heavenly Father will treat you in exactly the same way unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart." -Matthew 18:35
We must forgive:
* everyone for every sin (see Mt 6:12),
* 70 x 7 (Mt 18:22),
* immediately (Mt 5:23-25),
* enemies (see Mt 5:39ff),
* those who apologize (Lk 17:4) and those who don't,
* those who keep sinning against us (Lk 23:34), and
* from our hearts (Mt 18:35).
Obviously, it is humanly impossible to forgive by God's standards. "To err is human; to forgive is divine." Yet we must forgive, or we will not be forgiven (Mt 6:14-15). We are in an impossible situation. We need the Savior. We need Jesus. He is divine, and He will immediately give us His divine power to forgive.
By Jesus' grace, decide to forgive all for every sin committed against you. Verbally state your decision. Say: "By the power of Jesus, I decide to forgive (name) for (sin)." Now, like the father of the prodigal son, show love and mercy to those whom you are forgiving (see Lk 15:20ff). Receive the miracle of forgiveness immediately.
Prayer: Father, make me a minister of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18). Show me what You mean by this.
Promise: "I canceled your entire debt when you pleaded with me. Should you not have dealt mercifully with your fellow servant, as I dealt with you?" -Mt 18:32-33
Praise: Suffering a nearly fatal illness only deepened St. Maximilian's efforts in spreading God's truth and defending the faith.
(For a related teaching, order our leaflet, "Fourteen Questions on Forgiveness", or our audio on "Forgiveness", AV 106A-1, AV 106A-3, AV 106B-1 or our video V-106A, V-106B.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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, 2014 through September 30, 2014
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 19, 2014
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 © 2014 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 13, 2014
ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC, APOSTOLIC CHURCH - One Bread, One Body, 8/13/2014
Wednesday, August 13, 2014, Sts. Pontian & Hippolytus
Ezekiel 9:1-7; 10:18-22, Psalm 113:1-6, Matthew 18:15-20
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081314.cfm
ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC, APOSTOLIC CHURCH
"Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in their midst." -Matthew 18:20
The body of Christ has been split between Orthodox and Catholic for almost 1000 years. Protestants separated from Catholics about 500 years ago. Then Protestants splintered into thousands of denominations within which are many other divisions. We've always lived in a severely divided Church, in Christ's terribly broken body. No one living has ever seen the Church united.
We have learned to live with disunity. It's difficult for us to fathom Jesus' high-priestly prayer that we become one as He and the Father are one (Jn 17:21). However, the Lord is calling us to "make every effort to preserve the unity" we have and restore the unity we've lost (Eph 4:3). We must leave our gift at the altar and go to be reconciled with our brothers and sisters (Mt 5:23ff). We have the responsibility to correct those who have wronged us and also be open to correction if we have wronged others (see Mt 18:15). Moreover, we must be peacemakers (Mt 5:9), ministers of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18), and witnesses (Mt 18:16) in order to help others resolve their disagreements. If necessary, we should call on our pastors to bring about unity in problem situations (Mt 18:17). The Church may even have to acknowledge that those in disunity have in effect excommunicated themselves (Mt 18:17). A person's decision to be excommunicated is officially accepted by the Church primarily to encourage that person to decide to return to communion with the Church.
These means for restoring unity may seem extreme, but not if we have Jesus' heart for His broken body, the Church.
Prayer: Father, may I be willing to pray daily and even die to re-unite Your Church (see Pope John Paul II's encyclical, That They Be One, 102).
Promise: "From the rising to the setting of the sun is the name of the Lord to be praised." -Ps 113:3
Praise: Sts. Pontian and Hippolytus forgave their bitter enemies - each other.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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, 2014 through September 30, 2014
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 19, 2014
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 © 2014 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
Ezekiel 9:1-7; 10:18-22, Psalm 113:1-6, Matthew 18:15-20
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081314.cfm
ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC, APOSTOLIC CHURCH
"Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in their midst." -Matthew 18:20
The body of Christ has been split between Orthodox and Catholic for almost 1000 years. Protestants separated from Catholics about 500 years ago. Then Protestants splintered into thousands of denominations within which are many other divisions. We've always lived in a severely divided Church, in Christ's terribly broken body. No one living has ever seen the Church united.
