Bible Reflections

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3/28
STARTING OVER?

"I am going out to fish." —John 21:3


Jesus told Peter to leave the fishing business and follow Him (Mt 4:19). Even after meeting the risen Christ several times, Peter denied Christ again and went back into the fishing business. Peter denied Jesus, the Light, and chose the night. "All through the night they caught nothing" (Jn 21:3). Peter was naked (Jn 21:7, NAB) and not clothed with power (Lk 24:49), righteousness (see Eph 6:14), and life in Christ (Eph 4:24). Peter chose night, nothing, and nakedness.

Jesus, in all His mercy, forgave Peter another three times and proceeded to again start from the beginning with Peter. Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him (Jn 21:15-17). Then Jesus did what He had done when He first met Peter: He commanded Peter to follow Him (Jn 21:19). A few days after this, Peter received the Holy Spirit at the first Christian Pentecost and led three thousand people to be baptized into Jesus (Acts 2:41). Peter became the first leader of the Church and a fearless witness for Jesus (see Acts 4:8ff).

Have you squandered your Christian life? Have you lost your first love? (Rv 2:4) Have you forced Jesus to start over with you? If you repent, there is hope. Even if you're starting over, the risen Lord can make you a great leader in His kingdom. Repent!

Prayer: Lord, have mercy on me again.
Promise: "This Jesus is 'the Stone rejected by you the builders Which has become the Cornerstone.' There is no salvation in anyone else, for there is no other name in the whole world given to men by which we are to be saved." —Acts 4:11-12
Praise: After continuous failures and battles with drug addiction, Larry opened up to receive prayers to begin his life anew.

Reflections courtesy of Presentation Ministries

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3/29

Acts 4:13-21
Psalm 118
Mark 16:9-15

AMAZING GRACE

"The questioners were amazed." —Acts 4:13


People who have met the risen Christ are amazing. "Observing the self-assurance of Peter and John, and realizing that the speakers were uneducated men of no standing, the questioners were amazed" (Acts 4:13). Almost everyone must have been amazed that the risen Jesus "first appeared to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons" (Mk 16:9). How could Peter who denied Christ three times, stand before thousands of people, preach fearlessly, and lead three thousand people to Christ at one time? Amazing! How could the persecutor Saul change into the apostle Paul? He must have met the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3ff). Amazing grace!

What about Barnabas selling his farm and donating the money from the sale to the Church? (Acts 4:37) That's amazing, especially for people who think tithing is a big commitment. When Stephen was stoned to death, we can't help but be amazed that he forgave his enemies (Acts 7:60).

One of the most amazing things of all was that Gentiles, such as Cornelius and his family, received the Holy Spirit and thus were obviously included in God's kingdom (Acts 10:44). This was unthinkable to the Jews after centuries of strict separation from Gentiles. The Lord even raised up a church of Gentiles, the church of Antioch (Acts 11:20ff). Absolutely amazing! The amazing people who have met the risen Christ prove how utterly amazing is His resurrection from the dead.

Prayer: Risen Jesus, so transform my lifestyle that others are amazed at me.
Promise: "Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to all creation." —Mk 16:15
Praise: Jake was once drug-addicted and homeless. Jesus set him free from his addiction. Now Jake has found peace in a religious order.

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3/30

CONFESSION

"Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive men's sins, they are forgiven them." —John 20:22-23


In the evening of the day on which Jesus rose from the dead, Jesus came to His disciples, showed them His nail-scarred hands and wounded side, breathed on them, gave them the Holy Spirit, and sent them out (Jn 20:19-22). Jesus sent His disciples out not to just make a general announcement of His resurrection but to specifically invite us to confess our sins and be forgiven (see Jn 20:23; Lk 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 10:43; 13:38).

One of the first acts of the risen Christ was to begin to develop the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the forgiveness of sins. One of the first things we need to do this Easter season is to repent and go to Confession. When we have removed the planks of sin from our own eyes, we can then remove the specks from the eyes of others by calling them to repent, forgive, go to Confession, be forgiven (Mt 7:5), and immerse ourselves in the limitless mercy of God.

Without Confession, our celebration of the Easter season will be aborted and not come to full term. With Confession, we will meet the risen Christ, be sent to proclaim the forgiveness of sins, and celebrate the risen Christ for the full Easter season and for eternity.

Prayer: Father, may my first Confession in this Easter season be life-changing. On this Mercy Sunday, may I experience the depth of Your ocean of mercy as You reconcile me to Yourself.
Promise: The brethren "devoted themselves to the apostles' instruction and the communal life, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." —Acts 2:42
Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, the pure, spotless Lamb of God! Jesus, Mercy of God, I trust in You and praise You forever.

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3/31

LOVE LETTER

"You shall conceive and bear a Son and give Him the name Jesus. Great will be His dignity and He will be called Son of the Most High." —Luke 1:31-32


Today we remember the astonishing fact that God became a baby — a tiny human being attached to the wall of a teenage girl's uterus. The almighty, infinite God became human flesh smaller than your fingernail. No one ever imagined it or prayed for it.

God's Incarnation was so astounding that to the present day we don't know what to think of it. Why would He do such a thing? The only response we can make to the mystery of the Incarnation is: "God is Love" (1 Jn 4:16). He does the unimaginable because He is Love. He became a man because He is Love. He let Himself be crucified and put to death because He is Love. He gives us His body and blood in Holy Communion because He is Love.

The announcement of the Annunciation is: "The virgin shall be with Child, and bear a Son, and shall name Him Immanuel" (Is 7:14). The Holy Spirit came upon Mary and the power of the Most High overshadowed her, hence her holy Offspring was called Son of God (Lk 1:35). "The Word became flesh" (Jn 1:14). Love became a human being. Alleluia!

Prayer: Father, thank You for loving us so much as to give Your Son so that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life (Jn 3:16).
Promise: "We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." —Heb 10:10
Praise: "Sick, our nature demanded to be healed; fallen, to be raised up; dead, to rise again. We had lost the possession of the good; it was necessary for it to be given back to us. Closed in the darkness, it was necessary to bring us the light; captives, we awaited a Savior; prisoners, help; slaves, a liberator. Are these things minor or insignificant? Did they not move God to descend to human nature and visit it, since humanity was in so miserable and unhappy a state?" (Catechism, 457) Alleluia!

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4/1

WHAT!?!

"The community of believers were of one heart and one mind. None of them ever claimed anything as his own; rather, everything was held in common." —Acts 4:32


Go back and re-read the above verse. Then close your eyes for a moment and picture the lifestyle of the early Christians. Our ancestors in faith "were of one heart and one mind. None of them ever claimed anything as his own; rather, everything was held in common" (Acts 4:32). "Nor was there anyone needy among them, for all who owned property or houses sold them and donated the proceeds. They used to lay them at the feet of the apostles to be distributed to everyone according to his need" (Acts 4:34-35). This is the lifestyle in faith we inherited from the early Christians.

You might say it's impossible to live a lifestyle like that in today's world. You would be correct. To live like the early Christians, you'd need to "be begotten from above" (Jn 3:7). You'd have to daily live the "radical newness of the Christian life that comes from Baptism" (Lay Members of Christ's Faithful People, 10). You would need to have a moment by moment, unfailing trust in the constant providence of your heavenly Father to provide everything you need (Mt 6:8, 11). Does this lifestyle of faith resemble yours?

If we listed each of our possessions, we could probably manage to justify to ourselves a reason for owning each item. However, could we justify it to the poor, who need our help now? Could we justify ourselves to the early Christians? Can we justify our lifestyle to Jesus?

Prayer: Lord, do I really trust You? Do I truly believe Your promises to provide for me? May I live my Baptism in radical newness.
Promise: "Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that all who believe may have eternal life in Him." —Jn 3:14-15
Praise: Imitating the simple lifestyle of Jesus, Joseph sold his car and now rides to work and church on a bicycle.

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4/2

OVER THESE PRISON WALLS WE SHALL FLY!

"We found the jail securely locked and the guards at their posts outside the gates, but when we opened it we found no one inside." —Acts 5:23


Listen to the guards talking outside the prison walls...

"Look at him! That bum's been an alcoholic for twenty years! What's he doing holding down a steady job? Look, he's witnessing to his co-workers about how Jesus delivered him from the bottle. He can't do that. Let's talk some sense into him..."

"What's happened to her? She's been shy and meek all her life. What's she doing praying in front of the abortion clinic? She can't do that. It's making people angry. We've got to stop her..."

"Look at Father! He's been a quiet priest all these years. Why is he suddenly trying to renew our parish? He must have a hidden agenda. We'd better talk to the bishop..."

The world thinks it has overcome Christians by putting them in jails called "acceptable behavior." How surprised they are when Jesus snaps the chains that bind us and sets us free in the open! (Ps 18:20) When we receive the Holy Spirit, we act in truth and come into the light to glorify God by our deeds (Jn 3:21). Since the world hates the light (Jn 3:20), they will want to throw us back into our old prisons (Acts 5:26). But Jesus has set us free, and we are free indeed! (Jn 8:36)

"So stand firm, and do not take on yourselves the yoke of slavery a second time!" (Gal 5:1) "Go out now and take your place" (Acts 5:20).

Prayer: Father, You so loved the world that You sent Your only Son to save us (Jn 3:16). I am all Yours. Use me as You will.
Promise: "God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him." —Jn 3:17
Praise: St. Francis broke through the culturally-imposed jail of a typical teenager and gave his life to Jesus at the age of 13.

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4/3

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE AND THE SPIRIT

"We gave you strict orders not to teach about that name, yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching." —Acts 5:28


Peter and the apostles proclaimed that the Holy Spirit was given to those who obey God (Acts 5:32). Jesus promised an unrationed outpouring of the Holy Spirit to those who believed in and obeyed Him (Jn 3:34, 36). Receiving the Holy Spirit is intimately connected with obedience.

Peter and the apostles replied to the Sanhedrin: "Better for us to obey God than men!" (Acts 5:29) When the apostles mentioned obedience to God, they contrasted this with civil disobedience, that is, disobedience to man. In effect, the apostles were saying that the Holy Spirit is given to those who obey God by disobeying the Sanhedrin's prohibition of witnessing for Jesus. The Sanhedrin did not miss the point. Upon hearing the apostles' comment, they "were stung to fury and wanted to kill them" (Acts 5:33).

To receive the Spirit, we must obey God rather than men. For example, we must stand up for life even when the government demands taxes to finance abortion. We must not laugh at "dirty jokes" or participate in gossip, even when the unwritten laws of the office pressure us into compliance. We must witness for Jesus, even if it is considered out of place by our classmates or co-workers. We must disobey the written and unwritten laws of men which contradict the will of God. Then we will receive an unrationed outpouring of the Spirit (see Jn 3:34).

Prayer: Father, may I consider it a privilege to suffer for love of You (see Acts 5:41). Come, Holy Spirit!
Promise: "Whoever believes in the Son has life eternal. Whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure the wrath of God." —Jn 3:36
Praise: Obeying the Church, Linda spoke to a fellow parishioner who was perpetuating a faulty liturgical practice.

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4/4

FOR BETTER AND FOR WORSE

"Day after day, both in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news of Jesus the Messiah." —Acts 5:42


When Peter and John proclaimed Jesus' resurrection after healing the man born lame, the Sadducees' reaction was anger (Acts 4:2). As the apostles proclaimed the risen Christ through signs and wonders, the high priest and the Sadducees reacted with jealousy (Acts 5:17). They expressed this by having the apostles whipped (Acts 5:40). When Stephen proclaimed the risen Christ, the onlookers responded with violence. They ground their teeth, put their hands over their ears, attacked Stephen, and beat him with stones until they murdered him (Acts 7:54-58).

The more Jesus' disciples proclaimed His resurrection, the more their persecution intensified. The more intense the persecution, the more the disciples continued to proclaim the resurrection. They considered it a privilege to be judged worthy of ill-treatment for the sake of Jesus' name (Acts 5:41). "Both in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news of Jesus" (Acts 5:42).

Are you witnessing for the risen Jesus? Are some people responding with faith and love? Are others filled with anger, jealousy, or violence toward you? How are you taking this? Are you rejoicing in suffering rejection and hostility for love of Jesus? Are you intensifying your proclamation of the risen Christ?

Prayer: Father, may I react to rejection by forgiving and by witnessing for Your Son with increased zeal.
Promise: "A vast crowd kept following Him because they saw the signs He was performing for the sick." —Jn 6:2
Praise: St. Isidore taught, "When God's grace touches our inmost minds to bring understanding, His word which has been received by the ears sinks into the heart."

(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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4/5

WHEN SHEEP MAKE SHEPHERDS

"Look around among your own number, brothers, for seven men acknowledged to be deeply spiritual." —Acts 6:3


"They presented these men to the apostles." —Acts 6:6

Did you notice that the leaders of the early Church placed the responsibility for finding deacons on the "community of the disciples"? (Acts 6:2) That's us! We are to be on the lookout for those who would make good leaders in the Church.

This was new for the early Christians. Jewish priests and Levites were born into their positions. The apostles were called and chosen by Jesus Himself. The early Church, however, called the lay people to raise up future leaders from "among [their] own number" (Acts 6:3).

Our priests and bishops today cannot possibly know each person who may have a call to religious life and other forms of leadership in the Church. They depend on each one of us to do our part in building up the Church. We can do this by:

* asking God to reveal to us those "deeply spiritual and prudent" men and women (Acts 6:3),
* pointing out to these people their gifts,
* encouraging (Heb 10:25) them and praying for them,
* discipling them to be more "spiritual" (Acts 6:3),
* presenting these people to Church leaders by offering to introduce them to vocation directors, paying for them to go on retreats, etc. and
* making disciples (Mt 28:19) by having as many children as God calls us to have and raising them in the faith.

The leaders of the Church are depending on you. "Look around" (Acts 6:3).

Prayer: Father, may I be for You a scout who is full of encouragement (Nm 13:2, 30ff).
Promise: Jesus "told them, 'It is I; do not be afraid.' " —Jn 6:20
Praise: St. Vincent advised priests to ask God "to fill you with charity...; with it you can accomplish what you desire."

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4/6

THE MASS OF THE RESURRECTION

"Then they recounted what had happened on the road and how they had come to know Him in the breaking of bread." —Luke 24:35


On the afternoon of the day on which Jesus rose from the dead, the risen Lord gave us the pattern for Christian worship. We begin with the liturgy of the word. We walk about seven miles with Jesus as He interprets for us "every passage of Scripture which referred to Him" (Lk 24:27). This causes our hearts to burn and be purified (Lk 24:32). Then our eyes are opened to recognize the risen Christ in the breaking of the bread (Lk 24:31).

However, our worship is not over yet. Following the liturgy of the Eucharist, we get up immediately, return to the circumstances of our everyday lives, and recount what has happened to us and how we came to know Jesus "in the breaking of bread" (Lk 24:33, 35). We spread the gospel of God so that those who believe our message "may be offered up as a pleasing sacrifice, consecrated by the Holy Spirit" (Rm 15:16).

Our major way of worshipping God is called "Mass," that is, "Sent." When we worship the Lord in Spirit and truth (Jn 4:24), we not only receive God's word and Holy Communion, we also are sent forth to proclaim the good news. For a complete Mass in the pattern of the risen Jesus, we must go when we are sent and then offer up "as a pleasing sacrifice" those who accept the gospel we share (Rm 15:16). May we make our Mass true to its name.

Prayer: Father, may our Masses have such an impact on society that non-Christian governments will be threatened by them.
Promise: "Conduct yourselves reverently during your sojourn in a strange land." —1 Pt 1:17
Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Whose life, death, and resurrection empower us to "go forth in His name."

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4/7

STAYING FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT

"The Stephen already spoken of was a man filled with grace and power, who worked great wonders and signs among the people." —Acts 6:8


Stephen was described as "a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5). After being falsely accused, threatened, and having people grind their teeth in anger at him (Acts 7:54), Stephen was still described as "filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 7:55).

Many of you reading this have been filled with the Holy Spirit through baptism and confirmation. You may have been renewed in the Holy Spirit through the Life in the Spirit Seminars, a novena to the Holy Spirit, or a special renewal program. Perhaps some of you are no longer filled with the Spirit. You have stifled or saddened the Spirit (1 Thes 5:19; Eph 4:30). Unlike Stephen, when you were hurt and/or rejected, you did not continue to proclaim God's word. You took your eyes off Jesus (see Acts 7:55) and focused on your hurt or the person who hurt you. You did not forgive (see Acts 7:60), so you are no longer filled with the Spirit.

Repent of unforgiveness. Repent of taking your eyes off Jesus. Be refilled with the Holy Spirit. Be a Stephen. Be a witness for the risen Christ. Don't center your life around your pain, but bring these hurts to Jesus. In this way, you will no longer stifle the Spirit. The Spirit in Its glory will come to rest on you (1 Pt 4:14).

Prayer: Father, may my reaction to rejection deepen my life in the Spirit.
Promise: "This is the work of God: have faith in the One Whom He sent." —Jn 6:29
Praise: St. John urged, "Be driven by the love of God then, because Jesus Christ died for all."

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4/8


CLOAK AND DAGGER

"You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are always opposing the Holy Spirit just as your fathers did before you." —Acts 7:51


Stephen stated that some people always oppose the Holy Spirit. Peter accused Ananias and Sapphira of lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3). Jesus spoke of the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Mt 12:31).

These expressions are rarely used today. We'd like to think that we do not resist the Spirit much because we don't violently attack people. However, we can be opposing the Spirit in subtle ways. For instance, the Bible says that "Saul, for his part, concurred in the act of killing" (Acts 8:1). Saul was an accomplice in murdering Stephen, the first martyr, but we have no record of Saul touching, hitting, or even speaking to Stephen. We have no record of Saul even helping in any way those who stoned Stephen to death. The only thing the Bible says about Saul is that he stood there while people piled their cloaks at his feet (Acts 7:58). Saul participated in murdering Stephen not by violent activity, but by apathetic passivity. We likewise can oppose the Spirit not only by what we do, but also by what we don't do.

Prayer: Father, get me out of the "cloak room" and into the "upper room" (see Acts 1:13).
Promise: "I Myself am the Bread of Life. No one who comes to Me shall ever be hungry, no one who believes in Me shall ever thirst." —Jn 6:35
Praise: A young adult group accepted the challenge to pray monthly in front of an abortion clinic.

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4/9

RISING EXPECTATIONS

"Philip, for example, went down to the town of Samaria and there proclaimed the Messiah." —Acts 8:5


Philip the deacon is an Easter saint. He shows us that because of the risen Christ:

* whole cities can be converted (Acts 8:14ff; see also Acts 9:35, 42),
* even the "least likely" people, like Samaritans, will enter God's kingdom,
* persecuting the Church will build it up, and
* every member of the family not only can keep the faith, but lead in spreading the gospel (see Acts 21:8-9).

The risen Christ transforms whole cities, Samaritans, a persecuted Church, the members of our families, and ourselves.

The life of Philip encourages us to believe that the risen Christ can do more than we can ever ask for or imagine (Eph 3:20). How many Christians have prayed for whole cities to come to Christ and have expected it to happen? Do we believe Samaritans, Sauls, enemies, persecutors, abortionists, and atheists will be converted to the Lord? Do we pray for the privilege of being persecuted for Jesus? (see Acts 5:41; Phil 1:29) How many Christian parents are merely hoping to get their adult children back in Church? They can't imagine their children or themselves prophesying, healing, preaching, teaching, or leading. Sometimes in our prayer, we don't seem to be aware of Jesus' resurrection and its implications. The life of Philip opens us to a new dimension of life — risen life.

Prayer: Father, because of this Easter season may I never pray the same.
Promise: "No one who comes will I ever reject." —Jn 6:37
Praise: Faithfulness and prayer bore fruit in the lives of the Joneses as they witnessed their adult fallen-away son receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

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4/10

EVANGELIZATION FOR DUMMIES

"An angel of the Lord then addressed himself to Philip: 'Head south toward the road which goes from Jerusalem to Gaza, the desert route.' Philip began the journey." —Acts 8:26


There is currently a best-selling series of computer training books which all have titles ending with "For Dummies." These books contain simple step-by-step directions. They have great popular appeal, because many people feel computers are overwhelming and that they are not smart enough to understand them. Simple, specific directions are exactly what overwhelmed people are looking for. Likewise, the Holy Spirit used this same approach with Philip the deacon in today's first reading.

The Holy Spirit directed Philip step-by-step in evangelizing, giving him specific, achievable directions. Anyone can head south down a specific road and catch up with a carriage (Acts 8:26, 29-30). When Philip reached the carriage, all he had to do was follow the eunuch's lead and answer his questions. The eunuch made it easy on Philip by orchestrating his own baptism. All Philip had to do was hear simple directions and obey them. Because he did, the gospel was carried to the continent of Africa.

The task of evangelizing a neighborhood, town, or nation can seem overwhelming. If we focus on our own abilities, it is overwhelming. However, the Holy Spirit has everything planned. All we need to do is listen to the Spirit and be ready and willing to follow His directions.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, may I focus on You and not on myself.
Promise: "I Myself am the Living Bread come down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread he shall live forever; the bread I will give is My flesh, for the life of the world." —Jn 6:51
Praise: Following the Holy Spirit, Abby invited local youth to her parish's adoration time, then to her house for dinner afterwards.

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4/11

PRAYING UP A STORM

"He is there praying." —Acts 9:12


The early Church was a praying Church. The Church was born at Pentecost after a nine-day gestation period of prayer (see Acts 1:14). After Pentecost, the Church devoted itself to prayer (Acts 2:42). So powerful were the Church's prayers that sometimes the building where the Church prayed shook (Acts 4:31). The apostles concentrated on prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:4). The early Church was a praying Church.

The immediate results of the Church's prayers were mixed. The number of disciples "enormously increased" (Acts 6:7), but persecution against the Church likewise increased. The more the Church prayed, the better and the worse it got. Finally, Stephen, one of the first deacons, was murdered, martyred, stoned to death. How's that for an answer to prayer? Nonetheless, the Church kept praying. Soon, a Samaritan town came to Christ (Acts 8:14), an Ethiopian was baptized and took the gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 8:38), and Saul, the dreaded persecutor of the Church, was baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17-18).

Prayer changes things. It can change opposition into persecution and murder, and persecution and murder into the evangelization of the world. In this Easter season, pray as if your life and the salvation of others depended on it.

Prayer: Father, may I pray up a storm of persecution and evangelization.
Promise: "Let Me solemnly assure you, if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you." —Jn 6:53
Praise: St. Stanislaus marveled that "as we do battle and fight in the contest of faith, God, His angels, and Christ Himself watch us."