We have learned to live with disunity. It's difficult for us to fathom Jesus' high-priestly prayer that we become one as He and the Father are one (Jn 17:21). However, the Lord is calling us to "make every effort to preserve the unity" we have and restore the unity we've lost (Eph 4:3). We must leave our gift at the altar and go to be reconciled with our brothers and sisters (Mt 5:23ff). We have the responsibility to correct those who have wronged us and also be open to correction if we have wronged others (see Mt 18:15). Moreover, we must be peacemakers (Mt 5:9), ministers of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18), and witnesses (Mt 18:16) in order to help others resolve their disagreements. If necessary, we should call on our pastors to bring about unity in problem situations (Mt 18:17). The Church may even have to acknowledge that those in disunity have in effect excommunicated themselves (Mt 18:17). A person's decision to be excommunicated is officially accepted by the Church primarily to encourage that person to decide to return to communion with the Church.
These means for restoring unity may seem extreme, but not if we have Jesus' heart for His broken body, the Church.
Prayer: Father, may I be willing to pray daily and even die to re-unite Your Church (see Pope John Paul II's encyclical, That They Be One, 102).
Promise: "From the rising to the setting of the sun is the name of the Lord to be praised." -Ps 113:3
Praise: Sts. Pontian and Hippolytus forgave their bitter enemies - each other.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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, 2014 through September 30, 2014
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 19, 2014
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 © 2014 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 12, 2014
"TASTE AND SEE" (Ps 34:9) - One Bread, One Body, 8/12/2014
Tuesday, August 12, 2014, St. Jane Frances de Chantal
Ezekiel 2:8-3:4, Psalm 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131, Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081214.cfm
"TASTE AND SEE" (Ps 34:9)
"Be not rebellious like this house of rebellion, but open your mouth and eat what I shall give you." -Ezekiel 2:8
Picture a baby in a high chair. No matter what the parents do, the baby refuses to eat, shutting its mouth. That is the picture of many Christians today. We Christians are spiritually anorexic. We refuse to eat what God gives us because we are stuffed with the things the world has brainwashed us into eating (see Prv 13:19). The food of the "feel-good culture," materialism and consumerism, is much more appetizing to us than God's scroll with "lamentation and wailing and woe" written all over it (Ez 2:10).
However, the Lord is commanding us to repent of our eating habits and of anorexia. He commands: "Be as eager for milk as newborn babies - pure milk of the Spirit to make you grow unto salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good" (1 Pt 2:2-3). The Lord warns us: "Not on bread alone is man to live but on every utterance that comes from the mouth of God" (Mt 4:4; Dt 8:3). He commands: "Take this and eat it...this is My body" (Mt 26:26).
Eat what God puts before you, and don't take candy from strangers. "Taste and see how good the Lord is; happy the man who takes refuge in Him" (Ps 34:9).
Prayer: Father, may I eat right.
Promise: "How sweet to my palate are Your promises, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" -Ps 119:103
Praise: St. Jane Frances served faithfully as wife, mother, religious, and foundress, serving God and her neighbor.
(Devour the good news of Jesus by reading the Bible every day. We have several tape series to help you. "Overview of the Bible" is six audio tapes starting with AV 10A-1 or three video tapes starting with V-10A. "15-minute Bible Teaching - New Testament" is forty audio tapes starting with #700. "An Introduction to each Book of the Bible" is 32 audio tapes starting with AV 21-1 or 17 video tapes starting with V-21.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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, 2014 through September 30, 2014
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 19, 2014
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 © 2014 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
Ezekiel 2:8-3:4, Psalm 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131, Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081214.cfm
"TASTE AND SEE" (Ps 34:9)
"Be not rebellious like this house of rebellion, but open your mouth and eat what I shall give you." -Ezekiel 2:8
Picture a baby in a high chair. No matter what the parents do, the baby refuses to eat, shutting its mouth. That is the picture of many Christians today. We Christians are spiritually anorexic. We refuse to eat what God gives us because we are stuffed with the things the world has brainwashed us into eating (see Prv 13:19). The food of the "feel-good culture," materialism and consumerism, is much more appetizing to us than God's scroll with "lamentation and wailing and woe" written all over it (Ez 2:10).
However, the Lord is commanding us to repent of our eating habits and of anorexia. He commands: "Be as eager for milk as newborn babies - pure milk of the Spirit to make you grow unto salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good" (1 Pt 2:2-3). The Lord warns us: "Not on bread alone is man to live but on every utterance that comes from the mouth of God" (Mt 4:4; Dt 8:3). He commands: "Take this and eat it...this is My body" (Mt 26:26).