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4/12

THE COMPANY LINE

"From this time on, many of His disciples broke away and would not remain in His company any longer." —John 6:66


What on earth could Jesus have possibly said that would result in many of His disciples refusing to remain in His company? He said something "hard to endure" and take seriously (Jn 6:60):

* "I Myself am the living bread come down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread he shall live forever; the bread I will give is My flesh, for the life of the world" (Jn 6:51).
* "If you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you" (Jn 6:53).
* "He who feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood has life eternal, and I will raise him up on the last day" (Jn 6:54).
* "My flesh is real food and My blood real drink. The man who feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in Him" (Jn 6:55-56).
* "Just as the Father Who has life sent Me and I have life because of the Father, so the man who feeds on Me will have life because of Me" (Jn 6:57).
* "The man who feeds on this bread will live forever" (Jn 6:58).

Do these hard words of Jesus "shake your faith"? (Jn 6:61) They're supposed to. Therefore Jesus refused to recant or modify them just to keep the group together. After the disbelieving disciples left, Jesus then spoke to those who remained with Him, people like you and me. All that was left for Jesus to say was: "Do you want to leave Me too?" (Jn 6:67) How will you answer Jesus?

Prayer: Jesus, so many have refused to remain with You. Use me to restore many thousands to You.
Promise: "Jesus Christ cures you!" —Acts 9:34
Praise: Fr. Rick unabashedly spoke truth from the pulpit and was able to clear away the fuzzy thinking of his hearers.

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4/13

PROMISE-KEEPERS

"You must reform and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ." �Acts 2:38


"Those who accepted his message were baptized; some three thousand were added that day." �Acts 2:41

Three weeks ago, at Easter Sunday Mass, the Church led us to renew our baptismal promises. We prepared for this renewal by forty days of Lenten penance through almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. The Lord wants these baptismal promises to be the center of our year and the foundation of our life in Him.

How aware (see Rm 6:3) are you of having renewed your baptismal promises three weeks ago? Have you turned off the TV after remembering you had rejected all of Satan's empty promises? Have you decided not to buy something because you had rejected all of Satan's works? When you are tempted to be manipulated by fear, do you resist because you believe God is your Father? Has your faith in Jesus' lordship affected your decision-making? Has your belief in the Holy Spirit noticeably affected your lifestyle?

On Easter Sunday, when we renewed our baptismal promises, we repented from all our sins, accepted Jesus as Savior, Lord, and God, sold all that we had to enter God's kingdom (Mt 13:44-46), and surrendered our lives to the Holy Spirit. Now we must keep and apply the promises we've made.

Prayer: Father, may I help someone realize what he or she did when renewing their baptismal promises.
Promise: "I came that they might have life and have it to the full." �Jn 10:10
Praise: Praise Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2). Alleluia!

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4/14

PASS INTERFERENCE

"If God was giving them the same gift He gave us when we first believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to interfere with Him?" —Acts 11:17


The Lord is always actively showing His love for us in His wondrous plan of salvation. We would like to think we are participating in and promoting His works, but it's possible that we are interfering with them. For instance, Peter thought he would have been interfering with the Lord if he hadn't baptized the Gentile Cornelius and his household. Gamaliel, a highly regarded Pharisee, warned the Sanhedrin to have nothing to do with Jesus' apostles because, if the early Church was from God and they persecuted it, the Sanhedrin could find themselves fighting God (Acts 5:38-39). Paul taught: "When you sin thus against your brothers and wound their weak consciences, you are sinning against Christ. Therefore, if food causes my brother to sin I will never eat meat again, so that I may not be an occasion of sin to him" (1 Cor 8:12-13). If we are occasions of sin to others, we interfere with their coming to Christ. Jesus strongly commanded a leper He had healed not to tell anyone but the priest about the healing. However, "the man went off and began to proclaim the whole matter freely, making the story public. As a result of this, it was no longer possible for Jesus to enter a town openly" (Mk 1:45).

When we sin, we interfere with God. In our selfishness and apathy, we interfere with God. The Lord is in the process of giving salvation to each person in the world. He is stopping abortion, starvation, and racism. He is setting the captives free, healing the sick, and restoring marriages and families. Please don't interfere.

Prayer: Father, may I interfere with the devil and not with
Promise: You. Jesus said: "I am the Good Shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me." —Jn 10:14
Praise: When George walks into the lunchroom, he sees the consciences of his co-workers start working again.

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4/15

TRUE OR FALSE?

"You refuse to believe because you are not My sheep." —John 10:26


Some leaders in the Church do not believe in Jesus. They bear "the title 'brother' " and enjoy the status within the Church, but they do not live holy lives, nor do they intend to repent (see 1 Cor 5:11). They are false brothers and sisters (Gal 2:4). Satan makes use of their position in the Church to lead people away from their "sincere and complete devotion to Christ" (2 Cor 11:3, 13-14).

How can you discern if someone is a false Christian and thereby prevent him or her from influencing you and others? (1 Cor 5:11)

* They "belong to the world...theirs is the language of the world and...the world listens to them" (1 Jn 4:5). How does their talk compare to Ephesians 5:3-4?
* They don't acknowledge Jesus Christ as come in the flesh (1 Jn 4:2-3). How do they act in the presence of the Eucharist? Do they acknowledge the Virgin Birth and Mary? Is their devotion real or merely lip-service? (Mt 15:8)
* They do not produce good fruit (see Mt 7:20)."You will know them by their deeds" (Mt 7:16). Do they bear the undeniable fruit of holiness, faithfulness, and the fruit of the Spirit? (see Gal 5:22) Have many come to conversion or lasting faith through their leadership?
* They don't use the sacrament of Confession.
* They rebel against or even leave the Church (1 Jn 2:19).

"Do not be led astray any longer. 'Bad company corrupts good morals' " (1 Cor 15:33).

Prayer: Jesus, may false Christians come to know you as Lord, Savior, and God, repent deeply, and bear lasting fruit for You.
Promise: "No one shall snatch [My sheep] out of My hand." —Jn 10:28
Praise: After realizing she was in the choir to glorify herself and not God, Maria took some time off to re-orient.

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4/16

HIS WORD IS LIFE

"They proclaimed the word of God." —Acts 13:5


After rising from the dead, Jesus spent the afternoon and the evening explaining the Bible (Lk 24:27). When God's word comes alive in our hearts (Lk 24:45), we will be ready to recognize Jesus alive and risen from the dead. We realize we can't live on bread alone, but on every word which comes from the mouth of God (Mt 4:4). With St. Jerome, we see more and more that "ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ" (Catechism, 133). We are committed to spread God's word (Acts 12:24) "in any and every way" (see Phil 1:18). As a resurrection-people who have found God's word and made it the joy and the happiness of our hearts (Jer 15:16), we have experienced God's word as spirit and life (Jn 6:63). We know our response to God's word will determine where we spend eternity. We will be judged by the word (Jn 12:48).

Therefore, teaching God's word is extremely important. We are privileged to do it through this book, One Bread, One Body. Thanks to all who make this ministry of the word possible. Thanks to those who work in this ministry, distribute books, and contribute money. Thanks to all who hear the word of God and act on it (Lk 8:21). Praise Jesus, the living Word of God!

Prayer: Father, may Your word have its rightful place in my life.
Promise: "After they had fasted and prayed, they imposed hands on them and sent them off." —Acts 13:3
Praise: Even while dying in a nursing home, Rhonda continued to distribute One Bread, One Body booklets to fellow patients and staff.

(We have several tape series to help you read the Bible every day. 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.)

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4/17

SENT, NOT WENT

"I solemnly assure you, he who accepts anyone I send accepts Me, and in accepting Me accepts Him Who sent Me." —John 13:20


On the evening of the first resurrection day, the risen Jesus said to us: "As the Father has sent Me, so I send you" (Jn 20:21).

The Father sent the Son to reveal His love for the world (Jn 3:16). In the same way, we are sent to reveal the Father's love. The Father sent the Son to preach the good news of liberation and restoration to the poor (Lk 4:18). We likewise proclaim the eternal jubilee year (Lk 4:19).

The Father sent Jesus to destroy the devil's works (1 Jn 3:8). We too are sent to attack the gates of hell (see Mt 16:18) and to quickly crush Satan under our feet (Rm 16:20).

The Father sent Jesus to do good works and heal "all who were in the grip of the devil" (Acts 10:38). The Father sends us to do the works of Jesus "and greater far than these" (Jn 14:12). The Father sent the Son to die and rise; so we die to ourselves, take up our cross daily (Lk 9:23), and share in Jesus' resurrection.

Christians don't do their own thing or go their own way. They go only where they are sent. They go to the highways and byways (see Lk 14:23) and even to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Eventually, the Father sends them to their death and resurrection.

Prayer: Father, here I am, send me (Is 6:8) anywhere.
Promise: "The favors of the Lord I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim Your faithfulness." —Ps 89:2
Praise: Mark, a young college graduate, has chosen to teach at a small, inner-city Catholic school because that is where God sent him.

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4/18

Lord, I have been so defeated by circumstances. I have felt like
an animal trapped in a corner with nowhere to flee. Where are You in
all this, Lord? The night is dark. I cannot feel Your presence. Help me
to know that the darkness is really "Shade of Your hand, outstretched
caressingly"; that the "hemming in" is Your doing. Perhaps there was
no other way You could get my full attention, no other way I would
allow You to demonstrate what You can do in my life. I see now that
the emptier my cup is, the more space there is to receive Your love
and supply.
-- Catherine Marshall

One hour of eternity, one moment with the Lord, will make us
utterly forget a lifetime of desolations.
-- H. Bonar

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4/19

ABBA-POWER

"I solemnly assure you, the man who has faith in Me will do the works I do, and greater far than these." —John 14:12


The Lord promises us that we will do far greater works than He did (Jn 14:12). We know of Jesus raising people from the dead, healing countless sick people, driving out legions of demons, walking on water, multiplying the loaves and fish, transforming the most hardened hearts, etc. How can we do these things? How can we surpass these works?

The answer Jesus gave to these questions is: "Because I go to the Father" (Jn 14:12). Because of Jesus' relationship with the Father and because of our relationship with the Father through Him, we can do far greater works than Jesus did. When Jesus went to the Father, They sent the Holy Spirit to cry out in our hearts "Abba," "Father" (Gal 4:6; Rm 8:15). When by the Holy Spirit we are secure in our Father's love, by faith we can move mountains (Mt 17:20) that Jesus never moved during His public ministry. We can bring down the strongholds that have been raised up in opposition to Christ (2 Cor 10:4). We can lead hundreds and thousands into His kingdom.

However, only those secure in the Father's love believe this and do it. Cry out "Abba," do far greater works than Jesus did, and change the world.

Prayer: Abba...
Promise: "The disciples could not but be filled with joy and the Holy Spirit." —Acts 13:52
Praise: Sometimes when especially weary and broken, Marta spiritually climbs into the lap of her Heavenly Father and is renewed by His presence.

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4/20

THE COMPLAINT DEPARTMENT

"In those days, as the number of disciples grew, the ones who spoke Greek complained that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food." —Acts 6:1


Is any group complaining in your church, community, family, or ministry? You may be thinking of handling the problem yourself, but watch out. The time you devote to dealing with the complaints may take away from your ministry of the word (see Acts 6:2). Rather, you may be called to raise up new leaders while you concentrate on prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:3-4).

Complaints can result in a cycle of overload for leaders, distraction from priorities, burnout, and more complaints. Conversely, complaints can lead to the raising up of new leadership (see Ex 18:13-26), the strengthening of older leaders, increased evangelization, and unity in the Christian community. When complaints lead to new leaders being raised up and not older leaders being distracted from their priorities, the word of God continues "to spread, while at the same time the number of the disciples" enormously increases (Acts 6:7).

Complaints are raw materials for the best or worst. Complaints are not necessarily good or bad in themselves, but how we deal with them will often be very good or very bad. May we respond to today's complaints in such a way as to lead to the greatest Pentecost ever three weeks from today.

Prayer: Father, may I immediately refer all complaints to You.
Promise: "Come to Him, a living Stone, rejected by men but approved, nonetheless, and precious in God's eyes." —1 Pt 2:4
Praise: Praise the risen Lord Who has denied us no good thing!

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4/21

THAT'S A KEEPER

"He who does not love Me does not keep My words." —John 14:24


The Greek word, tereo, is used three times in today's Gospel passage. The New American Bible translates this rich word with three different meanings. "He who obeys the commandments he has from Me is the man who loves Me" (Jn 14:21). "Anyone who loves Me will be true to My word" (Jn 14:23). "He who does not love Me does not keep My words" (Jn 14:24).

Studying the meaning of this Greek word helps us to better understand how Jesus wants us to keep His words.

1. We must guard His word within us, to prevent it from escaping our hearts. The same word is used several times in Acts referring to prison guards keeping their prisoners in their cell (Acts 12:5, 6; 16:23; 24:23; 25:4, 21). How many words from God have escaped from your memory this year?
2. We are to observe His words, that is, fulfill and obey them. The word is used in the passage: "If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments" (Mt 19:17).
3. We must keep, that is, preserve, His words. The word is used in the passages: "Make every effort to preserve the unity which has the Spirit as its origin" (Eph 4:3). "What you have done is keep the choice wine until now" (Jn 2:10).
4. We must be faithful and true to His words (Jn 14:23), loyally holding fast to them no matter the risk.

"What matters is keeping God's commandments" (1 Cor 7:19).

Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit! Remind us of all that Jesus has told us (Jn 14:26). Give us the love and grace to keep His words.
Promise: "He who loves Me will be loved by My Father. I too will love him and reveal Myself to him." —Jn 14:21
Praise: St. Anselm reminds us God "is Life itself, Light, Wisdom, Goodness, eternal blessings and blessed eternity."

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4/22

NO PAIN, NO GAIN

"They retraced their steps to Lystra." —Acts 14:21


At Lystra, "they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the town, leaving him there for dead. His disciples quickly formed a circle about him, and before long he got up and went back into the town" (Acts 14:19-20). Paul returned to Lystra again (Acts 14:21) and again (Acts 16:1). This is a common pattern in the Christian life. The Lord calls us to return again and again to the place of pain, persecution, and rejection.

The place where we have suffered persecution for Jesus is the most fertile ground for the growth of God's kingdom. Suffering pain in Jesus' name is like planting seed. At the place of pain, we can expect new life. For instance, at Lystra, Paul raised up Timothy to be a new missionary (Acts 16:3). At the place of pain, we receive the miracles of forgiveness, repentance, conversion, healing, and peace.

We naturally are afraid to return to the Lystra of our lives. Yet, we must return, sometimes repeatedly, for the Lord will be present with us there in a most intense way. At Lystra, we will receive the Lord's promise of life to the full (see Jn 10:10). By faith, go back to Lystra as often as the Lord calls you to go.

Prayer: Father, may I rejoice in the measure in which I share Christ's sufferings (1 Pt 4:13) and at the place I shared them.
Promise: " 'Peace' is My farewell to you, My peace is My gift to you; I do not give it to you as the world gives peace. Do not be distressed or fearful." —Jn 14:27
Praise: After being mocked and ignored, Jane didn't want to face her brothers and sisters about their lifestyles, but by the grace of God she does.

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4/23

THE NECESSITY, IMPOSSIBILITY, ANDGRACE OF OBEDIENCE

"If you live in Me, and My words stay part of you, you may ask what you will — it will be done for you." —John 15:7


We will bear fruit abundantly, that is, we will lead people to Christ, if we live in Jesus (Jn 15:5). We live in Jesus by obeying His commandments (see Jn 15:10, 14). Thus, evangelization is a simple matter of obedience to the Lord.

Although obedience is simple, it's the most difficult thing to do. Adam and Eve can testify to that. Look at Jesus' "dreadful" obedience on Calvary. He obeyed even to death on a cross (Phil 2:8). He learned obedience from what He suffered (Heb 5:8).

Although obedience is difficult, even impossible, "nothing is impossible with God" (Lk 1:37). His grace is always sufficient (2 Cor 12:9). We face no temptation for which God does not give us the strength to overcome (1 Cor 10:13). We can always obey. We can't always get our way, accomplish our goals, overcome problems, be accepted, know what we're doing, feel good, etc. Many things are beyond our control, but we can always obey and therefore always bear the fruit of evangelization.

Obeying the Lord is both our problem because it's impossibly difficult and our power because we can always obey by God's grace. We are privileged to lead lives "of obedience to Jesus Christ" (1 Pt 1:2) and thereby lead others to give their lives to Him.

Prayer: Father, may I obey You by submitting to authority.
Promise: "The church saw them off and they made their way through Phoenicia and Samaria, telling everyone about the conversion of the Gentiles as they went. Their story caused great joy." —Acts 15:3
Praise: St. George's great faith and trust in God was the catalyst for the baptisms of many.

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4/24

DEAD SILENCE

"At that the whole assembly fell silent." —Acts 15:12


After Peter talked, the whole assembly was silent. This was probably a "dead silence." Peter had just dropped a bombshell on them, and they were shocked. Peter declared that God no longer made any distinction between Jews and Gentiles (Acts 15:9), that Gentiles were also included in God's chosen people, and that they didn't even need to be circumcised. Jesus had clearly made a distinction between Jews and Gentiles (see Mt 7:6; 10:5; 15:24), but said that this would change (see Mt 28:19). Peter stated that the time for the change was now. This was such a shocking revelation that its acceptance by the Jewish Christian leaders in Jerusalem was truly miraculous. Although riots later broke out over related issues (see Acts 21:30ff), the Church which was originally all-Jewish set forth on a course toward becoming almost all-Gentile.

When the Lord says something to you which is absolutely shocking, when your reaction is "dead silence," do you respond as did the Jewish Christian leaders in Jerusalem? Do you obey the Lord? Or are there certain things the Lord could never get through to you? Would you be a priest or a religious if God said so? Would you be open to reconciliation with an ex-spouse? Would you repent of a sin you have rationalized for years? Would you sell what you have and give to the poor? (Mk 10:21) After "dead silence" comes either the life of obedience or the death of sin. Go from silence to obedience.

Prayer: Father, give me the silence of awe and love of You (see Rv 8:1).
Promise: "All this I tell you that My joy may be yours and your joy may be complete." —Jn 15:11
Praise: St. Fidelis was killed for striving to bring unity to the Church.

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4/25

MARK MY WORDS

"Through all generations my mouth shall proclaim Your faithfulness." —Psalm 89:2


God often chooses the lowly to spread His word. John Mark, the writer of the earliest Gospel, is an encouragement to those of us with a checkered past.

John Mark possibly lacked a fatherly presence in his life, as indicated by the mention only of his mother in the Bible (Acts 12:12). Mark was the cousin of Barnabas (Col 4:10) and accompanied Barnabas and Paul on the first Christian mission (Acts 12:25). Yet John Mark "deserted" them and refused to accompany them (Acts 15:37-38) after the action got rough (Acts 13:13). In addition to fear, Mark also could have been homesick for Jerusalem, or he could have been upset that his cousin was no longer the lead apostle on the mission. This is not the mindset of a fruitful missionary team member, and Paul therefore refused to give Mark a chance to redeem himself on a second mission (Acts 15:38-39). Some Bible scholars speculate that the young man with Jesus in the garden of Gethsemani who was in such a panic to flee from the soldiers that he left his clothes behind was John Mark himself (Mk 14:51-52). If this is true, it adds to Mark's tendency to run away in time of trouble.

Are you like John Mark? Do you have a history from which you can't escape? John Mark persevered, and became a faithful, useful missionary, even a co-worker of Paul (Phlm 24; 2 Tm 4:11). "God makes all things work together for the good of those who love" Him (Rm 8:28), and He is the same today as in Mark's time (Heb 13:8). Give your entire life, warts and all, to the Lord.

Prayer: Father, I'm never useless to You. I am all Yours.
Promise: "The man who believes in [the good news] and accepts baptism will be saved." —Mk 16:15-16
Praise: God gave St. Mark enough second chances that he became an evangelist and a saint.

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4/26

GROW

"The congregations grew stronger in faith and daily increased in numbers." —Acts 16:5


The Lord is very interested in the growth of individuals and congregations. He delights in our growth as a parent delights in their child's first step or first word. The Lord wants congregations to grow both in faith and in numbers (see Acts 16:5). Growing in quality and quantity are not two separate types of growth, but eventually go together. If we truly have a strong faith, we will be strong in evangelizing and leading many to Christ.

The Lord wants every Christian and every Christian congregation to grow in age, wisdom, and grace as He did (see Lk 2:40, 52). He commands us: "Be as eager for milk as newborn babies — pure milk of the Spirit to make you grow unto salvation" (1 Pt 2:2). So let us "grow to the full maturity of Christ the Head. Through Him the whole body grows" (Eph 4:15-16).

The second letter of Peter is possibly the last book of the Bible chronologically. In the last verse of the last chapter of what may be the last book of two thousand years of written, divine revelation, the Lord commands us: "Grow rather in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory be to Him now and to the day of eternity! Amen" (2 Pt 3:18). The last word is "grow."

Prayer: Father, in these last two weeks of the Easter season may I grow by leaps and bounds.
Promise: "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own; the reason it hates you is that you do not belong to the world. But I chose you out of the world." —Jn 15:19
Praise: When Sarah was discouraged by her lack of spiritual growth in one area of her life, her confessor advised her to focus on the cross.

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4/27

ARSONIST

Peter and John "upon arriving imposed hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit." —Acts 8:17


Near the end of Jesus' public ministry, Samaritans would not allow Jesus and his disciples to pass through their town because they were headed toward Jerusalem. St. John the apostle was indignant. He asked Jesus if he could call down fire from heaven to destroy those Samaritans (Lk 9:52-54). Jesus refused him, rebuking John on the spot (Lk 9:55).

Jesus did eventually allow John to call down fire from heaven onto the Samaritans. The deacon Philip had taken the gospel in power to the unbelieving Samaritans, and they received the word of God (Acts 8:5ff). "When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two...prayed that they might receive the Holy Spirit" (Acts 8:15). John laid his hands on those whom he had earlier wished to incinerate, and the fire of God, the Holy Spirit, did fall upon them to consume them with the love of God (Acts 8:17). Jesus gave John his wish, but not in the way John had expected. John had to undergo a bigger conversion than the Samaritans did.

Are there any individuals or groups of people whom you wouldn't mind having God remove from earth? Can you imagine if Jesus eventually used you as His agent to bring these people into new life in the Spirit? If we are to love our enemies, we need that same gut-wrenching conversion John experienced. Repent! Forgive and love your enemies (Lk 6:35). "Receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22).

Prayer: Jesus, send the fire of the Holy Spirit to burn away the hardness in my heart. May I lead thousands to receive the Spirit.
Promise: "He who loves Me will be loved by My Father. I too will love him and reveal Myself to him." —Jn 14:21
Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who has given us the Spirit of Love to even embrace our enemies!

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THE SPIRIT OF MARTYRDOM

"He will bear witness on My behalf. You must bear witness as well." —John 15:26-27


As we near the end of the fifty-day Easter season, we look forward to receiving the Holy Spirit in a new way this Pentecost. When the Spirit comes, He will bear witness for Jesus. He will expect us to bear witness as well (see Acts 1:8).

When we witness for Jesus, we will lead many to Christ and transform the world. However, not everyone will accept our witness. Some will reject Jesus and reject us. Some will even persecute us by expelling us from our churches and putting us to death (Jn 16:2). In doing this, they will claim to be serving God (Jn 16:2). Thus, the word in Greek for "witness," which originally meant "someone who testifies in court," came to be the word for "martyr." So when we receive the Holy Spirit, we become witnesses, that is, martyrs.

A typical Christian might want to be filled with the Holy Spirit, but does not want to be a martyr. However, the two go together. The cost of Pentecost is the cross of martyrdom. We will refuse or stifle the Spirit (1 Thes 5:19) unless we accept martyrdom. Decide to be a martyr-witness. Receive the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Father, may I rejoice in the privilege of suffering for the gospel (see Phil 1:29; Col 1:24).
Promise: "After she and her household had been baptized, she extended us an invitation: 'If you are convinced that I believe in the Lord, come and stay at my house.' She managed to prevail on us." —Acts 16:15
Praise: St. Louis daily lived a life of martyrdom as he chose to teach the roughest children in Paris and was confronted with great opposition.

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4/29

"A FUTURE FULL OF HOPE" (Jer 29:11)

"About midnight, while Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God as their fellow prisoners listened, a severe earthquake suddenly shook the place." —Acts 16:25-26


While evangelizing in Philippi, St. Paul was harassed by a girl who had a spirit of fortune-telling and made a lot of money by predicting the future. Annoyed, Paul took authority, "and said to the spirit, 'In the name of Jesus Christ I command you, come out of her!' Then and there the spirit left her" (Acts 16:18). For this, Paul and Silas were brutally flogged and thrown into prison. Their future looked bleak.

However, Paul and Silas didn't worry about what the future held in store for them. Rather, they focused on praising God in the present. They praised up an earthquake, converted their jailer and his household, and walked away in freedom (Acts 16:25-34).

Satan is still trying to tempt people to focus on the future instead of the present. He sends his evil spirits through fortune-tellers, psychics, those who read palms and tarot cards, ouija boards, and countless other mediums. (His harassment in this area is constant. In fact, as I started typing the previous sentence about evil spirits, my computer program crashed.) If we resist Satan, he will attempt to persecute and intimidate us. Yet, like Paul and Silas, praise the Lord in joyful hope and do not be intimidated (Mt 10:26).

We have a godly way to experience the future — the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. In the Mass, the present is joined to the future, which is eternal life with the Lord in the glory of heaven. In the Mass, heaven and earth are filled with His glory. Attend Mass daily or desire to do so. Celebrate "a future full of hope" (Jer 29:11).

Prayer: Lord, "I will worship at Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name" (Ps 138:2).
Promise: "The prince of this world has been condemned." —Jn 16:11
Praise: St. Catherine wrote: "You are Sweetness and in You there is no taste of bitterness, O Triune God!"

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AN UNBEARABLE RELATIONSHIP

"I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now." —John 16:12


If someone told you he had more to tell you but that you couldn't stand to bear it, how would you feel? You would wonder what this mysterious, presently unendurable revelation is. After Jesus put His disciples in this situation, He told them the Spirit of truth would come to them and guide them to all truth (Jn 16:13). The Spirit of truth does not primarily mean the Spirit of accurate information but the Spirit of true, faithful, committed relationships. This gives us a hint concerning the revelation Jesus' disciples could not endure at that particular time.

Jesus may have been suggesting that His disciples would soon be led by the Spirit into an unthinkable relationship. The most unthinkable and unendurable relationship for a Jew would be as a brother or sister of Gentiles. Within a few months, Jesus removed the barrier of hostility between Jews and Gentiles (Eph 2:14). He made the two into one body, one family (see 1 Cor 12:13).

Is Jesus about to unite you with your enemies, with people of another race, with the poor and marginalized, or with those of another denomination? You may not be able to bear the thought of such a relationship now, but the Spirit of truth will guide you.

Prayer: Father, in the future make me holy through relationships presently unbearable to me.
Promise: "He has set the day on which He is going to 'judge the world with justice' through a Man He has appointed — One Whom He has endorsed in the sight of all by raising Him from the dead." —Acts 17:31
Praise: Pope St. Pius V wrote: "God never ceases to provide the human race with consolations in misfortune."

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5/1

"PERFECT STORM"

"They opposed him and insulted him." —Acts 18:6


As I write this, a storm has just blown in. There's a strong, driving wind outside (compare Acts 2:2). Lightning is darting throughout the sky, and powerful blasts of thunder shake the windows. A tornado siren just sounded. Fire trucks and police cars drive nearby, blaring their sirens. It seems like this storm is turning the town upside down.

Tomorrow we begin praying the Pentecost Novena, nine days of fervent prayer to prepare for receiving a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. What storm will result if you receive the Holy Spirit during or after this Novena? It may mean that:

* you must leave your job, as did St. Joseph (Mt 2:14),
* you start a new job, which becomes the launching pad for a new ministry (Acts 18:3, 5),
* you pack up and move where the Spirit leads (Acts 18:1),
* you lose your spiritual mentor (Jn 16:17) and have to step out and take leadership, as did the apostles,
* you will weep, mourn, and grieve (Jn 16:20),
* you step out in bold obedience to the Holy Spirit, and because of that, your church is instantly divided (Acts 18:4ff),
* talented leaders are converted and raised up (Acts 18:8),
* many hear the word of God and come to believe in Jesus (Acts 18:8), and
* you "shake" off the spiritual and physical debris left by the storm (Acts 18:6), and, undaunted, continue bearing fruit in the power of the Spirit (see Mt 7:24-25).

"Receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22), and let Him "stir" up your world (2 Tm 1:6).

Prayer: Father, may I be more concerned with being separated from the Holy Spirit than I am with having to endure upheaval.
Promise: "Your grief will be turned into joy." —Jn 16:20
Praise: St. Joseph accepted Mary as his wife, thus enduring scandal, rejection, and relocation, and did so joyfully.

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5/2

NINE DAYS TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

"Whatever you ask the Father, He will give you in My name." —John 16:23


Today we begin the Pentecost novena, nine days of prayer in preparation for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday. On this first day of the novena, Jesus tells us to ask for the Spirit in His name (Jn 16:23). Jesus says: "The heavenly Father [will] give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him" (Lk 11:13).

We need these nine days to prepare us to ask rightly (Jas 4:2-3). "We will receive at His hands whatever we ask" provided that "our consciences have nothing to charge us with" (1 Jn 3:22, 21). Thus, Jesus wants us to focus on repentance during this novena.

The disciples who prayed the first Pentecost novena "devoted themselves to constant prayer" (Acts 1:14). Prayer that is constant and communal works! They were filled with the Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Find some people to gather with to pray the novena.

Mary was central to the first Pentecost novena. Imagine how guilty the first disciples felt in abandoning Jesus during His crucifixion and adding to His pain. If you went to the funeral of someone you had hurt badly, imagine how comforted you'd feel to be loved and forgiven by the family of the deceased. Mary was Jesus' mother. Her presence with the disciples during the novena meant forgiveness and restoration.

Repent and go to Confession. Pray with others. Pray with Mary. Receive the Holy Spirit!

Prayer: Father, I ask You in Jesus' name to prepare my heart to be a worthy dwelling place for the Holy Spirit.
Promise: "The Lord said to Paul: 'Do not be afraid. Go on speaking and do not be silenced, for I am with you.' " —Acts 18:9-10
Praise: St. Athanasius taught: "The corruption of death no longer holds any power over mankind, thanks to the Word."

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"IT IS TRUE!" (Lk 24:34)

"Next He was seen by James; then by all the apostles." —1 Corinthians 15:7


The risen Christ "was seen by Cephas, then by the Twelve. After that He was seen by five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still alive, although some have fallen asleep. Next He was seen by James; then by all the apostles. Last of all He was seen by" Paul (1 Cor 15:5-8). These are only a few of many eyewitnesses who saw Jesus risen from the dead. Moreover, well over a billion people from all nations for about two thousand years have believed in Jesus' resurrection. His resurrection is one of the most confirmed facts in history.

Furthermore, the works of the risen Christ testify that He is risen from the dead (see Jn 14:11). Anything we ask in Jesus' name He will do (Jn 14:14). Jesus' works in response to our asking show He is alive.

Throughout Christian history, the lives of millions of people have been dramatically changed by meeting the risen Christ. For example, how can we explain the change in Philip, James, the other apostles, and countless other saints and martyrs? Fearful, selfish men and women suddenly became fearless, self-sacrificing servants of God who even gave their lives for the Lord. Why would anyone give his life for someone he does not even know? They must have met the risen Christ.

Jesus is risen (Lk 24:6). To deny this is to deny reality. Therefore, believe in the risen Christ, live and die for Him, and be His witness.

Prayer: Father, may I live as though I saw a dead Man come out of the grave.
Promise: "I solemnly assure you, the man who has faith in Me will do the works I do, and greater far than these." —Jn 14:12
Praise: "Philip sought out Nathanael and told him, 'We have found the One Moses spoke of in the law — the prophets too — Jesus, Son of Joseph, from Nazareth' " (Jn 1:45).

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5/4

THE ULTIMATE CALL TO PRAYER

"Within a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." —Acts 1:5


Jesus tried to give us the Holy Spirit three times. When He died on Calvary He gave over His Spirit (Jn 19:30), although only a few were present to receive the Spirit. Jesus' second attempt to give us the Holy Spirit was on the first resurrection night. He breathed on His apostles and commanded: "Receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22). It seems that they did not receive because they stayed locked up in the upper room. The Church received the fullness of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, after having devoted themselves to constant prayer for nine days (Acts 1:14).

Prayer is one of the keys to receiving the Holy Spirit. "If [we], with all [our] sins, know how to give [our] children good things, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him" (Lk 11:13). However, Jesus' followers have traditionally had difficulty spending one hour a day with Him in prayer (see Mt 26:40). Like Martha, we are sometimes upset with others who pray and with the Lord Who calls them to pray (see Lk 10:40ff). We must honestly admit that we are not praying people, praying families, or praying couples. However, prayer is necessary to receive the Spirit.

The Ascension of Jesus is the most powerful and successful call to prayer in the Bible. After the Ascension, apostles who didn't pray an hour in the garden of Gethsemani devoted themselves to constant prayer (Acts 1:14). On this holy day of the Ascension, the Lord offers us a special invitation to pray and a gift to pray. Accept the invitation, pray, and receive the Spirit.

Prayer: Father, may the next week of prayer be the best in my life. Jesus, teach me to pray in the Spirit (see Lk 11:1).
Promise: "Know that I am with you always." —Mt 28:20
Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who ascends to the Father and lives forever to intercede for us.

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"REALLY?"

"Do you really believe?" —John 16:31


Jesus' disciples professed their faith by stating: "We are convinced that You know everything. There is no need for anyone to ask You questions. We do indeed believe You came from God" (Jn 16:30). Jesus responded with the question: "Really?" When we profess our faith, does Jesus respond "Amen" or "Really?" Do we mean what we say or are we self-deceived?

The human heart is tortuous, twisted, deceitful (Jer 17:9). The Holy Spirit flees deceit (see Wis 1:5). Therefore, the human heart not only can refuse to accept the Spirit, but even repel the Spirit. Because we cannot please God without the Spirit (see Rm 8:8-9), our deceit and its effect on the Spirit puts us in an impossible situation. Our only Hope is the Lord, Who can change the most hardened, deceitful heart.

On this fourth day of the novena to the Holy Spirit, consecrate your life to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Give Jesus everything, repent of your sins, and ask Him to create in you a clean heart (Ps 51:12). The Sacred Heart of Jesus will cleanse your heart from deceit and give you a new heart (see Ez 36:26). With this new and clean heart, you will not repel the Holy Spirit but embrace Him. You will mean what you say and no longer deceive yourself or others.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Prepare our hearts to receive the Spirit!

Prayer: Father, may I let Mary lay bare the thoughts of my heart (Lk 2:35) to prepare for Jesus to change my heart.
Promise: "As Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came down on them and they began to speak in tongues and to utter prophecies. There were in the company about twelve men in all." —Acts 19:6-7
Praise: Mark had thought himself a believer in Christ until he faced a family crisis and then he really began to understand the depths of God's love.

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5/6

HONEY, I SHRUNK THE CHURCH

"I have never shrunk from announcing to you God's design in its entirety." —Acts 20:27


Satan must be enjoying the shrinking in the Church: the shrinking ranks of priests, religious sisters, and brothers, shrinking faith, shrinking attendance at Mass, shrinking collections, shrinking lines for Confession, shrinking numbers of catechumens, shrinking family sizes, and so on. Numerous seminaries, convents, inner-city parishes, and parochial schools have shrunk so much that they've been closed. Some days it seems that the only thing pertaining to the Church that's not shrinking is the number of people lining up to criticize her.

Historically, when the Church has been shrinking, the Lord has raised up shrink-resistant men and women who never shrink from speaking the total truth of God's plan (Acts 20:27). They insist "solemnly on repentance before God" (Acts 20:21). They never shrink from telling people what is for their good, or from teaching them in every way God's truth (Acts 20:20).

The Holy Spirit lavishes us with grace to expand. Yet we must put aside our old, fearful nature which shrinks from the fear of man. Jesus taught that no one sews a new "unshrunken" cloth onto an old cloth (Mt 9:16), else it would tear loose. We can't mix our old "shrinking-violet" ways with the Holy Spirit. Nothing good comes from shrinking away. As Job proclaims: "What I fear overtakes me, and what I shrink from comes upon me" (Jb 3:25).

Repent of fear. Be shrink-resistant in the Spirit (Acts 2:4). Help the Church expand again. "The Spirit God has given us is no cowardly spirit, but rather One That makes us strong" (2 Tm 1:7).

Prayer: Father, I'm not ashamed of the gospel (Rm 1:16). I'm "proud to profess it in Christ Jesus" (Easter Baptismal Promises).
Promise: "Eternal life is this: to know You, the only true God, and Him Whom You have sent, Jesus Christ." —Jn 17:3
Praise: Once Sarah didn't dare speak out against wrongs she saw. Now in the Spirit she fights boldly for the Truth.

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5/7

"THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT"

"Be on guard, therefore. Do not forget that for three years, night and day, I never ceased warning you individually even to the point of tears." —Acts 20:31


Paul warned the Ephesian Christians individually for three years, night and day. He warned them of "savage wolves" from their own number who would distort the truth and lead astray any who follow them (Acts 20:29-30).

Guarding Christians against false teaching is a major emphasis in the New Testament. Jesus warns us against wolves in sheep's clothing (Mt 7:15) and hireling shepherds who don't protect the sheep (Jn 10:12-13). Paul told Timothy to "stay on in Ephesus in order to warn certain people there against teaching false doctrines" (1 Tm 1:3). He warned Timothy: "The time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but, following their own desires, will surround themselves with teachers who tickle their ears. They will stop listening to the truth and will wander off to fables" (2 Tm 4:3-4).

Using the sword of the Spirit (see Eph 6:17), the Church is to be "the pillar and bulwark of truth" (1 Tm 3:15). In the power of the Spirit of Truth (see Jn 16:13), we are "to fight hard for the faith delivered once for all to the saints" (Jude 3). We "must hold fast to the authentic message, so that [we] will be able both to encourage men to follow sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it. There are many irresponsible teachers" (Ti 1:9-10). "Their lustful ways will lure many away. Through them, the true way will be made subject to contempt" (2 Pt 2:2).

Therefore, "guard the rich deposit of faith with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us" (2 Tm 1:14).

Prayer: Father, on this sixth day of the novena to the Holy Spirit, send the Spirit of truth.
Promise: "I consecrate Myself for their sakes now, that they may be consecrated in truth." —Jn 17:19
Praise: Maureen teaches her students to always pray to the Holy Spirit before reading Scripture.

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5/8

"UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL"

"I pray that they may be [one] in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me." —John 17:21


Jesus prays that we would be one as He and the Father are One. Then the world will believe that the Father sent the Son. The people of the world closely observe Christians fighting with each other. The devil showcases to non-Christians our racism, denominations, divisions, and jealousies. This turns them off to the gospel. Then, with world evangelization stalled through the disunity of Christians, Satan proceeds to massacre babies in the womb, destroy young people, break up marriages, pervert society, promote his kingdom of darkness, and lead people to eternal damnation. We can see why Jesus has prayed for two thousand years that Christians be one.

Jesus' prayer for unity begins to be answered when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the Source of unity (Eph 4:3). "It was in one Spirit that all of us, whether Jew or Greek, slave or free, were baptized into one body" (1 Cor 12:13). We are "one in the Spirit." The Spirit reverses divisions which go back to the first sin and were exacerbated at the tower of Babel (see Gn 11:9). By the Spirit of Pentecost, all nations can once again communicate with each other and be restored to the unity of paradise (see Acts 2:5-11). Then, as at the first Christian Pentecost, the Spirit showcases our unity to lead thousands into God's kingdom (see Acts 2:41), and the strongholds of the devil are destroyed (see 2 Cor 10:4). Come, Holy Spirit of unity, evangelization, and victory.

Prayer: Father, on this seventh day of the novena to the Holy Spirit, may I participate in Mass and receive Holy Communion. May I be in communion and union with You and all people.
Promise: "I find myself on trial now because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead." —Acts 23:6
Praise: William's parish includes blacks, whites, and Hispanics who had previously been culturally divided.

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5/9

PERSON TO PERSON

"Do you love Me?" —John 21:15, 16, 17


Christianity is the only religion in history to believe in the Incarnation, that is, in God becoming a human being. Thus, only Christians believe we can have a personal relationship with God as a human being. The uniqueness and essence of Christianity is personal relationship, communion, intimacy, and love.

Some would argue that Jesus' ascension ends the opportunity for a personal relationship with God because we can no longer see, hear, and feel Jesus' physical body. This would be true except for the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised: "It is much better for you that I go. If I fail to go, the Paraclete will never come to you" (Jn 16:7). By the power of the Spirit, we can have a personal relationship with the body of Jesus in two new ways. "It was in one Spirit that all of us, whether Jew or Greek, slave or free, were baptized into one body" (1 Cor 12:13). In the Spirit, we become members of Christ's body, the Church. Although the Church is not Christ's physical body, it is truly His body (see Acts 9:4; Mt 25:40; Mt 18:20) through which we can have a personal relationship with God. The Spirit also opens us to Jesus' body in the Eucharist (see Acts 2:42) by which we can relate to Jesus so personally that we live in Him and He in us (see Jn 6:56).

It's better for us that Jesus ascended. By the Spirit, we now can have a much more intimate, personal relationship with God by becoming part of His body, the Church, and by receiving God into our bodies in Holy Communion. The third Person of the Trinity makes possible a continuing, deeper, personal relationship with God.

Prayer: Father, when I receive Communion and hear the words "Body of Christ," may I say "Amen" with a greater love than ever.
Promise: "They differed with him over issues in their own religion, and about a certain Jesus Who had died but Who Paul claimed is alive." —Acts 25:19
Praise: Warren met Jesus inside his jail cell. Though still in prison, Jesus has set Warren free (Jn 8:36).

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5/10

ACTS OF APOSTLES

"Your business is to follow Me." —John 21:22


Today, on the last day of our novena to the Holy Spirit and the next to last day of the Easter season, we read the last words of the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of John. May today be the beginning of never again refusing to act on God's commandments.

When the Lord commands us to follow Him to Calvary, He doesn't want us to turn and ask: "But, Lord, what about him?" (Jn 21:21) The Lord doesn't want us to hinder the spread of His word by comparing ourselves with others. Furthermore, the Lord doesn't want us to delay in acting on His commands because we have too many problems. For example, "with full assurance, and without any hindrance whatever, [Paul] preached the reign of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 28:31). Paul acted on the Lord's command even though he was in an unfamiliar city, under house arrest, awaiting trial before the Roman emperor, and rejected by many Roman Jews (see Acts 28:16, 19, 24). Paul had plenty of problems and excuses for not acting, but he obeyed the Lord.

When we receive the Holy Spirit, we too perform the "acts of the apostles." We don't question God, compare ourselves with others, or get bogged down in our problems. We act (Jas 1:22). Let today be the last time we fail to act on God's commandments. May today be the beginning of the uninterrupted acts of us, the apostles.

Prayer: Father, on this last day of the novena to the Holy Spirit, may I fix my eyes on Jesus and obey His every command.
Promise: "There are still many other things that Jesus did, yet if they were written about in detail, I doubt there would be room enough in the entire world to hold the books to record them." —Jn 21:25
Praise: Bl. Damien gave his life for the terminally ill, the disenfranchised, just like the apostles, just like Jesus.

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5/11

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON UNIFYING

"To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." —1 Corinthians 12:7


I've seen the gifts of the Holy Spirit used in marvelous ways to unify the Church — both the charismatic gifts such as tongues, prophecy, and healing, as well as other spiritual gifts such as faith, knowledge, administration, and teaching (1 Cor 12:7-10). I've also seen people angrily leave the Catholic Church and join assemblies which emphasize certain charismatic spiritual gifts. Moreover, I have seen the Spirit's gifts used by some in the Church in ways that were self-serving and not contributing to the unity of the body, as they forgot basic truths about the gifts of the Spirit, such as:

* The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts for the common good (1 Cor 12:7). As on the first Pentecost, His gifts always are designed to unify rather than divide.
* The gifts of the Spirit don't compete with each other, since the Spirit doesn't contend with Himself. The gifts complement one another, and are to be used in an orderly rather than divisive way (1 Cor 14:26-33).
* The gifts are not our own (cf 1 Cor 6:19). We cannot use them when convenient, and stop using them if inconvenient. They were given for us to bear fruit (see Mt 25:14ff).
* Many receive the gifts of the Spirit, but stop using them out of fear, discouragement, or neglect. We must constantly "stir into flame" the gifts we were given (2 Tm 1:6).
* Any gift used without love is just noise (1 Cor 13:1ff).

"Receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22). Live by the Spirit and follow His lead in using the spiritual gifts you received (Gal 5:25).

Prayer: Father, may we "make every effort to preserve the unity which has the Spirit as its origin" (Eph 4:3).
Promise: "All were filled with the Holy Spirit." —Acts 2:4
Praise: Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Who live in us forevermore!

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5/12

DYSFUNCTIONAL?

"To the twelve tribes in the dispersion, James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, sends greeting." —James 1:1


The book of James is written to the twelve tribes in the dispersion. This refers to the Jewish people scattered throughout the world because of oppression and to the Christians scattered because of persecution. The term "dispersion" implies violence, brokenness, pain, isolation, and the breakdown of community. The conditions of "the dispersion" would be described today as "dysfunctional." We could even say that the book of James is written to those living in dysfunctional situations.