Eat what God puts before you, and don't take candy from strangers. "Taste and see how good the Lord is; happy the man who takes refuge in Him" (Ps 34:9).
Prayer: Father, may I eat right.
Promise: "How sweet to my palate are Your promises, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" -Ps 119:103
Praise: St. Jane Frances served faithfully as wife, mother, religious, and foundress, serving God and her neighbor.
(Devour the good news of Jesus by reading the Bible every day. We have several tape series to help you. "Overview of the Bible" is six audio tapes starting with AV 10A-1 or three video tapes starting with V-10A. "15-minute Bible Teaching - New Testament" is forty audio tapes starting with #700. "An Introduction to each Book of the Bible" is 32 audio tapes starting with AV 21-1 or 17 video tapes starting with V-21.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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, 2014 through September 30, 2014
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 19, 2014
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 © 2014 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 11, 2014
LIVING IS BELIEVING - One Bread, One Body, 8/11/2014
Monday, August 11, 2014, St. Clare
Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28, Psalm 148:1-2, 11-14, Matthew 17:22-27
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081114.cfm
LIVING IS BELIEVING
"Be this His praise from all His faithful ones, from the children of Israel, the people close to Him." -Psalm 148:14
Peter made a great profession of faith when he acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, "the Son of the living God" (Mt 16:16). However, in ensuing events, Peter showed that he did not fully understand or mean what he professed about Jesus. He refused to accept Jesus' words about the cross (Mt 16:22). How could he have done that if he had truly believed Jesus was the Son of the living God? Also, Peter said that Jesus was responsible to pay the temple tax, although Jesus certainly was exempt as the Son of God (Mt 17:26).
We are like Peter in that we have made great professions of faith. However, we may have spoken the truth about Jesus, all the while denying our words by our actions and lives. If we believe Jesus is God, wouldn't we obey Him and be His witnesses at every opportunity? (see Acts 1:8) Wouldn't we want to receive God Himself daily in Holy Communion? Wouldn't we spend more time with God's Word in the Bible than with man's words on TV or in the newspaper?
Yes, we have said that Jesus is the Messiah, Savior, Lord, and God. Now, we must put our lives where our mouths are.
Prayer: Father, may my life speak the same message as my words - only louder.
Promise: "Like the bow which appears in the clouds on a rainy day was the splendor that surrounded Him." -Ez 1:28
Praise: St. Clare expressed her love for God by patiently bearing illness, doing penance, offering prayers, and remaining devoted to her sisters and town.
(For a related teaching, order our book Living in Reality" or our tapes, either a four-part audio series starting with AV 38-1 or a two-part video series starting with V-38.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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, 2014 through September 30, 2014
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 19, 2014
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 © 2014 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
Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28, Psalm 148:1-2, 11-14, Matthew 17:22-27
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081114.cfm
LIVING IS BELIEVING
"Be this His praise from all His faithful ones, from the children of Israel, the people close to Him." -Psalm 148:14
Peter made a great profession of faith when he acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, "the Son of the living God" (Mt 16:16). However, in ensuing events, Peter showed that he did not fully understand or mean what he professed about Jesus. He refused to accept Jesus' words about the cross (Mt 16:22). How could he have done that if he had truly believed Jesus was the Son of the living God? Also, Peter said that Jesus was responsible to pay the temple tax, although Jesus certainly was exempt as the Son of God (Mt 17:26).
We are like Peter in that we have made great professions of faith. However, we may have spoken the truth about Jesus, all the while denying our words by our actions and lives. If we believe Jesus is God, wouldn't we obey Him and be His witnesses at every opportunity? (see Acts 1:8) Wouldn't we want to receive God Himself daily in Holy Communion? Wouldn't we spend more time with God's Word in the Bible than with man's words on TV or in the newspaper?
Yes, we have said that Jesus is the Messiah, Savior, Lord, and God. Now, we must put our lives where our mouths are.
Prayer: Father, may my life speak the same message as my words - only louder.
Promise: "Like the bow which appears in the clouds on a rainy day was the splendor that surrounded Him." -Ez 1:28
Praise: St. Clare expressed her love for God by patiently bearing illness, doing penance, offering prayers, and remaining devoted to her sisters and town.
(For a related teaching, order our book Living in Reality" or our tapes, either a four-part audio series starting with AV 38-1 or a two-part video series starting with V-38.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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, 2014 through September 30, 2014
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 19, 2014
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 © 2014 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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)