The first thing James has to say to the dispersed and/or dysfunctional is: "Count it pure joy when you are involved in every sort of trial" (Jas 1:2). When those in a dysfunctional environment decide to throw a "pity-party" and give in to self-pity, they become even more dysfunctional. Instead, if we rejoice in the Lord, even in our trials (see Phil 4:4), He will turn them to the good (see Rm 8:28). Our trials will not destroy us, but lead us to maturity and holiness (see Jas 1:4; 1 Cor 10:13).

Read the book of James while asking for wisdom (see Jas 1:5) about how to deal with a dysfunctional situation. You will see the light, be filled with hope, and be empowered for action.

Prayer: Father, because of sin I live in a dysfunctional world. By Your salvation, I am made whole. I rejoice in You!
Promise: "Let Your kindness comfort me according to Your promise to Your servants." —Ps 119:76
Praise: St. Pancras suffered the loss of his parents, then at age fourteen suffered the loss of his life for love of God.

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5/13

OUR CAPACITY FOR SELF-DECEPTION

"Do you still not understand?" �Mark 8:21


Jesus multiplied five loaves to feed five thousand men and several thousand women and children. He repeated this miracle on another occasion using seven loaves. Both times there were more leftovers than the food Jesus started with (Mk 8:19-20). After these two amazing miracles, the Pharisees blindly asked Jesus for a sign (Mk 8:11). Jesus sighed "from the depths of His spirit" (Mk 8:12). Jesus' disciples were also blind to reality. Jesus questioned them: "Do you still not see or comprehend? Are your minds completely blinded? Have you eyes but no sight? Ears but no hearing?" (Mk 8:17-18)

The obtuseness (see Mk 7:22) and self-deception of the human person is alarming. We can see a miracle right before our eyes and yet miss it completely. We can kill millions of babies in the womb and just pretend, contrary to all biological and scientific data, that they are not really human beings. We can bomb our enemies and say we are really loving them because we are fighting a "just war." We can stare at pornographic garbage on prime-time TV and call it entertainment. The human capacity for self-deception is terrifying.

We would deceive ourselves all the way to hell but for the grace and light of Jesus. We need Jesus desperately. He alone is the Truth (Jn 14:6).

Prayer: Father, may the Holy Spirit I received at Pentecost open my eyes and lead me to change my life.
Promise: "Every worthwhile gift, every genuine benefit comes from above." �Jas 1:17
Praise: While making a pilgrimage to Fatima as a young man, Fr. Rick discerned and accepted his calling to be a priest.

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5/14

ARE YOU CHOOSE-ABLE?

"They then drew lots between the two men." —Acts 1:26


Matthias was chosen as an apostle to replace Judas. Joseph was not chosen; he was passed over. Have you ever been passed over for a job promotion, turned down for a prettier girl or handsomer guy, or lost out to your sibling for a parent's attention? Then what do you do?

All we know about Joseph is the following:

* Joseph followed Jesus wherever He went (Acts 1:21).
* Joseph was faithful over the long haul. He stayed in the company of the disciples from beginning to end (Acts 1:22).
* Joseph did not seek honors for himself; he was nominated by the others (Acts 1:23).
* Joseph was such a powerful, faithful disciple that he was worthy of being considered for apostleship.
* Joseph joined the leaders and Matthias in humbly seeking God's will (Acts 1:24) regarding who was to be chosen.
* Joseph was ready to serve God if he was chosen.

After Matthias was chosen, we hear no more about Joseph. However, it's likely that Joseph responded to not being chosen by living the same faithful, committed life as always. Joseph may not have been chosen, but he was choose-able.

Like Joseph, we can be faithful slaves of God, "each of [us] doing only what the Lord assigned" us (1 Cor 3:5). Even if we are passed over for some position or favor, we are always chosen and precious in the sight of God (1 Pt 2:4, RNAB). Choose to stay faithful, thankful, and humble.

Prayer: Father, I am Your servant. Do with me as You will. I will serve you with gladness in whatever way You choose (Ps
Promise: 100:2). "He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill He lifts up the poor." —Ps 113:7
Praise: True to the mission of Jesus, St. Matthias was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

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5/15

DON'T DO ME A FAVOR

"Your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not allow of favoritism." —James 2:1


Do you show favoritism by giving more attention to some people than to others? When you invite people to share a meal with you, are the "beggars and the crippled, the lame and the blind" (Lk 14:13) invited, or do you favor others? Did you decide on the location of your residence because you favored a "good" neighborhood over a "bad" one? If you're white, do you have many black friends? Have you ever tried to befriend people of other backgrounds? Is your church all white, all black, all middle-class? Or is it catholic, that is, universal?

Have you not in cases like these "discriminated in your hearts?" (Jas 2:4) "Scripture has it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' But if you show favoritism, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors" (Jas 2:8-9). "I begin to see how true it is that God shows no partiality. Rather, the man of any nation who fears God and acts uprightly is acceptable to Him. This is the message He has sent to the sons of Israel, the good news of peace proclaimed through Jesus Christ Who is Lord of all" (Acts 10:34-36).

Prayer: Father, may I "esteem the person of every" human being (1 Pt 2:17).
Promise: " 'And you,' He went on to ask, 'Who do you say that I am?' Peter answered Him, 'You are the Messiah!' " —Mk 8:29
Praise: St. Isidore and his wife, Bl. Marie de la Cabeza, went to daily Mass even though persecuted for their "extremism."

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5/16

FAITH WORKS

"What good is it to profess faith without practicing it?" —James 2:14


We are saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8). Therefore, we must have faith and know what true faith is. Faith must be practiced (Jas 2:14, 17). It must be accompanied by works (Jas 2:18, 26). Faith underlies (Jas 2:18) and assists works (Jas 2:22). Faith is implemented by works (Jas 2:22). We are justified by both faith and works (Jas 2:24).

Pope John Paul II taught: "It is urgent to rediscover and to set forth once more the authentic reality of the Christian faith, which is not simply a set of propositions to be accepted with intellectual assent. Rather, faith is a lived knowledge of Christ, a living remembrance of His commandments, and a truth to be lived out (the Pope's italics). A word, in any event, is not truly received until it passes into action, until it is put into practice. Faith is a decision involving one's whole existence. It is an encounter, a dialogue, a communion of love and of life between the believer and Jesus Christ, the Way, and the Truth, and the Life (cf Jn 14:6). It entails an act of trusting abandonment to Christ, which enables us to live as He lived (cf Gal 2:20), in profound love of God and of our brothers and sisters" (The Splendor of Truth, 88).

Rediscover the reality of faith in Christ. Pray: Lord, "increase our faith" (Lk 17:5).

Prayer: Father, may my reception of Your word at Mass and through One Bread, One Body improve my spiritual hearing and deepen my faith in You (Rm 10:17).
Promise: "Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it." —Mk 8:35, our transl.
Praise: When assailed by life's difficulties Laura often prays, "Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!" (see Mk 9:24)

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5/17

HEAVEN, HELP US!

"Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; the two were in conversation with Jesus." —Mark 9:4


We Catholics and many other Christians believe that those who have died after living for the Lord continue to minister to us. For example, Moses and Elijah conversed with Jesus at the Transfiguration (Mk 9:4). The Lord revealed to Judas Maccabeus that the deceased high priest, Onias, and the prophet, Jeremiah, were praying in heaven for the Jewish army to have victory in war (2 Mc 15:12-16). After Jesus died on the cross, "many bodies of saints who had fallen asleep were raised. After Jesus' resurrection they came forth from their tombs and entered the holy city and appeared to many" (Mt 27:53). The Lord revealed to John that the spirits of the martyrs would come to life again to reign with Christ for a thousand years (Rv 20:4; see also Mt 19:28; Wis 3:1, 8). We believe the Bible indicates that this reign of the saints, including the heavenly ones, is taking place now.

"Therefore, since we for our part are surrounded by this cloud of witnesses" (Heb 12:1), let us ask our heavenly brothers and sisters in Christ's body to pray for us and help us. The Lord was delighted to work through them while they lived on earth. Now that they have shared in Christ's resurrection, they are in an even better position to serve their brothers and sisters.

Mary and all the saints, pray for us and help us live and die for Jesus.

Prayer: Father, may I apply every aspect of Your plan of salvation to my life.
Promise: "A cloud came, overshadowing them, and out of the cloud a voice: 'This is My Son, My Beloved. Listen to Him.' " —Mk 9:7
Praise: By praying the liturgy of the hours daily Mark connects with the miraculous work of the communion of saints.

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5/18

TRIPLE PLAY

"Moses at once bowed down to the ground in worship." —Exodus 34:8


A bishop was examining the candidates for Confirmation at a certain parish. He asked the young people to tell him what the Holy Trinity was. A boy answered: "It's one-in-three, and three-in-one." The bishop, gently probing to determine if the boy truly prepared for the sacrament, said: "That's good, but I don't understand." The youth immediately responded: "You're not supposed to!"

We can't ever grasp the how of the Holy Trinity, but we can know the Who. This is because God continually reveals Himself to us. "Yes, God so loved the world that He gave His only Son" (Jn 3:16) "to reveal" Himself more fully to us (Lk 10:22). The Father and the Son pour out Their love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Rm 5:5), Who constantly reminds us that we are now adopted children of God (Rm 8:15). Then the Holy Spirit helps us to know the Father so deeply that we can't help but "cry out, 'Abba!' (that is, 'Father')" (Rm 8:15; Gal 4:6).

When our heads start spinning in this cross-fire of Trinitarian love, we can respond as did Moses, bowing to the ground in worship (Ex 34:8). Rejoice exultantly with all the saints and angels, praising God "in the name 'of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit' " (Mt 28:19).

Prayer: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, grant that I may be caught up into the mystery of Your Triune love each day.
Promise: "God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him." —Jn 3:17
Praise: "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen!"

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5/19

WISDOM TEETH

"Wisdom like this does not come from above. It is earthbound." —James 3:15


Many people pay tens of thousands of dollars to graduate from college. Others pay thousands of dollars to receive counseling from a psychiatrist. Millions of people listen to or watch talk-show personalities. All of these people are looking for wisdom.

However, there are two kinds of wisdom. There is heavenly wisdom and "earthbound" wisdom (Jas 3:15). Earthbound wisdom is "a kind of animal, even devilish, cunning. Where there are jealousy and strife, there also are inconstancy and all kinds of vile behavior. Wisdom from above, by contrast, is first of all innocent. It is also peaceable, lenient, docile, rich in sympathy and the kindly deeds that are its fruits, impartial and sincere" (Jas 3:15-17). Heavenly wisdom is shown "in practice through a humility filled with good sense" (Jas 3:13), while earthbound wisdom foments "bitter jealousy and selfish ambition" (Jas 3:14), and "arrogant and false claims against the truth" (Jas 3:14).

By these Biblical standards, almost all talk-shows must be rejected. The book of James seems to indicate that "higher education" is "lower," earthbound, and not wise at all. The teaching in James declares much counseling to be suspect.

Seek heavenly wisdom. Reject earthbound wisdom. Be happy. Be free. Live for Jesus. He is our Wisdom (1 Cor 1:30).

Prayer: Father, may I realize that the absurdity of the preaching of the cross is power and wisdom (1 Cor 1:24).
Promise: "His disciples began to ask Him privately, 'Why is it that we could not expel it?' He told them, 'This kind you can drive out only by prayer.' " —Mk 9:28-29
Praise: By studying Scripture prayerfully Thomas wields the word of God more effectively.

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5/20

INNER PEACE OR WAR?

"Where do the conflicts and disputes among you originate?" —James 4:1


Many of us have declared war on ourselves. "Is it not your inner cravings that make war within your members?" (Jas 4:1) We have this inner conflict because we are not getting what we want. Sometimes what we want is not what God wants and therefore not what we truly need. In this case, we must repent of wrong desires and pray with Jesus: "Not my will, but Yours be done" (see Mt 26:39).

Sometimes what we want is God's will, but we do not obtain it because we do not ask (Jas 4:2). Therefore, we must present our "needs to God in every form of prayer and in petitions full of gratitude" (Phil 4:6). The way to have peace inside instead of war is to repent and petition God. Inner peace is not dependent on circumstances beyond our control. The peace that Jesus gives is not like the world's "peace," and it cannot be taken away by the world (Jn 14:27; 16:22). No one can make us lose our peace.

Peace is our lasting inheritance (Jn 14:27), so any inner conflict is our opportunity to repent and/or petition God. Inner peace is available to us always and under any circumstances. If you have any inner conflict, first repent and go to Confession. This will settle most conflicts. If the conflict persists, persevere in asking and you shall receive peace (see Mt 7:7).

Prayer: Father, give me peace in the midst of the storm.
Promise: "If anyone wishes to rank first, he must remain the last one of all and the servant of all." —Mk 9:35
Praise: St. Bernardine gave so much of himself that he would often preach for three or four hours and sometimes additional sermons as well. His goal was that "the shining splendor of [Jesus'] name causes His word to be proclaimed and heard."

(For a related teaching, order our tape Jesus and Peace on audio AV 42-1 or video V-42.)

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5/21

THE REAL ME

"All you can do is make arrogant and pretentious claims." �James 4:16


We fall into sin; the devil constantly accuses us (Rv 12:10), and we start to hate ourselves. We often express this self-hatred in a surprising way: by being proud. What do people who hate themselves have to be proud of! It doesn't make sense, but we do it anyway. We must face the reality of our weak and fallen human nature. Without Jesus, we can do nothing (Jn 15:5). We "are a vapor that appears briefly and vanishes" (Jas 4:14). We have no idea what kind of life will be ours tomorrow (Jas 4:14). We are not in control or in charge. We desperately need a Savior; we need Jesus.

At the same time, we are sons and daughters of God the Father (1 Jn 3:1). We are members of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:13) and temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19). We are royal, priestly, and holy (1 Pt 2:9). We are so precious to the Father that He sent His Son to die on the cross for us. The least born into the Father's kingdom is greater than the greatest people before Christ (Mt 11:11). We can even do greater by far than Jesus did (Jn 14:12).

Of ourselves, we are nothing. In Christ, we are sharers of the divine nature (2 Pt 1:4). When we realize our nothingness without Christ and our glory in Him, we will love ourselves and not be proud.

Prayer: Father, may I know and love myself because I love You with all my heart.
Promise: "Yet in no way can a man redeem himself, or pay his own ransom to God; too high is the price to redeem one's life; he would never have enough." �Ps 49:8-9
Praise: When Joseph hit bottom he finally realized he needed a Savior. He gave his life to Jesus, and has been on an upward path ever since.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/21/2008) Thursday, May 22, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/23/2008) St. Rita of Cascia
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=05/22/08) James 5:1-6
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F052208%2Eshtml) Psalm 49 Mark 9:41-50
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=5/22/2008) CUT IT OUT!

"If your hand is your difficulty, cut it off!" �Mark 9:43
"If your foot is your undoing, cut it off!" �Mark 9:45
"If your eye is your downfall, tear it out!" �Mark 9:47 Jesus did not mean for us to literally maim ourselves, but He exaggerated to drive home the point that we are to resist sin even to the point of allowing our own blood to be shed (Heb 12:4). Moreover, Jesus may have been revealing to us something about human nature: in some areas of each person's life, one must be careful not to overindulge but to abstain. This is the great insight of the Twelve Steps Programs.
For some, one drink is too many. Maybe you don't have a problem with drinking, but you can be in trouble if you have a TV, begin to gamble, eat one candy bar, drink one cup of coffee, go into a store with a credit card, access the Internet, etc. We will never be free if we don't come out of the denial that certain things in our lives must be completely cut off. The Lord could grace us to control our use of these things, but it seems that instead He has decided to call us to abstain in certain areas.
Know your calls to abstain, cut out what God wants out, and be free. It's better to abstain than to remain a slave. It's better to abstain than to lose your soul (Mt 5:29).
Prayer: Jesus, You alone can free me (Jn 8:36). I accept You as Lord and Liberator. Promise: "The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts." �Jas 5:4 Praise: St. Rita, in deference to her parents, did not become a nun but married a man who caused her nothing but grief and sorrow. St. Rita became a widow at age thirty, and eventually God enabled her to achieve her goal of becoming a religious sister.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/22/2008) Friday, May 23, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/24/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=05/23/08) James 5:9-12
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F052308%2Eshtml) Psalm 103 Mark 10:1-12
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=5/23/2008) DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE

"Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery." —Mark 10:11 Jesus' condemnation of divorce is shocking. His disciples questioned Him about this and so should we (Mk 10:10). Jesus said, "Whoever divorces his wife (lewd conduct is a separate case) and marries another commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery" (Mt 19:9). "Lewd conduct" is often interpreted to mean adultery. However, this is probably not the meaning of the passage. A study of the Greek word for "lewd conduct" and of parallel and related passages shows that "lewd conduct" probably means an incestuous union, not uncommon among pagans.
Paul mentioned another occasion, after a divorce is initiated by the unbelieving spouse, when divorce and remarriage is allowed (1 Cor 7:15). Paul also stressed that the believing spouse should do all in his or her power to preserve the marriage (1 Cor 7:16). Although these are two exceptions, Jesus hates divorce (Mal 2:16). However, remarriage without being granted an annulment by the Church is more of a problem than divorce. Jesus loves the divorced and will heal, save, and love them.
No matter what your situation, turn to Jesus. He is "close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit He saves" (Ps 34:19).
Prayer: Father, may divorced people accept Your order in their lives and receive Your love. Promise: "You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and have seen what the Lord, Who is compassionate and merciful, did in the end." —Jas 5:11 Praise: Jane and Thomas celebrated their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary by publicly renewing their vows.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/23/2008) Saturday, May 24, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/25/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=05/24/08) James 5:13-20
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F052408%2Eshtml) Psalm 141 Mark 10:13-16
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=5/24/2008) PUBLIC CONFESSION

"Declare your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may find healing." —James 5:16 The Lord clearly commands us to declare our sins to each other. He also commands us not to even mention shameful things (Eph 5:3, 12) and not to publicize others' sins (see Mt 18:15). However, when we confess certain sins to others, we have difficulties avoiding giving scandal. For example, if you would confess publicly the sin of adultery, the people hearing this would naturally be tempted to speculate on the identity of the person with whom you were sexually involved. They might be easily able to guess who your sexual partner was or they might even implicate an innocent person.
How can we obey Jesus' command to publicly confess our sins without disobeying other commands of Jesus? Paul spoke of forgiving as a representative of the Church (2 Cor 2:10). By confessing our sins to a representative of the Church and of the Lord (see Jn 20:23), we can confess our sins publicly, avoid giving scandal, and receive the special healing which usually accompanies public confession.
Go to the sacrament of Confession. Obey Jesus. Be forgiven and healed.
Prayer: Father, may I treasure Confession so much that I celebrate this sacrament monthly or more frequently. Promise: "People were bringing their little children to Him to have Him touch them." —Mk 10:13 Praise: James has witnessed publicly of his vasectomy and how the Lord showed him its sinfulness, restored him through reversal surgery, and blessed him with more children.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/24/2008) Sunday, May 25, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/26/2008) Body and Blood of Jesus
(Corpus Christi)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=05/25/08) Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16
1 Corinthians 10:16-17
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F052508%2Eshtml) Psalm 147
John 6:51-58
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=5/25/2008) "ONE BREAD, ONE BODY"

"We, many though we are, are one body." —1 Corinthians 10:17 Jesus has made His disciples members of His body (1 Cor 12:12). This is not just a figure of speech. We truly are members of His body. Ours is not a superficial unity; Jesus calls us to be one as He and God the Father are one (Jn 17:21). This miracle was effected by Jesus' death and resurrection and our Baptism into Jesus (1 Cor 12:13). When we sin and thus disrupt the unity of Christ's body, that unity is restored through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. To live and deepen the miraculous unity of our membership in Christ's body, we receive Jesus in Holy Communion.
"Because the loaf of bread is one, we, many though we are, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf" (1 Cor 10:17). By receiving the body of Christ, we become more deeply united with the members of the body of Christ. Therefore, it is very important for us to receive Jesus in Holy Communion daily or as often as possible. If we receive Jesus with the deep love of total commitment to Him, this will significantly affect the whole body of Christ and therefore impact the whole world.
On this glorious, solemn feast day of the Body and Blood of Christ, accept the Lord's grace to receive Him in Holy Communion daily and deeply. Pray for One Bread, One Body to fulfill its purpose and have this effect in people's lives and thus be true to its name. When you receive Communion today, the eucharistic minister will say: "The Body of Christ." May your "Amen" transform the world by your love for Jesus and His body.
Prayer: "Sweet Sacrament, we Thee adore. O make us love Thee more and more. O make us love Thee more and more." Promise: "The man who feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him." —Jn 6:56 Praise: Praise Jesus, Who poured out His blood for love of us! Alleluia!

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/25/2008) Monday, May 26, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/27/2008) St. Philip Neri
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=05/26/08) 1 Peter 1:3-9
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F052608%2Eshtml) Psalm 111 Mark 10:17-27
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=5/26/2008) "I DO!" OR "I DO..."?

"Teacher, what must I do?" —Mark 10:17 The rich young man was what we call today a "can-do" individual. He was always doing something. First, he ran up to Jesus and knelt before Him. He then asked, "Good Teacher, what must I do to share in everlasting life?" Jesus, recognizing the man's mindset, accordingly gave him a list of things to do: the commandments. The young man's response was another action-oriented one: " 'I have kept all these.' Check those off of my to-do list" (Mk 10:20). Jesus continued to meet the man right where he was, saying, "There is one thing more you must do" (Mk 10:21). Jesus gave him exactly the answer he wanted — something he could do to prepare his soul to accept Jesus and receive eternal life — but the man "went away sad" (Mk 10:22).
If we base our relationship with Jesus on what we do, then so will Jesus. Remember, Jesus Himself said: "The measure with which you measure will be used to measure you" (Mt 7:2). There will always be one thing more we must do, and "for man it is impossible" (Mk 10:27). When we give our lives to Jesus in loving service, we in effect marry Him. We say, "I do," as would a bride and groom. Now, our value comes from being in Christ, and we focus on loving and serving Him rather than on impressing Him. He continues to meet us where we are — only now we are in Him, and all is brought to perfection in Him.
You'll eventually be saying "I do" to Jesus. Which meaning will you choose — marriage or merit?
Prayer: Jesus, Lord, Savior, God, I DO! Promise: "Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, He Who in His great mercy gave us new birth; a birth unto hope which draws its life from the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." —1 Pt 1:3 Praise: St. Philip was so hospitable to the youth of Rome that his room was known as "the home of Christian mirth."

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/26/2008) Tuesday, May 27, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/28/2008) St. Augustine of Canterbury
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=05/27/08) 1 Peter 1:10-16
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F052708%2Eshtml) Psalm 98 Mark 10:28-31
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=5/27/2008) ABUNDANT SOBRIETY

"Jesus answered: 'I give you My word, there is no one who has given up home, brothers or sisters, mother or father, children or property, for Me and for the gospel who will not receive in this present age a hundred times as many." —Mark 10:29-30 After having received the living waters of the Holy Spirit this Pentecost, we realize that our heavenly Father is a bountiful provider for His children. He gives us more than we can ever ask for or imagine (Eph 3:20). He supplies our "needs fully, in a way worthy of His magnificent riches in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:19). Jesus also gives bountifully. For example, He gives us a hundred times more than we gave up to follow Him. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit constantly lavish Their love on us.
In the midst of such an abundant life (see Jn 10:10), we are commanded by the Lord to "live soberly" (1 Pt 1:13). The only way to live soberly amid such an abundance is to be great and total givers. We must give abundantly — "good measure pressed down, shaken together, running over" (Lk 6:38). We must give quickly — almost as fast as God gives to us. We must give everything.
This would seem to solve our problem of how to live soberly while receiving an abundance. However, the Lord keeps on giving, and the more we give, the more He gives (see Mk 4:24). He always outgives us. To maintain sobriety, we must continue to give everything quickly, as long as we live. Live an abundant, sober life.
Prayer: Father, make me delightfully sober. Promise: "Be holy, for I am holy." —1 Pt 1:16 Praise: St. Augustine came to the Pope with his companions' resignations and left as the leader of the mission.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/27/2008) Wednesday, May 28, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/29/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=05/28/08) 1 Peter 1:18-25
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F052808%2Eshtml) Psalm 147 Mark 10:32-45
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=5/28/2008) THANK YOU, JESUS

"Realize that you were delivered from the futile way of life your fathers handed on to you, not by any diminishable sum of silver or gold, but by Christ's blood beyond all price." —1 Peter 1:18-19 When we give our lives to Jesus and accept Him as our Savior, Lord, and God, we change from darkness to light, futility to fulfillment, and death to life. We think we'll never forget what a difference it is to be a Christian. Yet after a while the devil tries to take the edge off of our Christian joy. He tries to diminish the life-changing significance of belonging to Jesus. However, the Lord reminds us that we have been delivered from the futile way of life "by Christ's blood beyond all price" (1 Pt 1:18-19).
Sometimes the devil tries us to make us think that, although we are Christians, we aren't centered on God. However, God's word says: "It is through [Jesus] that you are believers in God, the God Who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory. Your faith and hope, then, are centered in God" (1 Pt 1:21).
Another lie of the evil one is to make us doubt the permanence of our life in Christ. God's word again counters with the truth: "Your rebirth has come, not from a destructible but from an indestructible seed, through the living and enduring Word of God...the grass withers, the flower wilts, but the Word of the Lord endures forever" (1 Pt 1:23, 24).
Our life in Christ is not diminishable, not insufficient, and not destructible. Our life in Christ is full, perfect, and eternal. We must not let the devil rob us of our joy in Christ. We must resist his temptations and live by faith our glorious life in Christ.
Prayer: Father, may I "rejoice with inexpressible joy" (1 Pt 1:8) because I am a Christian. Promise: "The Son of Man has not come to be served but to serve — to give His life in ransom for the many." —Mk 10:45 Praise: Bill and Sarah allowed God to work through their marriage by teaching new Catholics in the RCIA program for eighteen years.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/28/2008) Thursday, May 29, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/30/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=05/29/08) 1 Peter 2:2-5, 9-12
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F052908%2Eshtml) Psalm 100 Mark 10:46-52
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=5/29/2008) SPIRITUAL GROWTH OR ABORTION

"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 Peter 2:2-3 On Pentecost we received the Holy Spirit in a new way. As at the first Pentecost, the Lord is transforming His people and making us His witnesses even to ends of the earth (see Acts 1:8). Yet will this Pentecost have its full effect? Will we grow in the Spirit or abort our new life in the Spirit?
To grow in the Spirit, we must "be as eager for milk as newborn babies — pure milk of the Spirit" (1 Pt 2:2) to make us grow unto salvation. The milk, food, and meat of the Spirit is the word of God (see Heb 5:12-14; Mt 4:4). The body and blood of Jesus in Holy Communion is also our spiritual food and drink (Jn 6:55). If we let the Lord feed us His body, blood, and word, we will grow in the Spirit.
However, many Christians have lost their appetite for spiritual nourishment. The newspaper is read more often than the Bible. A morning cup of coffee or a TV program are a higher priority than daily Communion. We have glutted ourselves with the pleasures of the world and ruined our appetite for the things of God. We are spiritually starving, anorexic, and stunted in our growth. We must repent and crucify our flesh with its passions and desires (Gal 5:24). Then we will want spiritual food. Then we will eat and grow in the Spirit.
Prayer: Father, may I reappraise my lifestyle in the light of Christ (Phil 3:7). Promise: "The blind man said, 'I want to see.' Jesus said in reply, 'Be on your way! Your faith has healed you.' " —Mk 10:51-52 Praise: Fasting and praying before the Blessed Sacrament keeps Vincent spiritually well-nourished.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/29/2008) Friday, May 30, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/31/2008) Sacred Heart
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=05/30/08) Deuteronomy 7:6-11
1 John 4:7-16
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F053008%2Eshtml) Psalm 103
Matthew 11:25-30
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=5/30/2008) TRULY LOVING

"Love, then, consists in this: not that we have loved God but that He has loved us and has sent His Son as an Offering for our sins...if God has loved us so, we must have the same love for one another." —1 John 4:10-11 Today, the feast day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we are reminded of what Jesus said to St. Margaret Mary Alocoque: "I promise you that My all powerful love will grant to all those who will receive Communion on the First Fridays, for nine consecutive months, the grace of final repentance: they will not die in My displeasure, nor without receiving the sacraments; and My Heart will be their secure refuge in that last hour."
Many of you who are reading this reflection today attend daily Mass, including attending the past nine consecutive First Fridays. But how about doing so for those whom you dearly love? As you look for ways to pray fervently for your loved ones, most especially those who have left the Church, consider, as an intercessor, going one step further with this Sacred Heart promise, and attend Mass for them, at nine consecutive First Friday Masses, confident in the infinite mercy of Jesus and living this commitment to truly love one another (1 Jn 4:11). You stood up for your loved one as a parent, godparent, or witness at their baptism when they didn't know what they were doing back then. You can, as an intercessor, attend Mass in their place, when they have lost their way spiritually and don't know what they are doing now.
Remember, the Sacred Heart of Jesus is interceding for your loved one with you, praying: "Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing" (Lk 23:34).
Prayer: Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You. Promise: "He fills your lifetime with good." —Ps 103:5 Praise: Pete brings Jesus into the homes of newlyweds by giving as wedding gifts framed pictures of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/30/2008) Saturday, May 31, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/1/2008) Visitation
Immaculate Heart of Mary
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=05/31/08) Zephaniah 3:14-18 or
Romans 12:9-16
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F053108%2Eshtml) Isaiah 12:2-6 Luke 1:39-56
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=5/31/2008) A RENEWED AND NEW PENTECOST

"When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit." —Luke 1:41 Mary is the spouse of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit overshadowed her and she conceived Jesus, Who is God (Lk 1:35). Mary is the minister of the Spirit. Both Elizabeth and John, the baby in her womb, received the Holy Spirit when Mary came to visit. Mary is the intercessor of the Spirit. In the upper room with Jesus' disciples, she prayed for the Holy Spirit to come (Acts 1:14). Mary is the spouse, minister, and intercessor of the Spirit.
On this feast day celebrating Mary's visit with Elizabeth and John, let's be open to the Lord working through Mary to renew us with the Holy Spirit of Pentecost. If we have stifled (1 Thes 5:19) or saddened the Spirit (Eph 4:30), we must repent. Mary, through her Immaculate Heart, will lay bare the thoughts of our hearts and confront us with our sins (see Lk 2:35). Then we can turn to Jesus, repent, go to Confession, and stir into flame the gift of the Spirit (2 Tm 1:6).
After the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Jesus' disciples experienced a new coming of the Spirit. "The place where they were gathered shook as they prayed. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak God's word with confidence" (Acts 4:31). Today, when we commemorate both Mary's Visitation and her Immaculate Heart, we can, with Mary's help, receive both a renewed and new Pentecost. Come, Holy Spirit!
Prayer: Father, may I let You renew my Confirmation today. Promise: "Bless your persecutors; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same attitude toward all. Put away ambitious thoughts and associate with those who are lowly." —Rm 12:14-16 Praise: The pureness of Mary's Immaculate Heart compelled her to think not of herself but of visiting her cousin Elizabeth in her time of need.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=5/31/2008) Sunday, June 1, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/2/2008) 9th Sunday Ordinary Time
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/01/08) Deuteronomy 11:18, 26-28, 32
Romans 3:21-25, 28
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F060108%2Eshtml) Psalm 31
Matthew 7:21-27
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/1/2008) SAVED FROM A TO Z

"All men are now undeservedly justified by the gift of God, through the redemption wrought in Christ Jesus." —Romans 3:24 "You were dead because of your sins and offenses" (Eph 2:1). You "sinned and [were] deprived of the glory of God" (Rm 3:23). Because you sinned, even if it were but one sin, you have "become guilty on all counts" as a transgressor of God's law (Jas 2:10). When you sinned, you turned away from God's integrated plan of holiness and bought into the system of sin. You were then connected into the fabric of sin, plugged into sin rather than God, joined to all sins ever committed (see Lk 11:50).
This is what Jesus means when He says our "guilt stretches from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah" (Lk 11:51). He says, in effect, that when we join in sin, we sin from A to Z.
The good news is that Jesus is the new A to Z, "the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End!" (Rv 22:13) Through His blood, Jesus expiates and forgives sins from A to Z (Rm 3:25). If we believe in Jesus and repent sincerely of sin, He justifies us in the sight of God (Rm 3:24, 26). Accept Jesus as your Redeemer, Savior, and Lord. Be a new creation —from A to Z.
Prayer: Jesus, I want to belong to You with all my heart. I abandon myself to You. Use me according to Your will. Promise: "None of those who cry out 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of God but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven." —Mt 7:21 Praise: Praise Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2).

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/1/2008) Monday, June 2, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/3/2008) Sts. Marcellinus & Peter
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/02/08) 2 Peter 1:2-7
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F060208%2Eshtml) Psalm 91 Mark 12:1-12
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/2/2008) PARABOLIC

"They knew well enough that He meant the parable for them." �Mark 12:12 Jesus is the same today as yesterday (see Heb 13:8). Therefore, He continues to tell parables. Jesus will arrange little scenes in our lives as living parables.
Often, such parables are God's way of convicting us of our sins (see Mk 12:12; 2 Sm 12:1ff). Although we will be tempted to deny that these parables are for us, we know well enough that Jesus has meant them for us. At this point, we can either repent of our sins or leave Jesus (see Mk 12:12).
To help us repent, let's pray the following prayers:


Jesus, open my eyes to the parables right before me.
Jesus, put a new parable into my life today.
Jesus, may I have repeated flashbacks of old parables until I repent.
Jesus, may I take Your parables to heart, go to Confession, and repent of my sins.

Praying these prayers will reveal that the routine circumstances of our lives are charged with meaning. In our everyday life, the Lord will confront and convict us, encourage and heal us, and motivate and empower us. Our lives will be full of repentance and excitement. They will be full of living parables.
Prayer: Jesus, may I be easy for You to talk to. Promise: Jesus "has bestowed on us the great and precious things He promised, so that through these you who have fled a world corrupted by lust might become sharers of the divine nature." �2 Pt 1:4 Praise: Sts. Marcellinus and Peter converted their jailer and his family, and they were all martyred together.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/2/2008) Tuesday, June 3, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/4/2008) St. Charles Lwanga
& Companions
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/03/08) 2 Peter 3:12-15, 17-18
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F060308%2Eshtml) Psalm 90 Mark 12:13-17
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/3/2008) SURE AND SOON TO COME

Look "for the coming of the day of God and [try] to hasten it!" —2 Peter 3:12 When was the last time you thought about Jesus' final coming? When did you last consider the end of the world? Our Lord wants us to look for His final coming and always be ready for it (see Mt 25:13). Therefore, we should be thinking of it frequently.
Because of our love for Jesus, we are not depressed but excited when we think of His final coming. Therefore, we should be trying to hasten His coming by repenting, evangelizing, and interceding. Often we bide our time, procrastinating in our efforts to repent, evangelize, and intercede. We can be too "patient" with ourselves, thinking that we will always have tomorrow or next year. We, who are quite patient with our own efforts, are often at the same time impatient with God's seeming lack of progress. We wonder why God hasn't renewed our church, stopped abortion, and eliminated starvation. However, God delays because we haven't moved fast enough ourselves. The reason the Lord hasn't already come back is because "He wants none to perish but all to come to repentance" (2 Pt 3:9). Thus, if we repent and help others do the same, we will hasten His return.
"While waiting for this, make every effort to be found without stain or defilement, and at peace in His sight...our Lord's patience is directed toward salvation" (2 Pt 3:14-15). May our voices, hearts, and lives cry out: "Maranatha!" Come, Lord Jesus! (see Rv 22:20)
Prayer: Jesus, come back as soon as possible — even today. Promise: "Their amazement at Him knew no bounds." —Mk 12:17 Praise: The king of Uganda, enraged at the refusal of some of his page boys to submit to his immoral demands, ordered his Christian servants to separate from the non-Christian ones. St. Charles Lwanga and fourteen other young men stepped forward, declared their loyalty to Jesus, and courageously endured martyrdom.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/3/2008) Wednesday, June 4, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/5/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/04/08) 2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F060408%2Eshtml) Psalm 123 Mark 12:18-27
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/4/2008) SHAME, SHAME, SHAME

"I am not ashamed." �2 Timothy 1:12 Paul told Timothy: "Never be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for His sake" (2 Tm 1:8). Paul also said: "I am not ashamed, for I know Him in Whom I have believed" (2 Tm 1:12). On another occasion, Paul proclaimed: "I am not ashamed of the gospel" (Rm 1:16). Jesus declared: "If anyone in this faithless and corrupt age is ashamed of Me and My doctrine, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes with the holy angels in His Father's glory" (Mk 8:38; see also Heb 11:16).
The Lord teaches us: "My children, heed My instruction about shame; judge of disgrace only according to My rules, for it is not always well to be ashamed, nor is it always the proper thing to blush" (Sir 41:14). We should be ashamed of immorality, falsehood, flattery, crime, disloyalty, dishonesty, theft, gluttony, miserliness, lust, and gossiping (Sir 41:15-23). "These are the things you should rightly avoid as shameful" (Sir 41:24). "But of these things be not ashamed, lest you sin through human respect: of the law of the Most High and His precepts, or of the sentence to be passed upon the sinful" (Sir 42:1-2). We should not be ashamed of generosity, justice, discipline, and discretion (Sir 42:1-8).
"Look to Him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame" (Ps 34:6). True shame should not lead us to self-hatred, but to repentance. Refusing to be ashamed of God, His gospel, and His people should lead to evangelization. Let's refuse false shame and remove true shame by repenting. Then we can say with Paul: "I am not ashamed" (2 Tm 1:12).
Prayer: Father, remove my shame, especially shame that I have kept for years. Promise: "To You I lift up my eyes Who are enthroned in heaven." �Ps 123:1 Praise: When tempted to fall into shame over past confessed sins, Rhonda recites Psalm 34.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/4/2008) Thursday, June 5, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/6/2008) St. Boniface
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/05/08) 2 Timothy 2:8-15
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F060508%2Eshtml) Psalm 25 Mark 12:28-34
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/5/2008) I DARE YOU TO PRAY

"No one had the courage to ask Him any more questions." —Mark 12:34 It takes courage to speak to the Lord on a deep level. It takes courage to pray. For instance, do you have the courage to pray: "Jesus, may I know how to share in Your sufferings by being formed into the pattern of Your death" (see Phil 3:10)? How about praying to be purified and refined, to have your purgatory now rather than later? Do you have the courage to ask the Lord not only to use you, but to use you up? It takes courage to pray these two extra letters, "up." Did you ever pray for God to make you holy no matter what it takes? When you give God a blank check, who knows what He will write in? It takes great courage to pray the "Our Father," especially if you know what you're saying, and mean it. The traditional preface to the "Our Father" is: "We dare to say 'Our Father.' "
It's important for us to have the courage to pray "daring" prayers. This indicates we know that the Lord loves us and that we trust Him. True love of God means courageous conversations with Him and daring prayers to Him.
Prayer: Father, give me the courage to communicate with and trust in You. Promise: "If we are unfaithful He will still remain faithful, for He cannot deny Himself." —2 Tm 2:13 Praise: St. Boniface initially failed as a missionary, but later resigned as abbot to try again, and was instrumental in establishing several dioceses. (To have the courage to pray "daring" prayers, read 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 (http://www.presentationministries.com/tapes/tape.asp?tapeID=AV+10A%2D1) or three video tapes starting with V-10A (http://www.presentationministries.com/tapes/tape.asp?tapeID=V%2D10A). 15-minute Bible Teaching - New Testament is forty audio tapes starting with #700 (http://www.presentationministries.com/tapes/tape.asp?tapeID=%23700). An Introduction to each Book of the Bible is 32 audio tapes starting with AV 21-1 (http://www.presentationministries.com/tapes/tape.asp?tapeID=AV+21%2D1) or 17 video tapes starting with V-21 (http://www.presentationministries.com/tapes/tape.asp?tapeID=V%2D21).)

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/5/2008) Friday, June 6, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/7/2008) St. Norbert
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/06/08) 2 Timothy 3:10-17
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F060608%2Eshtml) Psalm 119:157, 160-161, 165-166, 168 Mark 12:35-37
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/6/2008) THE LIFE-CHANGING WORD OF GOD

"Permanence is Your word's chief trait." —Psalm 119:160 Jesus completely and permanently transformed my life by one perfectly timed Scripture passage, Matthew 5:15-16. For St. Augustine, a worldly man steeped in sin, it was a random reading of Romans 13:13-14 that pierced his heart and led to repentance, conversion, and holiness. St. Francis realized that he was called to become a traveling preacher after hearing Luke 9:3-5 proclaimed. After a period of not knowing the specific direction for her life, St. Therese the Little Flower realized clearly after reading 1 Corinthians 13 that her vocation was love.
Our own words and ideas don't endure in the tortured, hurting hearts of people (Jer 17:9). Only God's words are living and effective, able to permanently penetrate the hearts of men and women (Heb 4:12). The word of God is permanent (Ps 119:160). Once heard, it reverberates in the lives of those who seem deaf to Him. Faith comes through hearing the word of God (Rm 10:17). Thus, we must constantly sow His word in "any and every way" (Phil 1:18). "There is no chaining the word of God" (2 Tm 2:9). Even the most hardened person can't compete with the permanence of God's word sown into their heart, because God's word is like a hammer pounding away at their stony heart (see Jer 23:29; 20:9).
Feed God's sheep with His "all-healing word" (Wis 16:12; Jn 21:15). Sow His word constantly (2 Tm 4:2). Let the word of God burn permanently in the hearts of all who hear (Lk 24:32).
Prayer: Father, may I spend my life faithfully dispensing Your word, whether convenient or not (Mt 24:45; 2 Tm 4:2). Promise: "All Scripture is inspired of God and is useful for teaching." —2 Tm 3:16 Praise: It took a violent, near-death experience to transform St. Norbert from his worldly ways to one devoted totally and exclusively to God.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/6/2008) Saturday, June 7, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/8/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/07/08) 2 Timothy 4:1-8
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F060708%2Eshtml) Psalm 71 Mark 12:38-44
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/7/2008) THREE-DIMENSIONAL

"In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, Who is coming to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingly power, I charge you to preach the word, to stay with this task whether convenient or inconvenient." —2 Timothy 4:1-2 Before you decide to do anything, you should think of three facts:


God is present (2 Tm 4:1).
God is Judge (2 Tm 4:1).
God is coming (2 Tm 4:1).

Picture God right in front of you. Does His presence influence your actions?
Read Matthew 25. Picture Jesus about to speak to you on Judgment Day. Will your decisions today cause you a problem on that last day?
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. Picture Jesus' second coming. Will you rejoice when you see Him face to face, or will you be overcome by fear?
If you daily think of the three facts mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:1, you will probably do God's will and be free, pure, and holy. If you always keep in mind that God is present, is the Judge, and is coming soon, you will probably love God with all your heart and live with Him forever in heaven. Remember the three facts. Live in the three dimensions.
Prayer: Father, may I practice Your presence. Promise: "I want you to observe that this poor widow contributed more than all the others who donated to the treasury. They gave from their surplus wealth, but she gave from her want, all that she had to live on." —Mk 12:43-44 Praise: The Holy Spirit opened Lena's eyes to the fact that contracepting was hurting her marriage. She repented and remains open to life.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/7/2008) Sunday, June 8, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/9/2008) 10th Sunday Ordinary Time
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/08/08) Hosea 6:3-6
Romans 4:18-25
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F060808%2Eshtml) Psalm 50
Matthew 9:9-13
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/8/2008) GOD DESIRES MERCY

"It is mercy I desire and not sacrifice." —Matthew 9:13 "God is rich in mercy" (Eph 2:4). He delights "in showing mercy" (Mi 7:18, JB). "His mercy endures forever" (Ps 136:1). God desires mercy (Mt 9:13).
Fr. Lauer, founder and long-time author of One Bread, One Body, defined mercy as treating someone better than they deserve. To treat someone as they deserve is to give them their due. This is a fair and just price to pay, and even "sinners do as much" (Lk 6:33).
At a higher level than paying someone their due is to sacrifice for someone. This involves paying a higher cost to serve someone, going above and beyond the minimum. Sacrifices come at a personal cost. They require time, energy, love, and forethought. "God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind" (Heb 13:16).
However, ultimately it is not sacrifice that God desires; His heart is set upon mercy (Mt 9:13). Jesus' disciples are set apart by treating others better than they deserve, including enemies, persecutors, criminals, sinners, etc. Jesus' disciples are impelled by love (see 2 Cor 5:14) to imitate their Master by laying down their lives for people who don't even care about them (see Rm 5:8), regardless of whether or not that mercy is even appreciated. "This will prove that you are" children of God (Mt 5:45), rich in mercy (Eph 2:4). This is what God desires.
Prayer: Jesus, Mercy of God, I trust in You. Give me a heart that always seeks to act in mercy. Promise: Abraham "never questioned or doubted God's promise; rather, he was strengthened in faith and gave glory to God, fully persuaded that God could do whatever He had promised." —Rm 4:20-21 Praise: Praise Jesus, the perfect Reflection of the Father (Heb 1:3), Who is "rich in mercy."

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/8/2008) Monday, June 9, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/10/2008) St. Ephrem
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/09/08) 1 Kings 17:1-6
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F060908%2Eshtml) Psalm 121 Matthew 5:1-12
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/9/2008) BLESS US, O LORD?

"He began to teach them." —Matthew 5:2 In Matthew's Gospel, today's reading of the Beatitudes is the first time Jesus teaches His disciples and us. Jesus, the great Teacher, knows a strong first impression and solid introduction are critical. So Jesus' initial teaching is something very important. His first teaching is about how to be blessed.
The word "blessed" that Jesus speaks in the Beatitudes can also be translated "happy" (see Mt 5:3-11). In the Beatitudes, Jesus guarantees happiness and blessedness. Many books in today's culture that promise happiness are big sellers. With such a large market for happiness, you'd think that Bibles would be flying off the shelves of bookstores, Bible study groups on the Beatitudes would be standing room only, and our parishes would have hundreds enrolled in RCIA programs each year.
This isn't the case. The logical explanation is that most people don't believe Jesus when He tells us how to be blessed and happy. It's as if people read the Beatitudes and think, "If being meek, sorrowing, and persecuted is how I have to live to be happy, then I'd rather not be 'blessed.' "
In what do we put more faith: the message of our secular culture or the message of Jesus? Look at Elijah in today's first reading. He was persecuted by the government for his prophetic message and forced into hiding for years. Yet he was blessed, for God miraculously fed him each day (1 Kgs 17:6).
Don't live a half-life (1 Jn 3:14), settling "for what fails to satisfy" (Is 55:2). Have faith in Jesus (Jn 14:1). Live the Beatitudes.
Prayer: Jesus, may I never take Your place and try to manufacture my own blessings. Grace me to daily live the Beatitudes. Promise: "My help is from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth." —Ps 121:2 Praise: St. Ephrem learned to seek the Lord in the desert and to share Him in the city.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/9/2008) Tuesday, June 10, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/11/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/10/08) 1 Kings 17:7-16
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F061008%2Eshtml) Psalm 4 Matthew 5:13-16
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/10/2008) FROM FED TO FEED

"She was able to eat for a year, and he and her son as well; the jar of flour did not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, as the Lord had foretold through Elijah." —1 Kings 17:15-16 The Lord gave Elijah bread and meat, but finally the brook from which he drank ran dry (1 Kgs 17:7). The Lord told Elijah to move on. He was not only to receive food, but to give it. This transition from receiving food to giving it is a major event in a Christian's life. Before multiplying the loaves and fish, Jesus challenged the apostles to do this when He said: "Why do you not give them something to eat yourselves?" (Lk 9:13) After His resurrection, Jesus again told His apostles not only to be fed, but also to feed the sheep (see Jn 21:15, 17).
Are you just reading the teachings in this book? Or are you sharing, preaching, and teaching them? Maybe it's time for you to make the transition from only receiving God's word to giving it. As in Elijah's time, there are so many people starving to receive God's word. They won't live long unless they receive faith. Faith comes through hearing, and hearing by God's word (Rm 10:17, our transl.). "And how can they believe unless they have heard of Him? And how can they hear unless there is someone to preach?" (Rm 10:14)
It's better to give than to receive (see Acts 20:35). Give God's word to a spiritually starving world.
Prayer: Father, open my lips so that may I share anything You give me from Your word. Make me a good steward (see Mt 25:14ff). Promise: "Your light must shine before men so that they may see goodness in your acts and give praise to your heavenly Father." —Mt 5:16 Praise: After learning a new concept from Jesus' teachings, Mandy makes a habit to share it with at least three people.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/10/2008) Wednesday, June 11, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/12/2008) St. Barnabas
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/11/08) Acts 11:21-26; 13:1-3
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F061108%2Eshtml) Psalm 98 Matthew 10:7-13
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/11/2008) ENCOURAGEMENT PLUS

"He encouraged them all to remain firm in their commitment to the Lord." —Acts 11:23
"Then..." —Acts 11:25 You would expect anyone known as the "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36) to spend his time exhorting people to remain firm in their commitment to the Lord. The leaders of the Jerusalem church expected this from Barnabas. That's why they sent him to strengthen the new converts in a young church which faced possible persecution (Acts 11:19).
Encouragement, for Barnabas, was not just doing the expected: a few kind words and "being there" for others. Encouragement also meant finishing the job: personally doing whatever it took to make sure that each person became a solid, life-long disciple of Jesus. Barnabas knew that the best way to give his new converts fresh and continuing courage was to feed them God's word. Accordingly, Barnabas made sure those he was encouraging would receive God's word by personally travelling to Tarsus, tracking down Paul, and bringing him back to Antioch (Acts 11:25-26). Together, they "instructed great numbers" "for a whole year," probably by means of daily Scripture teaching (Acts 11:26). By the time Barnabas completed his "encouragement," the new converts were now called "Christians" and "disciples" (Acts 11:26), meaning those who have absolutely committed themselves to follow Jesus.
Be sons and daughters of encouragement. "Encourage one another" (Heb 10:25) and finish the job.
Prayer: Father, Source of all encouragement (Rm 15:5), teach me "how to rouse" and encourage Your people (Heb 10:24-25). Promise: "Cure the sick, raise the dead, heal the leprous, expel demons. The gift you have received, give as a gift." —Mt 10:8 Praise: St. Barnabas encouraged not only Paul, but also his nephew Mark, both of whom went on to write books of the New Testament.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/11/2008) Thursday, June 12, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/13/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/12/08) 1 Kings 18:41-46
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F061208%2Eshtml) Psalm 65 Matthew 5:20-26
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/12/2008) TOTAL FORGIVENESS NOW

"If you bring your gift to the altar and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift at the altar, go first to be reconciled." —Matthew 5:23-24 Does anyone in the world have anything against you? Do you have anything against them? If you haven't recently tried to reconcile with these people, stop reading this now and go do it...
If you haven't forgiven, but are still reading, drop everything and "go first to be reconciled." "Lose no time" (Mt 5:25). "The sun must not go down on your wrath; do not give the devil a chance to work on you" (Eph 4:26-27). The grace to forgive your worst enemies is available to you right now. Decide to accept this grace, or you will be handed over to the torturers (Mt 18:34). Until you forgive, you won't even be able to pray, for Jesus taught us to pray: "Forgive us the wrong we have done as we forgive those who wrong us" (Mt 6:12).
Right now, you can accept God's grace to forgive all those who have hurt you in any way throughout your entire life. In fact, you must forgive or be destroyed by the poison of unforgiveness. "We implore you, in Christ's name: be reconciled to God" (2 Cor 5:20), be reconciled with all—now.
Prayer: Father, "to err is human, to forgive is divine." I decide to accept Your grace to forgive all—now. Promise: "You have visited the land and watered it; greatly have You enriched it." —Ps 65:10 Praise: Michael responded to the death of his father by making a commitment to attend Mass every day.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/12/2008) Friday, June 13, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/14/2008) St. Anthony of Padua
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/13/08) 1 Kings 19:9, 11-16
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F061308%2Eshtml) Psalm 27 Matthew 5:27-32
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/13/2008) FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE

"Anyone who looks lustfully at a woman has already committed adultery with her in his thoughts." —Matthew 5:28 We who live in the "culture of death" are caught in a raging war for control of our senses. We are continually bombarded with sexual sensationalism. This is a serious problem, because we need to avoid sexual fantasies so as to avoid the possibility of punishment in everlasting fire (see Mt 5:30).
How can we possibly avoid these "near occasions of sin"? We can't drive anywhere without seeing huge billboards flaunting scantily clad women or men. On this spring day in June, the skin displays are even worse on the beaches than on the billboards. To avoid sights which could lead to temptation, we would have to be blind! (Mt 5:29)
Let's fight fire with fire. Being in extreme danger calls for extreme actions. If the TV is your problem, cast it out — into the trash. Better to lose a few hundred dollars than your eternal soul. If movies are your problem, cut them out. Better to sit at home than to have your soul rot. If billboards are your problem, pray for those who create them instead of fantasizing about those who appear on them. If beaches are your problem, don't go. Find some "living water" in which to immerse yourself (Jn 7:38).
Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you. Remember, the Spirit fights against the flesh (Gal 5:17). "My point is that you should live in accord with the Spirit and you will not yield to the cravings of the flesh" (Gal 5:16).
Prayer: Jesus, purify my heart, my eyes, and my mind. I want to be pure as You are pure (1 Jn 3:3). Promise: "I believe that I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living." —Ps 27:13 Praise: St. Anthony, a teacher, preacher, reformer, and miracle worker, received the fire of the Holy Spirit in such proportion that churches couldn't hold all that came to hear him preach.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/13/2008) Saturday, June 14, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/15/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/14/08) 1 Kings 19:19-21
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F061408%2Eshtml) Psalm 16 Matthew 5:33-37
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/14/2008) TAKE OFF YOUR SCAPULAR

"Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak over him." —1 Kings 19:19 When Elijah threw his cloak over Elisha, he called Elisha to be his disciple. Elisha then left his farm and family to become Elijah's disciple (1 Kgs 19:21).
The scapular represents Mary's cloak. When we put it on, we are agreeing to leave everything behind to become Mary's disciple. In doing this, we accept Mary as our principal guide in being and making disciples for Jesus (see Mt 28:19).
When we wear the scapular, we commit ourselves to deny our very selves, take up the cross daily, and follow Jesus (see Lk 9:23). We commit ourselves to live our lives with Mary at the foot of Jesus' cross (see Jn 19:25).
When we wear the scapular, we are not saying we are perfect but rather that we are repentant and willing to be holy in every aspect of our conduct (see 1 Pt 1:15).
If you don't have a scapular, go to your parish or Catholic bookstore and get one. If you are wearing a scapular, take it off and put it on the table in front of you. Pray to know what it means to wear the scapular. Then ask for the grace to follow Jesus immediately and totally. Decide to be Jesus' disciple with Mary's help. Then put on your scapular. Be a disciple of Christ. Make disciples for Christ. Live a new life in Christ.
Prayer: Father, may the life I live no longer be my own but a life of faith in You (Gal 2:20). Promise: "Say, 'Yes' when you mean 'Yes' and 'No' when you mean 'No.' Anything beyond that is from the evil one." —Mt 5:37 Praise: When George puts on his scapular he thinks of donning vestments or a holy uniform, and all that it signifies.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/14/2008) Sunday, June 15, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/16/2008) 11th Sunday Ordinary Time
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/15/08) Exodus 19:2-6
Romans 5:6-11
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F061508%2Eshtml) Psalm 100
Matthew 9:36—10:8
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/15/2008) GOD'S NUDGES

"I bore you up on eagle wings." —Exodus 19:4 Researchers have discovered that eagles live in cliffs of the mountainous Sinai region in which the Lord spoke the above words to Moses. To teach their young to fly, the eagles nudge their young nestlings out of the nest, causing them to free-fall off the side of the cliff. If the baby eagle isn't able to discover how to fly in the pressure of the moment, the mother eagle swoops downward and "catches" the young eagle on her extended wings. She then flies around with her young offspring to give it the sensation of flying. This process is repeated until the young eagle learns how to fly.
Moses declares of God: "As an eagle incites its nestlings forth by hovering over its brood, so He spread His wings to receive them and bore them up on His pinions" (Dt 32:11). God didn't create us to stay in the safety of the nest. He nudges us out of our comfort zone, personally bears us up on His wings when we fall (Ex 19:4), and assures us of His loving care (1 Pt 5:7). Though this constant divine nudging might seem stressful or even unbearable, the Lord uses it to renew us rather than exhaust us (Ps 103:5).
An eagle can't fly by being scared stiff. It must relax and flow with the wind. Likewise, we must relax, let it be done to us, and let the wind of the Spirit carry us wherever God wills (Jn 3:8). When we abandon ourselves to God's nudges, we discover that instead of stressing out, we learn to fly. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart" (Prv 3:5). "Soar as with eagles' wings" (Is 40:31).
Prayer: Father, renew my youth "like the eagle's" (Ps 103:5). Promise: "It is precisely in this that God proves His love for us: that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." —Rm 5:8 Praise: Praise Jesus, Who left the heights of Heaven so that we may one day soar with Him to Paradise.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/15/2008) Monday, June 16, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/17/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/16/08) 1 Kings 21:1-16
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F061608%2Eshtml) Psalm 5 Matthew 5:38-42
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/16/2008) JEZEBELS

"They sent the information to Jezebel that Naboth had been stoned to death." —1 Kings 21:14 Jezebel was about as mean a person as you can find. She put out a contract on Naboth and had him killed to use his vineyard as a vegetable garden for her husband, Ahab. As the king of Israel, Ahab could have had a hundred vegetable gardens, but he wanted the spot Naboth owned because it was convenient. So, Jezebel had Naboth murdered for mere convenience.
When we see people like Jezebel, our first reaction is to wonder how a person could be so mean. We presume we are not like that, yet the fact is: we all have a Jezebel inside us. But for God's grace, we'd do the same or worse than Jezebel. We should first react to a Jezebel by getting the plank of sin out of our own eyes (Mt 7:5).
Often, our next reaction to the Jezebels in our world is what we call "defense." We reason that if some people are going to be so vicious, we must protect and defend ourselves. However, Elijah's reaction to Jezebel was not defense, but prophecy (see 1 Kgs 21:17ff) and discipleship. He finally defeated Jezebel and Ahab by making Elisha his disciple and by anointing Hazael and Jehu through Elisha and his disciples (1 Kgs 19:15-17).
In summary, when we see mean and vicious people, our reaction should be repentance, prophecy, and discipleship.
Prayer: Father, give me supernatural reactions and not just natural ones. Promise: "What I say to you is: offer no resistance to injury. When a person strikes you on the right cheek, turn and offer him the other." —Mt 5:39 Praise: Through daily reception of the Eucharist, Becca began to see holy changes in her own behavior.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/16/2008) Tuesday, June 17, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/18/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/17/08) 1 Kings 21:17-29
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F061708%2Eshtml) Psalm 51 Matthew 5:43-48
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/17/2008) MERCY ON THE MERCILESS

"Indeed, no one gave himself up to the doing of evil in the sight of the Lord as did Ahab, urged on by his wife Jezebel." —1 Kings 21:25 Ahab held the world record for sin, and he and his wife, Jezebel, held the world record in doubles for sin. "He became completely abominable" (1 Kgs 21:26). However, when Ahab heard Elijah's prophetic words, "he fasted, slept in the sackcloth, and went about subdued. Then the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, 'Have you seen that Ahab has humbled himself before me?' " (1 Kgs 21:27-29) The Lord didn't bring up Ahab's years of sin, but Ahab's moment of repentance. We see this same pattern with the good thief who was crucified next to Jesus. Jesus didn't focus on the man's crimes. He focused on the moment the man repented of blaspheming Him (see Mt 27:44) and prayed: "Jesus, remember me when You enter upon Your reign" (Lk 23:42).
Most of us do the opposite of what the Lord does. We ignore hundreds of acts of faith and love while bringing up the few evil things a person has done. If we were God, we wouldn't rain on the just and the unjust (see Mt 5:45) and let the Ahabs and Jezebels of the world literally get away with murder, at least for a while. We don't see the point of loving our enemies (Mt 5:44). However, if the Lord didn't love His enemies, all of us would be condemned because of our sins.
We have all received the Lord's mercy, bought at the price of His blood. Now the Lord asks us the question: "Should you not have dealt mercifully with your fellow servant, as I dealt with you?" (Mt 18:33)
Prayer: Father, may several of the worst sinners in the world repent this summer. Promise: "In a word, you must be made perfect as Your heavenly Father is perfect." —Mt 5:48 Praise: For decades, Sister Nancy has risen before dawn each day to praise God and intercede for a long list of needs. Her prayers have borne great fruit in the lives of many.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/17/2008) Wednesday, June 18, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/19/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/18/08) 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F061808%2Eshtml) Psalm 31 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/18/2008) STAYING POWER

"You have asked for something that is not easy." —2 Kings 2:10 Elijah was about to be taken up to God. Elisha, his successor, asked Elijah: "May I receive a double portion of your spirit?" (2 Kgs 2:9). Elijah told him that he had "asked for something that is not easy" (2 Kgs 2:10). However, Elisha did receive what he asked for, because he persevered and stayed with Elijah, no matter what. Mary Magdalene stayed with Jesus, whether she had to be at the foot of the cross, or at His tomb (Jn 19:25; 20:1ff). Both Elisha and Mary received power because they stayed.
Often in the beginning of a new ministry or spiritual venture, there is a period of freshness, a "spiritual honeymoon." Like St. Peter, we want to stay in the "honeymoon" graces of the mountaintop (Mk 9:5). Yet Jesus moves elsewhere (Mk 1:38). As His disciples, we follow in His footsteps. For us, there can be no joy apart from Jesus (Jn 15:5). If Jesus moves on, we stay by His side. Wherever He leads, we "will not leave" Him (2 Kgs 2:6).
Staying with Jesus seems easy on the spiritual honeymoon. Eventually, however, Jesus goes to places we'd just as soon not go. As He leads us to the cross, we're tempted to stay put rather than stay with Him. But if we don't stay with Jesus, the power of the Spirit doesn't stay with us.
Staying with Him is "something that is not easy." Jesus, the Suffering Servant, looks at us and asks, "Can you stay with Me, no matter what?" (see Mk 14:37) Where is Jesus leading you now? Will you stay with Him?
Prayer: Jesus, "I will not leave You" (2 Kgs 2:6). Promise: "Keep your deeds of mercy secret, and your Father Who sees in secret will repay you." —Mt 6:4 Praise: James stayed with his wife and his marriage vows even when it seemed most difficult.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/18/2008) Thursday, June 19, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/20/2008) St. Romuald
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/19/08) Sirach 48:1-14
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F061908%2Eshtml) Psalm 97 Matthew 6:7-15
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/19/2008) THE KEY TO THE TREASURE CHEST

"Forgive us the wrong we have done as we forgive those who wrong us." —Matthew 6:12 When Jesus taught us the "Our Father," He was trying to teach us to pray (Mt 6:9), to trust in our Abba, and to seek first His kingdom (Mt 6:33). Jesus was not that successful using the "Our Father" to teach us, for most of us don't pray very frequently or fervently. Moreover, many Christians are anxious, fearful, and jealous, as if they couldn't trust their Abba (see Mt 6:31-32). Also, we see more people seeking the things of the world's kingdom than seeking first God's kingdom. For many Christians, the "Our Father" is a locked treasure chest. We carry it around, display, touch and shake it, but don't open it and receive its treasures.
Jesus put the key to the "Our Father" right next to the "Our Father" in the Bible. The five verses of the "Our Father" are followed by a two verse explanation of the command in the "Our Father" to forgive (Mt 6:14-15). When we forgive, we can learn to pray (see Mk 11:25). When we forgive, we remove an obstacle to receiving our Abba's love. Seeking first God's kingdom is also a matter of forgiveness (Mt 18:23ff). Forgiveness is the key to the "Our Father." Turn the key.
Prayer: "Father, forgive" (Lk 23:34). Promise: "You are destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath before the day of the Lord, to turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons, and to reestablish the tribes of Jacob." —Sir 48:10 Praise: St. Romuald gave his life to Jesus as a sacrifice offered on behalf of his father, who had committed a murder.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/19/2008) Friday, June 20, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/21/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/20/08) 2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F062008%2Eshtml) Psalm 132 Matthew 6:19-23
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/20/2008) TREASURY BONDS

"Make it your practice instead to store up heavenly treasure, which neither moths nor rust corrode nor thieves break in and steal." —Matthew 6:20 Athaliah, the wicked queen of Israel, stored up earthly treasure. She built up her treasury by killing off the whole royal family (2 Kgs 11:1). But wealth gained out of wickedness is like a flash flood: it rises quickly, flourishes for a short time, and then "suddenly, once and for all, comes to an end" (Sir 40:13-14). This proved true for Athaliah, as she suddenly lost not only her wealth, but also her life. The point is that earthly treasure can quickly vanish (Mt 6:19; Lk 12:16ff). Anyone who lived through the stock market crash in the U.S. in 1929 can testify to that.
Jehosheba's courageous act of hiding the baby king, Joash, in the temple (2 Kgs 11:3) prefigures Jesus' admonition to store up heavenly treasure (Mt 6:20). Heavenly treasure, such as acts of charity, almsgiving, and prayer, is also "hidden in the temple of the Lord" (2 Kgs 11:3) and cannot be destroyed (Mt 6:20). Just as a United States savings bond reaches full financial maturity after seven years, so did Jehosheba's treasure mature as the boy-king Joash spent his first seven years of life in the safety of the temple (2 Kgs 11:4).
Our heavenly treasure will always yield a return. It will never be lost or stolen. It is like seed which a farmer sowed in a field. Day after day, it slowly matures without our knowing how it happens (Mk 4:26ff). When the time is ready, our heavenly treasure yields a sure, indestructible return.
Prayer: Father, may I use my finances to bring many into Your kingdom. Promise: "Remember, where your treasure is, there your heart is also." —Mt 6:21 Praise: Though tempted to turn her attention elsewhere, Susan prays the rosary daily.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/20/2008) Saturday, June 21, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/22/2008) St. Aloysius Gonzaga
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/21/08) 2 Chronicles 24:17-25
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F062108%2Eshtml) Psalm 89:4-5, 29-34 Matthew 6:24-34
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/21/2008) FAITHFUL TILL DEATH?

"After the death of Jehoiada, the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and the king then listened to them. They forsook the temple of the Lord." �2 Chronicles 24:17-18 After the death of Jehoiada the priest, the Israelites forsook the temple of the Lord and served false gods. After a change of pastors, some parishioners don't go to church as much anymore. After young people leave home, many leave the practice of their faith. After Christians are rejected by fellow parishioners, some drop out of ministry or become less active in their churches.
Our faith in Jesus, worship of the Lord, and service to His people change because circumstances change. Our faith should move mountains, rather than mountains or even foothills moving our faith (see Mt 17:20). However, this firmness in our faith can only happen by God's grace and our willingness to accept His grace. If we realize we are weak and changeable, we will "be solicitous" to make our "call and election permanent" (2 Pt 1:10). We will discipline our bodies and master them (1 Cor 9:27). We will cry out in prayer for God's grace, live in His word (Jn 8:31), surround ourselves with His people (Heb 12:1), and obey the Pope and the leaders of the Church. When we realize we need all the help we can get to persevere in the faith, we will seek and find all the help we need. Be solicitous to be faithful.
Prayer: Father, if I'm living during the time of the mass apostasy (see 2 Thes 2:3), may I not be unfaithful, no matter how many turn away from You. Promise: "Let tomorrow take care of itself." �Mt 6:34 Praise: St. Aloysius died at age twenty-four as a result of selflessly attending to the victims of an epidemic.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/21/2008) Sunday, June 22, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/23/2008) 12th Sunday Ordinary Time
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/22/08) Jeremiah 20:10-13
Romans 5:12-15
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F062208%2Eshtml) Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35
Matthew 10:26-33
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/22/2008) FEAR NOT

"Do not be afraid of anything." —Matthew 10:31 Our reaction to fear will be among the best or worst aspects of our lives. We will either let ourselves be manipulated by fear into sinful compromises and eventual damnation, or we will refuse to be controlled by fear and eventually push it out of our lives (see 1 Jn 4:18). Therefore, Jesus repeatedly commands us: "Do not let them intimidate you" (Mt 10:26). "Do not fear those who deprive the body of life but cannot destroy the soul" (Mt 10:28). "Do not be afraid of anything" (Mt 10:31).
Our response to fear should be faith. Jesus told Jairus after his daughter died: "Fear is useless, only believe" (Mk 5:36, our transl.). When his friends had turned against him in vengeance, Jeremiah had the faith to fearlessly proclaim: "The Lord is with me, like a mighty Champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph" (Jer 20:11). Even when we are enduring our own agony in the garden or suffering on our own Calvary, by faith we can refuse to be manipulated by fear. We can "say with confidence: 'The Lord is my Helper, I will not be afraid; what can man do to me?' " (Heb 13:6) By faith we can proclaim: "The Lord is my life's Refuge; of whom should I be afraid?...Though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear" (Ps 27:1, 3). Fear not.
Prayer: Father, may my awareness that You are in me make me fearless. May Your love push fear out of my life (see 1 Jn 4:18). Promise: "For if by the offense of the one man all died, much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound for all." —Rm 5:15 Praise: Praise Jesus, Who won victory over sin and death so that we may live. Alleluia!

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/22/2008) Monday, June 23, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/24/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/23/08) 2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15, 18
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F062308%2Eshtml) Psalm 60 Matthew 7:1-5
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/23/2008) THE SIN OF PERMISSIVENESS

"Stop passing judgment." �Matthew 7:1 Jesus commands us not to judge. The misunderstanding and misrepresenting of this command in the last few generations has led to a permissiveness which has warped and/or destroyed millions of people. Permissiveness is not love; it is either ignorance, the selfishness of apathy, or cowardice.
When Jesus commands us not to judge, He means we should not judge without having first removed the plank of sin from our own eyes (Mt 7:5). Then we should judge what is sinful according to the teachings of the Church and the Bible. Thus we know what needs to be removed from others' eyes. We call others to repentance by speaking the truth in love (Eph 4:15). We must love others enough to correct them to keep them from harming themselves further (see Lk 17:3; Mt 18:15). We hate the sin because we love the sinner. We must not stand by idly while people hurt themselves (see Lv 19:16).
Permissiveness is not avoiding the sin of judging others, but is committing sins of apathy and cowardice. Not judging sins as sinful is committing another sin. Refusing to call a sin "a sin" is also a sin. Refusing to correct a sinner is yet another sin.
Don't judge others without first repenting yourself. Don't condemn others, but certainly love them enough to correct them. Don't judge sinners, but do judge sin so as to help sinners become saints.
Prayer: Father, may I love sinners so much that I hate sin intensely. Promise: "Give us aid against the foe, for worthless is the help of men." �Ps 60:13 Praise: Cathy keeps advocating chastity even when she is laughed at for doing so.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/23/2008) Tuesday, June 24, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/25/2008) Birth of St. John the Baptizer
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/24/08) Isaiah 49:1-6
Acts 13:22-26
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F062408%2Eshtml) Psalm 139
Luke 1:57-66, 80
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/24/2008) YOU AND THE NATIONS

"I will make you a light to the nations, that My salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." —Isaiah 49:6 God has raised up multitudes of incredibly zealous and dedicated people who for years have passed on One Bread, One Body to others because of their love of God's word and of Holy Mass. Through God's grace, these teachings "become known afar off" (Sir 24:30) and, incredibly, reach many throughout the world. The Lord has raised up others who type, edit, print, post, and link these teachings for the world to read. All of these blessed people are "a light to the nations." God has enabled our humble ministry to reach "to the ends of the earth" (Is 49:6).
What about you? Do you consider yourself too insignificant for Almighty God to use powerfully? We are all unworthy to serve Jesus (Acts 13:25), but that doesn't stop God from using us powerfully. You are, like St. John the Baptizer, a prophet by virtue of your baptism (Catechism, 1268). You are even greater than John (Mt 11:11). God is telling you: "You are My servant...through whom I show My glory" (Is 49:3). Allow the Lord to shine through you as He wills.
Prayer: Father, I am totally Yours. Be glorified through my life. Promise: "His mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God." —Lk 1:64 Praise: St. John the Baptizer gave encouragement to his mother and praise to his Savior even before he was born.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/24/2008) Wednesday, June 25, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/26/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/25/08) 2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F062508%2Eshtml) Psalm 119:33-37, 40 Matthew 7:15-20
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/25/2008) ARE YOU A "NO-KNOW"?

"When the king had heard the contents of the book of the law, he tore his garments." —2 Kings 22:11 Contrary to the old saying, what we don't know does hurt us. For example, if we don't know the Bible or don't even try to know it, we usually don't know Christ. St. Jerome stated: "Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ" (Catechism, 133). Most of the world doesn't know that we must become new creations by faith in Jesus and by being baptized. Not to know this condemns a person to slavery, darkness, and frustration bordering on despair. Not to know the truth is to be an unprotected sheep in the midst of wolves (see Mt 7:15). The Lord laments: "My people perish for want of knowledge!" (Hos 4:6)
This explains why King Josiah tore His garments in sorrow and contrition when he heard a recently recovered part of the Bible read (2 Kgs 22:11). He knew that what the people of God didn't know would hurt them. Thus Josiah "had the entire contents of the book of the covenant that had been found in the temple of the Lord, read out to" the people (2 Kgs 23:2).
For many Christians, all or part of the Bible is still lost. The consequences of this are devastating for the whole body of Christ. We need new Josiahs who care enough to cry, repent, and to proclaim God's word.
Prayer: Father, may my reading of Your word help me hear You more clearly and believe in You more deeply (see Rm 10:17). Promise: "You can tell a tree by its fruit." —Mt 7:20 Praise: When the meaning of the Scripture was suddenly opened up to Rosa through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, she had to share it immediately — and has been ever since.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/25/2008) Thursday, June 26, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/27/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/26/08) 2 Kings 24:8-17
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F062608%2Eshtml) Psalm 79 Matthew 7:21-29
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/26/2008) GIFTS PLUS

"Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name? Have we not exorcised demons by its power? Did we not do many miracles in Your name as well?" �Matthew 7:22 Jesus clearly states that we won't get to heaven by using our spiritual gifts, but by doing the will of our heavenly Father (Mt 7:21). Some who have prophesied, driven out demons, and worked miracles may hear the dreadful words from Jesus: "I never knew you. Out of My sight, you evildoers!" (Mt 7:23) Some people wrongly conclude from this that the gifts of the Spirit are not important. However, unless we obey God's command to set our hearts on the spiritual gifts (1 Cor 14:1), we will not be doing His will.
In addition to commanding us to seek His gifts, the Lord specifically commands us to exercise certain gifts. For instance, He commands us to use at least three spiritual gifts (i.e. healing, miracles, deliverance) in the statement: "Cure the sick, raise the dead, heal the leprous, expel demons" (Mt 10:8). Furthermore, the Lord commands us to use the gifts of hospitality (Heb 13:2), redemptive suffering (2 Tm 1:8), ministry (1 Pt 4:10), intercession (1 Tm 2:1), mercy (Mt 18:33), encouragement (Heb 10:24-25), etc. Consequently, if we are not using the gifts of the Spirit, we are disobeying several of the Lord's commandments and so are not doing the will of our heavenly Father. Therefore, to enter God's kingdom, we must both use our spiritual gifts and obey the Lord in what He commands us. Using our spiritual gifts is an essential part, but only a part, of entering God's kingdom.
Prayer: Father, may I live "a life of obedience" (1 Pt 1:2). Promise: "Help us, O God our Savior, because of the glory of Your name; deliver us and pardon our sins for Your name's sake." �Ps 79:9 Praise: Helen ventured out from her comfort zone and spoke words that the Lord placed upon her heart which were prophetic for her fellow Christians.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/26/2008) Friday, June 27, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/28/2008) St. Cyril of Alexandria
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/27/08) 2 Kings 25:1-12
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F062708%2Eshtml) Psalm 137 Matthew 8:1-4
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/27/2008) DIS-MEMBERED?

"How could we sing a song of the Lord in a foreign land? If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand be forgotten! May my tongue cleave to my palate if I remember you not, if I place not Jerusalem ahead of my joy." —Psalm 137:5-6 For decades, I have been a cantor, musician, and worship leader. In these roles, I constantly use my right hand and my tongue. God gave me these members of my body, along with musical gifts, for use in His service. So I can especially appreciate the oath sworn by the exiled psalmist. He pledged to his Babylonian captors that he would rather lose his hand and tongue, and therefore his primary way to make a living, than use his God-given talents in a sacrilegious way (Ps 137:5-6).
Starving singers and actors often face the temptation to use their God-given talents and physical beauty to accept roles in objectionable films as a stepping stone to making it big. A politician might be tempted to use his God-given "people-skills" illegally "just this once" to score a big victory. When times are hard and people are just trying to get by, they are strongly tempted to cheat, exploit the powerless at work, utilize artificial contraception, sterilization, or abortion, etc. rather than take up their cross and follow Jesus in faithfulness and trust (Lk 9:23).
It's better to lose our hands, tongue (2 Mc 7:10), or eyes (Mt 5:29) than to use the gifts God gave us to act contrary to His will. God gave us these gifts, and He also will give us whatever else we need (Mt 6:30). "Seek first His kingship over you, His way of holiness, and all these things will be given you besides" (Mt 6:33).
Prayer: Father, may I always glorify You in my body (1 Cor 6:20). Promise: "Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him and said, 'I do will it. Be cured.' Immediately the man's leprosy disappeared." —Mt 8:3 Praise: St. Cyril used his gifts to speak and preach the truth. God used St. Cyril to foster unity in a conflicted church.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/27/2008) Saturday, June 28, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/29/2008) St. Irenaeus
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/28/08) Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F062808%2Eshtml) Psalm 74 Matthew 8:5-17
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/28/2008) HOW MUCH MORE

"Sir, my serving boy is at home in bed paralyzed, suffering painfully." �Matthew 8:6 Imagine that you are the paralyzed servant. How traumatic to be unable to move parts of your body! In addition, this servant was "suffering painfully." (Paralysis and pain are an overwhelming combination.) The servant was dramatically and instantaneously healed by Jesus, although Jesus was not even near him (Mt 8:13). This long-range healing possibly saved the servant's life and may very well have been the greatest event in his life. How thankful this servant must have been to Jesus! How eager he must have been to meet and even follow the Man Who saved his life!
Jesus has done much more for us than He did for the paralyzed servant. Jesus has not just healed us from paralysis and pain, but saved us from sin, Satan, hell, damnation, slavery, self-hatred, and misery. Jesus made our salvation possible by dying and rising almost two thousand years ago. This long-range salvation was the greatest event in history, and, if we believe in Jesus, it will be the greatest event in our lives. How thankful we must be to Jesus! How happy we must be to live for Jesus and follow Him! How eager we must be to die in His grace, go to heaven, and see Him face to face! (see 1 Cor 13:12)
Prayer: Jesus, may I rejoice to serve You, die for You, and see You. Promise: "Many will come from the east and the west and will find a place at the banquet in the kingdom of God." �Mt 8:11 Praise: St. Irenaeus converted heretics, wrote Against Heresies, and was martyred for his faithful love for Jesus.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/28/2008) Sunday, June 29, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/30/2008) Sts. Peter & Paul
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/29/08) Acts 12:1-11
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F062908%2Eshtml) Psalm 34
Matthew 16:13-19
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/29/2008) MAKE A BREAK

"The chains dropped from Peter's wrists." —Acts 12:7 Often we put ourselves in self-made jails of sin, fear, self-hatred, unforgiveness, or confusion. We may even merit being persecuted and thrown into a real jail. Nonetheless, no matter what kind of jail we're in, we all need to know how to get out of jail.
Like Peter, we get out of jail by:


communal prayer. "Peter was thus detained in prison, while the Church prayed fervently to God on his behalf" (Acts 12:5).
putting on our belts (Acts 12:8). The truth is the belt which protects our loins, the area of our sexual organs (Eph 6:14). True, holy, committed relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ help us overcome sexual temptations and can get us out of jail.
putting on our sandals (Acts 12:8). Our sandals represent "zeal to propagate the gospel of peace" (Eph 6:15). As we proclaim the good news of forgiveness and reconciliation in Jesus, we set ourselves and many others free from jail.
putting on our cloaks (Acts 12:8). In the Bible, the cloak is sometimes a sign of discipleship (see 1 Kgs 19:19). When we obey Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19), we will not only be out of jail ourselves, but also break others out of jail.

Jesus frees us from jail by calling us to communal prayer, empowering us to be sexually pure, sending us to proclaim reconciliation and forgiveness, and commanding us to be His disciples and to make disciples of all nations. You can break out of jail anytime you decide to accept God's grace. "Make a break."
Prayer: Jesus, on this great feast day of Peter and Paul, set me free so I will really be free (Jn 8:36). Promise: "I will entrust to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven." —Mt 16:19 Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who broke our chains to mortality.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/29/2008) Monday, June 30, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=7/1/2008) First Martyrs of Rome
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=06/30/08) Amos 2:6-10, 13-16
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F063008%2Eshtml) Psalm 50 Matthew 8:18-22
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=6/30/2008) "BAD COMPANY CORRUPTS GOOD MORALS"(1 Cor 15:33)

"When you see a thief, you keep pace with him, and with adulterers you throw in your lot." —Psalm 50:18 Not many of us run the streets with thieves and adulterers (Ps 50:18) or take our children to participate in immoral activities (Am 2:7-8). Yet before we dismiss the above passage as irrelevant to our lives, let us examine who we let into our lives through TV, movie screens, magazines, or Internet browsers. It's commonly known that some entertainers are publicly engaged in continuing lifestyles of adultery, fornication, or other perversities. Any trip through an average supermarket checkout line confirms this. Do we throw in our lot with adulterers (Ps 50:18) when we can't wait to see their latest sitcom or movie, or hear their latest song?
Entertainers have no monopoly on sin. Athletes, government officials, members of the media, "religious" people, parents, youth, and any other human being can live unrepentant, sinful lifestyles. Amos accuses his audience of not only being soft on sin, but of keeping up with sinners, sin for sin. The psalmist eloquently describes the progression of falling into a sinful lifestyle (see Ps 1:1):


First, we listen to the thoughts of unrepentant sinners rather than listen to God's thoughts on the subject.
Next, we "keep pace" (Ps 50:18) with them, that is, imitate them by walking "in the way of sinners" (Ps 1:1).
Finally, we sit "in the company" of those who are firmly entrenched in these lifestyles. That is, we join them and are hooked into that lifestyle.

Repent of affection for sin by permissiveness toward sinners.
Prayer: Father, may those in the public eye who do not believe in You repent, be converted, and lead many into Your kingdom. Promise: "He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies Me." —Ps 50:23 Praise: The First Martyrs of Rome were able to courageously face death because their strength came from the Victor over death.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=6/30/2008) Tuesday, July 1, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=7/2/2008) Bl. Junipero Serra
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=07/01/08) Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F070108%2Eshtml) Psalm 5 Matthew 8:23-27
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=7/1/2008) ALLS

" 'What sort of man is this,' they said, 'that even the winds and the sea obey Him?' " —Matthew 8:27 Jesus is all-knowing. "If evil befalls a city, has not the Lord caused it?" (Am 3:6) Although the good God is not the immediate cause of evil, He permits it and is aware of it. God knows everything.
Jesus is all-revealing. "Indeed, the Lord God does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants, the prophets" (Am 3:7). The all-knowing God does not keep His knowledge to Himself, but reveals His plan to us, His people.
Jesus is all-powerful. There is nothing He cannot do. For example, He can stop a violent storm with a simple command (see Mt 8:26).
Jesus is all-loving. He wants us to know what's happening so we can have victory in all circumstances. He cares about us because He loves us.
Because Jesus is all-knowing, all-revealing, all-powerful, and all-loving, we can be all-secure in His love and all-victorious over sin and Satan.
"Yet in all this we are more than conquerors because of Him Who has loved us. For I am certain that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor powers, neither height nor depth nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from the love of God that comes to us in Christ Jesus, our Lord" (Rm 8:37-39).
Give your "all" to the Lord, "so that God may be all in all" (1 Cor 15:28).
Prayer: Father, may I give all to enter Your kingdom (see Mt 13:44-46). Promise: "The Lord God speaks — who will not prophesy!" —Am 3:8 Praise: Bl. Junipero Serra was untiring in his efforts to spread the gospel to distant lands.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=7/1/2008) Wednesday, July 2, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=7/3/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=07/02/08) Amos 5:14-15, 21-24
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F070208%2Eshtml) Psalm 50 Matthew 8:28-34
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=7/2/2008) CHRISTLESS NEIGHBORHOODS

"They begged Him to leave their neighborhood." —Matthew 8:34 Jesus has been thrown out of many neighborhoods, as He was thrown out of the town near the Gadarene boundary. He usually gets thrown out for "disturbing the war" instead of "disturbing the peace." Jesus comes into a neighborhood and calls us to repent, forgive, and obey. Then He casts out the devil and gives us peace.
In the neighborhood mentioned in today's Gospel, the road was closed because of the savagery of two demon-possessed men (Mt 8:28). Jesus drove out the demons, opened the road, and brought peace to the neighborhood. You'd think the chamber of commerce would give Him an award. Instead, they begged Jesus "to leave their neighborhood" (Mt 8:34).
Deep down many neighborhoods don't want the peace of Jesus because we must accept Him as our Lord before we know Him as our Peace (see Eph 2:14). If Jesus is the Lord of our lives, then we can't be the lords and do our own thing; we must do His thing. We throw Jesus out of our neighborhoods because we refuse Him entry into our hearts as Lord. If Jesus did what we told Him to do, we would let him stay in the neighborhood. Since He insists on being Lord and God, there's not room for both Jesus and us in our neighborhood. Our pride, sin, selfishness, and rebellion must go, if Jesus is to stay.
Prayer: Jesus, be Lord of my life, heart, home, and neighborhood. Promise: "Hate evil and love good, and let justice prevail at the gate; then it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will have pity on the remnant of Joseph." —Am 5:15 Praise: It wasn't until having his own way proved disastrous that Philip humbled himself before God and turned his life over to the Lord.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=7/1/2008) Wednesday, July 2, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=7/3/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=07/02/08) Amos 5:14-15, 21-24
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F070208%2Eshtml) Psalm 50 Matthew 8:28-34
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=7/2/2008) CHRISTLESS NEIGHBORHOODS

"They begged Him to leave their neighborhood." �Matthew 8:34 Jesus has been thrown out of many neighborhoods, as He was thrown out of the town near the Gadarene boundary. He usually gets thrown out for "disturbing the war" instead of "disturbing the peace." Jesus comes into a neighborhood and calls us to repent, forgive, and obey. Then He casts out the devil and gives us peace.
In the neighborhood mentioned in today's Gospel, the road was closed because of the savagery of two demon-possessed men (Mt 8:28). Jesus drove out the demons, opened the road, and brought peace to the neighborhood. You'd think the chamber of commerce would give Him an award. Instead, they begged Jesus "to leave their neighborhood" (Mt 8:34).
Deep down many neighborhoods don't want the peace of Jesus because we must accept Him as our Lord before we know Him as our Peace (see Eph 2:14). If Jesus is the Lord of our lives, then we can't be the lords and do our own thing; we must do His thing. We throw Jesus out of our neighborhoods because we refuse Him entry into our hearts as Lord. If Jesus did what we told Him to do, we would let him stay in the neighborhood. Since He insists on being Lord and God, there's not room for both Jesus and us in our neighborhood. Our pride, sin, selfishness, and rebellion must go, if Jesus is to stay.
Prayer: Jesus, be Lord of my life, heart, home, and neighborhood. Promise: "Hate evil and love good, and let justice prevail at the gate; then it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will have pity on the remnant of Joseph." �Am 5:15 Praise: It wasn't until having his own way proved disastrous that Philip humbled himself before God and turned his life over to the Lord.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=7/2/2008) Thursday, July 3, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=7/4/2008) St. Thomas
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=07/03/08) Ephesians 2:19-22
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F070308%2Eshtml) Psalm 117 John 20:24-29
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=7/3/2008) LIKE A ROCK

"You form a building which rises on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the Capstone." —Ephesians 2:20 The Lord specializes in making shaky, unstable, and doubting people into "living stones" (1 Pt 2:5) with rock-like faith, transforming them into pillars of the Church. For instance, Jesus came to doubting Thomas, and before long Thomas was crying out: "My Lord and my God!" (Jn 20:28) Jesus took Simon and changed his name to Peter, meaning "Rock" (Jn 1:42). Peter wasn't true to his name at first, but, after being confirmed by the Spirit at Pentecost, Peter's faith never failed, and he was able to strengthen his brothers (Lk 22:32). Jesus met Nathanael, whose bigotry indicated his instability (see Jn 1:46). Before long, Nathanael was professing his faith in Jesus as "the Son of God" and "the King of Israel" (Jn 1:49). Nathanael also faltered in his faith but was finally confirmed by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Thomas, Peter, and Nathanael, with nine other previously unstable people, became the foundation stones of the Church (Eph 2:20; Rv 21:14).
Are you shaky in your faith? (see Jn 6:61) Are you able to be manipulated by pressures? Would you be martyred for love of Jesus or give in to fear and selfishness? Ask the Father and Jesus to renew you in your Confirmation by the Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Father, may I have the strength to be martyred for love of You. Promise: "You became a believer because you saw Me. Blest are they who have not seen and have believed." —Jn 20:29 Praise: "My Lord and my God!" (Jn 20:28)

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=7/3/2008) Friday, July 4, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=7/5/2008) St. Elizabeth of Portugal
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=07/04/08) Amos 8:4-6, 9-12
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2Freadings%2F070408%2Eshtml) Psalm 119:2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 131 Matthew 9:9-13
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=7/4/2008) VIVE LA DIFFERENCE!

"When will the new moon be over?" —Amos 8:5 Like worshippers in Amos' time, many of today's worshippers think: "When will church be over? Then I can:


watch the ball games,
go see a movie,
tell my neighbor how much I dislike my priest's homilies,
get something to eat,
do my own thing, or
remind God what a sacrifice it is to be at church today."

After we heed the call of Jesus to "go and learn the meaning of the words: 'It is mercy I desire and not sacrifice' " (Mt 9:13), then our worship changes. During Mass, we think: "When church is over, I can:


tell my family that I love them,
share Jesus with my neighbors, even with the outcast (Mt 9:10),
thank and encourage my priest (see Heb 13:17),
follow Jesus (Mt 9:9),
show mercy to someone who has hurt me (Mt 9:13), and
let God know how grateful I am for His mercy to me."

Do you see what Jesus means when He points out the difference between heartfelt mercy and sacrifice?
Prayer: "Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine." Promise: "Happy are they who observe His decrees, who seek Him with all their heart." —Ps 119:2 Praise: St. Elizabeth didn't wait until her husband treated her well to love him. She loved him as he was with all his faults and sinfulness.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/17/2008) Monday, August 18, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/19/2008) St. Jane Frances de Chantal
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=08/18/08) Ezekiel 24:15-24
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F081808%2Eshtml) Deuteronomy 32:18-21 Matthew 19:16-22
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=8/18/2008) "I SURRENDER ALL"

"The young man said to Him, 'I have kept all these; what do I need to do further?' " —Matthew 19:20 Most people in our world are not interested in reading a Bible teaching book as you are doing right now. You're something special. You're asking God to take you deeper into His heart, into a new dimension of faith. Like the young rich man, you want something more.
At any moment, the Lord may give you what you're asking for. When He tells you the whole truth and gives you the opportunity to take a big step forward in relationship with Him, don't back off and walk away sad (Mt 19:22). When Jesus calls you, let us hope He is not just "calling your bluff."
Don't flirt with Jesus. Instead, accept His call to abundant, risen life (Jn 10:10). Throw yourself at His feet (Jn 20:17). Go all the way with Jesus, even to the cross. Don't let Jesus be "too much" for you (Mk 6:3), but love Him with abandon, with no reservations. Love Jesus as God, "with your whole heart, with your whole soul, and with all your mind" (Mt 22:37).
Prayer: Jesus, I throw myself at You. I surrender all. Promise: "You will then have treasure in heaven." —Mt 19:21 Praise: St. Jane "did further" by turning her life completely over to Jesus after the death of her husband. God's grace led her to join a religious order.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/18/2008) Tuesday, August 19, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/20/2008) St. John Eudes
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=08/19/08) Ezekiel 28:1-10
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F081908%2Eshtml) Deuteronomy 32:26-28, 30, 35-36 Matthew 19:23-30
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=8/19/2008) ENDANGERED SPECIES

"I repeat what I said: it is easier for a camel to pass through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." �Matthew 19:24 Jesus bluntly stated the difficulty, even impossibility, of a rich person entering God's kingdom (Mt 19:23). A rich person can hope to be saved only because all things are possible for God (Mt 19:26). Obviously it is a high risk to be rich. Therefore, we should avoid being rich if at all possible.
However, if God insists on our being rich and serving as agents of His abundant generosity, we should be extremely careful, knowing we are "walking a tightrope" from which we can easily fall into eternal damnation. Rich Christians need more prayer, teaching, direction, discernment, and generosity than other Christians because they are such a high risk. Very few people think they qualify as rich. However, 95% of American Christians qualify as rich people by Biblical and international standards. Therefore, we are high risk, and it's a "long shot" for us to faithfully live out our Christian lives and go to heaven.
Although the odds are against us, by God's grace we can expect to be saved. However, we must be extremely careful to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus (Heb 3:1). We are the most endangered species of Christians. We must be sober and watchful (1 Thes 5:6) as we constantly cry out for God's mercy.
Prayer: Father, may I resist the devil as he prowls about looking to devour me (1 Pt 5:8-9). Promise: "Surely, the Lord shall do justice for His people; on His servants He shall have pity." �Dt 32:36 Praise: St. John Eudes was rich in the things of God as he became known as the preacher who most touched the hearts of the people in his time. He dedicated his religious congregation to Jesus and Mary.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/19/2008) Wednesday, August 20, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/21/2008) St. Bernard
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=08/20/08) Ezekiel 34:1-11
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F082008%2Eshtml) Psalm 23 Matthew 20:1-16
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=8/20/2008) PAST TENSE?

"When those hired late in the afternoon came up they received a full day's pay." —Matthew 20:9 Many people rightfully regret their past lives. They have wasted them on "what the pagans enjoy" (1 Pt 4:3). They wish they could get back those lost years, have another chance to parent their children, or make amends for all those years of sin and confusion. Jesus promises He will do the humanly impossible by giving you a "full life's pay" although you've only recently begun to work for Him (see Mt 20:9). Jesus can make one year of parenting as fruitful as twenty. He can use five minutes to undo the bad effects of five years of sin (compare Lk 23:42-43). Jesus will repay us "for the years which the locust has eaten" (Jl 2:25).
Because of Jesus' lordship even over the past, we can repent of our sins, and "give no thought to what lies behind but push on to what is ahead" (Phil 3:13). We can live a life with no regrets. We can look at a sad past and rejoice with all the angels and saints because we have repented (see Lk 15:7, 10). "The things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind" (Is 65:17). Jesus has saved us from sin, hell, Satan, slavery, self-hatred, and from depressive regrets of our past life. In Jesus, "all is new," even the past (2 Cor 5:17).
Prayer: Father, may I receive not only a healing of memories but a transformation of memories. Promise: "I will save My sheep." —Ez 34:10 Praise: St. Bernard, even at an early age, was exceptional in his piety, thanks to the example of his pious parents.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/20/2008) Thursday, August 21, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/22/2008) Pope St. Pius X
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=08/21/08) Ezekiel 36:23-28
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F082108%2Eshtml) Psalm 51 Matthew 22:1-14
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=8/21/2008) ALL DONE

" 'My friend,' he said, 'how is it you came in here not properly dressed?' The man had nothing to say." —Matthew 22:12 Jesus will sprinkle clean water on us to give us new life in Him and cleanse us from all our impurities (Ez 36:25). He will give us a new heart and a new spirit (Ez 36:26) and will even put His Spirit within us (Ez 36:27). Furthermore, He will give us robes of righteousness (see 2 Cor 5:3) and make us holy as He is holy (1 Pt 1:16).
If we don't have victory on earth and eternal life in heaven, it will not be Jesus' fault. Out of love for us, He became man, died on the cross, rose from the dead, and poured out the Spirit. He remains with us in the Eucharist, and even dwells within us in unheard-of intimacy (Jn 6:56; 17:23). What more could He do?
We only need to let it be done to us according to God's will (Lk 1:38). Jesus has done all the work. Our part is to believe in Him and thereby accept His saving grace. We have no excuse not to come to the heavenly banquet, no excuse for going to hell. Accept Jesus' finished work. Accept Jesus as Savior, Lord, and God.
Prayer: Jesus, I choose to live for You and not for myself, to do Your will and not mine. Promise: "You shall be My people, and I will be your God." —Ez 36:28 Praise: Pope St. Pius X's greatest accomplishment was the promotion of the Eucharist.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/21/2008) Friday, August 22, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/23/2008) Queenship of Mary
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=08/22/08) Ezekiel 37:1-14
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F082208%2Eshtml) Psalm 107:2-9 Matthew 22:34-40
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=8/22/2008) HOW DRY I AM

"How dry they were!" —Ezekiel 37:2 Are you feeling spiritually dry? Do you feel that God is looking at your life and saying, "How dry you are"? At one time in my life I was constantly surrounded by spirit-filled people, but felt so dry and far from the Spirit that I'd given up hope of ever receiving His fullness (Jn 5:5ff). I was spiritually dry and I desperately needed living water (Jn 4:14). However, my life was fulfilling the saying: "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink." I wanted the Spirit and a few of His gifts, but I didn't want the Spirit to run my life.
"It is the Spirit that gives life" (Jn 6:63; Ez 37:5). It's the Holy Spirit that gives the ability to love God and neighbor with our all (Mt 22:37). I knew these truths, but I only wanted the Spirit to give me a half-life, not life to the full (Jn 10:10). I wanted new life, but didn't want a new lifestyle (Mk 2:21-22).
For years, God soaked me with His sweet love through the Mass and the Bible. Eventually, I came to Jesus and begged Him to immerse me in the Holy Spirit (Jn 7:38; Mk 1:8), even if I had to change my entire life (see Mt 13:44). I received the Holy Spirit and was stunned to discover that I loved this new lifestyle.
Repent of stifling or saddening the Spirit, whether intentionally or unknowingly (1 Thes 5:19; Eph 4:30). Let God pour out His love in your heart through the Holy Spirit (Rm 5:5). "Receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22).
Prayer: Jesus, You lavish the Church with unrationed outpourings of the Spirit (Ti 3:6; Jn 3:34). May we receive the Holy Spirit in a manner worthy of the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity. Promise: "I have promised, and I will do it."—Ez 37:14 Praise: Mary said: "Let it be done unto me," and became a model for all future Christians.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/22/2008) Saturday, August 23, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/24/2008) St. Rose of Lima
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=08/23/08) Ezekiel 43:1-7
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F082308%2Eshtml) Psalm 85 Matthew 23:1-12
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=8/23/2008) HUMBLING EXPERIENCES

"Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, but whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." —Matthew 23:12 If we refuse to humble ourselves, the Lord will humble us. However, He prefers that we do it ourselves. We can humble ourselves by choosing to take up the daily cross (Lk 9:23). Here are several possibilities:


choosing a lower material standard of life,
choosing to live in a lowly place like Nazareth,
choosing friends like the apostles,
serving others in simple ways like washing their feet,
speaking up for Jesus even when we'll be persecuted,
remaining silent and not defending ourselves, and
choosing a lower paying, less prestigious job.

Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to the truth concerning these and other possibilities (Jn 16:13). Then, by faith in Jesus and secure in the Father's love, obey the Lord and make decisions that will result in your being humbled. The Lord will do the rest.
Prayer: Father, by humility keep me in touch with reality. Promise: "The voice said to me: Son of Man, this is where My throne shall be, this is where I will set the soles of My feet; here I will dwell among the Israelites forever." —Ez 43:7 Praise: St. Rose received God's grace in a remarkable way through bodily penance.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/23/2008) Sunday, August 24, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/25/2008) 21st Sunday Ordinary Time
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=08/24/08) Isaiah 22:15, 19-23
Romans 11:33-36
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F082408%2Eshtml) Psalm 138
Matthew 16:13-20
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=8/24/2008) "VIVA IL PAPA!"

"I for My part declare to you, you are 'Rock,' and on this rock I will build My Church." �Matthew 16:18 Many Bible teachers have shown their ingenuity in obscuring the meaning of today's Gospel reading. They try to show that Jesus did not really make Peter the "Rock" on which He built His Church. However, when we read this passage in the original Greek and are conscious that Jesus spoke these words originally in Aramaic, we have to admit that this passage means what it appears to mean. Jesus founded the Church on Peter.
Most people would not be too concerned about Peter leading the Church for a few years after Jesus ascended. However, they rightly realize that this Biblical passage implies Peter's leadership of the Church throughout its history. Jesus set up a permanent structure where Peter and his successors lead the Church. Peter's continuing authority and leadership in the Church is not a problem, but a gift. It promotes unity and protects God's people from being overwhelmed by confusion. Peter's successors, the Popes, are parts of Christ's body on whom we can count to proclaim the truth, to proclaim Who is the Truth, even amid deceptions, lies, and propaganda.
We need the Pope and thank God for him. Pray for the Pope. Listen to him. Find out what he teaches. Obey him and apply his teachings to your life.
Prayer: Father, I will look to the Pope for direction and not do my own thing. Promise: "Who has known the mind of the Lord?" �Rm 11:34 Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who sent His Spirit to guide His Church, especially through the Pope and the magisterium.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/24/2008) Monday, August 25, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/26/2008) St. Louis
St. Joseph Calasanz
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=08/25/08) 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F082508%2Eshtml) Psalm 96 Matthew 23:13-22
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=8/25/2008) REDEMPTIVE SUFFERING

"We can boast of your constancy and your faith in persecution and trial." —2 Thessalonians 1:4 Our persecutions and trials are not completely the fault of our persecutors. Some may very well be "an expression of God's just judgment" on us for the sins we have not repented of (2 Thes 1:5). Therefore, our persecutions and trials should lead us quickly to repentance.
After we have repented, we can suffer persecution. In this way, we build up God's kingdom in an exceptionally powerful way (2 Thes 1:5). No praying, preaching, healing, teaching, or serving can have the impact that repentance and redemptive suffering have in furthering God's kingdom. We were saved not by Jesus' ministry but by His suffering.
Therefore, it is a "special privilege to take Christ's part — not only to believe in Him but also to suffer for Him" (Phil 1:29). "Rejoice instead, in the measure that you share Christ's sufferings" (1 Pt 4:13). "See to it that none of you suffers for being a murderer, a thief, a malefactor, or a destroyer of another's rights. If anyone suffers for being a Christian, however, he ought not to be ashamed. He should rather glorify God in virtue of that name" (1 Pt 4:15-16).
Prayer: "We pray for you always that our God may make you worthy of His call, and fulfill by His power every honest intention and work of faith" (2 Thes 1:11). Promise: "For great is the Lord and highly to be praised; awesome is He." —Ps 96:4 Praise: St. Louis, king of France, especially delighted in serving the blind. He wished to keep his deeds of mercy secret (Mt 6:4), and the blind were unable to recognize that he was a king.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/25/2008) Tuesday, August 26, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/27/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=08/26/08) 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 14-17
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F082608%2Eshtml) Psalm 96 Matthew 23:23-26
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=8/26/2008) SEDUCTION

"Let no one seduce you, no matter how." —2 Thessalonians 2:3 Many kinds of lies deceive people into believing the wrong thing or not believing the right thing. Some believe "an oracular utterance, or rumor, or a letter" (2 Thes 2:2) without testing the Spirit (1 Jn 4:1). Some don't hold fast to the traditions we've received in the Bible (2 Thes 2:15). Others don't hold fast to the traditions we've received by word or letter through the Church (2 Thes 2:15). If we don't go by the Bible, we'll be deceived, for "ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ" (Catechism, 133, St. Jerome). If we only go by the Bible, we can still be deceived. We need the Church, "the pillar and bulwark of truth" (1 Tm 3:15.)
To avoid being seduced "no matter how" (2 Thes 2:3), we need to know Jesus personally and give Him our lives. We need the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, Who guides us to all truth (Jn 16:13) and protects us from deception (1 Jn 2:26-27). We also need to know and live the Bible. God's word is truth (Jn 17:17). Finally, we need the Church. Many Spirit-filled, Bible-believing Christians disagree on important truths. We need the Church to protect us from our human weakness. We need Jesus the Truth (Jn 14:6), the Spirit of truth (Jn 16:13), the word of truth (Jn 17:17), and the pillar and bulwark of truth (1 Tm 3:15), the Church.
Prayer: Father, may I accept everything You provide to prevent me from being seduced and deceived. Promise: "First cleanse the inside of the cup so that its outside may be clean." —Mt 23:26 Praise: James once could not believe the joy of Christians was real, but now experiences it himself.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/26/2008) Wednesday, August 27, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/28/2008) St. Monica
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=08/27/08) 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F082708%2Eshtml) Psalm 128 Matthew 23:27-32
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=8/27/2008) WORK FOR THE UNEMPLOYED

"You shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; happy shall you be, and favored." —Psalm 128:2 St. Paul told us to avoid people who wander "from the straight path," and who do not "follow the tradition received from" the Church (2 Thes 3:6). These people should be temporarily ostracized from the Church (2 Thes 3:6, 14). What abominable crime had these people committed to warrant excommunication? Their sin was that they did not work and therefore they depended on others for food.
Paul said these people were living "lives of disorder" (2 Thes 3:7). He laid "down the rule that anyone who would not work should not eat" (2 Thes 3:10). Paul, of course, believed in feeding the starving. He knew that whatever we do to the least of the brethren, we do for Jesus (Mt 25:40). He took up a collection for the starving Christians in Jerusalem (Rm 15:26; Acts 24:17). Paul, however, believed in providing food only for those who could not work to provide their own food.
Paul's teaching can be understood to mean people should work and not be on welfare. Most people feel that those on welfare don't want to work. Many, however, do want to work, but lack training and opportunities. Giving others work is work in itself. If we can provide even temporary work for the unemployed, the Lord wants us to work at it.
Prayer: Father, bless the work of our hands. Promise: "Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord." —Ps 128:4 Praise: St. Monica worked at her son's conversion by suffering, visiting, introducing him to good Christians, and "praying always and not losing heart" (Lk 18:1). (Mothers and Daughters: a retreat weekend just for you, Oct. 24 & 25. Nurture your relationship with a focus on God's will, and enjoy the fall foliage at our retreat center in Adams County, OH. Call 937-587-5464 or 513-373-2397 with questions or to register.)

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/27/2008) Thursday, August 28, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/29/2008) St. Augustine
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=08/28/08) 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F082808%2Eshtml) Psalm 145 Matthew 24:42-51
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=8/28/2008) PREP SCHOOL

"You must be prepared in the same way." —Matthew 24:44 Since we "cannot know the Day [Jesus] is coming" (Mt 24:42), we must prepare to be ready to meet Him today and "settle with" Him (Mt 24:51). The Corinthians showed their preparedness by waiting "for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 1:7). We must also be prepared for the possibility that He might come back in a short time, for example, in a year. This means we must spread the word of God with urgency just as did St. Paul and the apostles (1 Cor 7:29, 31; Acts 6:4). The salvation of millions is riding on our preparedness.
We must also be prepared for the possibility that Jesus might not return in our lifetime. We must prepare to be faithful and diligent over the long haul, to persevere, suffer, and pray without losing heart (Lk 18:1). We must prepare ourselves, for we will be called to work "a full day in the scorching heat" (Mt 20:12), and then return day after day, year after year to work for Jesus. The solidity of the Church is riding on our constant preparedness.
Work faithfully until the Master returns, whether that is soon or far off (Mt 24:46). "Stay awake, therefore!" (Mt 24:42) Prepare to be prepared.
Prayer: Lord God, You have generously given me so much revelation and warning. May I lovingly spend my life preparing Your way in the wilderness of this world (Mt 3:3). Promise: "He will strengthen you till the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus [Christ]." —1 Cor 1:8 Praise: St. Augustine vigorously preached and wrote against the errors that had nearly led him to hell.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/28/2008) Friday, August 29, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/30/2008) Beheading of St. John the Baptizer
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=08/29/08) Jeremiah 1:17-19
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F082908%2Eshtml) Psalm 71 Mark 6:17-29
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=8/29/2008) "HEADS ARE ROLLING"

"He promptly dispatched an executioner, ordering him to bring back the Baptizer's head." —Mark 6:27 The feast days of most canonized saints are on the days of their deaths. Consequently, martyrs' feast days are usually the days of their martyrdom. Yet we have no other feast named like today's feast, "the Beheading of John the Baptizer." We don't have feasts called "The Burning of Lawrence," "The Torture of Vincent," "The Beating of Sebastian," or "The Beheading of Thomas More." Yet the Church names today's feast, "The Beheading of John the Baptizer."
This may be because beheading is one of the devil's major strategies against God's people. The battle is for our minds, and the devil is trying to behead us spiritually by conforming our minds to this age (Rm 12:2). Furthermore, husbands are the heads of their wives (1 Cor 11:3), parents heads of their children, pastors heads of their churches, and leaders heads of their ministries. The devil tries to spiritually behead wives, children, churches, and ministries by keeping husbands spiritually immature, encouraging parents to be spiritually irresponsible, leading pastors into sin, and making leaders worldly wise, but spiritual fools.
Heads are rolling! Be on guard. Repent. Obey the Lord.
Prayer: Father, may I use my head according to Your will. Promise: "They will fight against you, but not prevail over you, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord." —Jer 1:19 Praise: St. John the Baptizer was such a powerful preacher that King Herod feared him even when he was in prison (Mk 6:20).

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/29/2008) Saturday, August 30, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/31/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=08/30/08) 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F083008%2Eshtml) Psalm 33 Matthew 25:14-30
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=8/30/2008) "WELL DONE!"

"Well done! You are an industrious and reliable servant. Since you were dependable in a small matter I will put you in charge of larger affairs. Come, share your master's joy!" —Matthew 25:21 The Lord does not expect everyone to make ten thousand dollars. He does not necessarily expect us to do better than others. He also does not expect us to start from scratch; He gives us something to start with. We do not have to be prosperous, competitive, or creative by worldly standards. The Lord simply expects our best. If our best is very little, that's all right (see Lk 21:2ff). He doesn't expect us to do anything beyond our ability.
We may not be able to meet other people's standards or even our own, but we can always meet God's standards. We always have a "best," and we can always "do our best." We can always be pleasing to the Lord. We can always be everything God wants us to be. We don't have to wait on anyone else or on circumstances. We can choose always to be "an industrious and reliable servant" and to do a job "well done" (Mt 25:21).
Prayer: Father, may I put in a good day's work for You, today and every day. Promise: "He has made Him our Wisdom and also our Justice, our Sanctification, and our Redemption." —1 Cor 1:30 Praise: Stephen adjusts his work schedule so that daily Mass and weekly eucharistic adoration are not neglected.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/30/2008) Sunday, August 31, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/1/2008) 22nd Sunday Ordinary Time
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=08/31/08) Jeremiah 20:7-9
Romans 12:1-2
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F083108%2Eshtml) Psalm 63
Matthew 16:21-27
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=8/31/2008) BODY-LANGUAGE

"I beg you through the mercy of God to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God." —Romans 12:1 We must offer our bodies as sacrifices to God. We are also called to offer our "bodies to God as weapons for justice" (Rm 6:13). We must know that our bodies are temples "of the Holy Spirit, Who is within" (1 Cor 6:19). Our bodies are sacrifices, weapons, and temples. Because our bodies are sacrifices, we must deny ourselves and let God consume us (see Heb 12:29). We must give God our best so as not to offer defective sacrifices (see Mal 1:7-8).
Because our bodies are weapons, we must not be "bloated with indulgence and drunkenness and worldly cares" (Lk 21:34). We should fight by wielding the "sword of the Spirit" (Eph 6:17), and the spiritual weapons of prayer and fasting (Mt 17:21, NAB). We must be in shape to "fight the good fight" of evangelization (1 Tm 1:18).
Because our bodies are temples, they should be holy, clean, peaceful, and joyous. We need to repent of our sins, go to Confession, and enthrone Jesus as Lord of our lives and our bodies. Although our bodies are weak and fragile, they are precious in God's eyes. If we use them to glorify Him, He will glorify our bodies and raise them from the dead (see Phil 3:21). "So glorify God in your body" (1 Cor 6:20).
Prayer: Father, I am custom-made to please You. I offer my body to You. Promise: "What profit would a man show if he were to gain the whole world and destroy himself in the process?" —Mt 16:26 Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who offered Himself entirely so that we may in turn learn to do the same. Alleluia!

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=8/31/2008) Monday, September 1, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/2/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=09/01/08) 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F090108%2Eshtml) Psalm 119:97-102 Luke 4:16-30
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=9/1/2008) ON THE JOB WITH JESUS

Jesus "came to Nazareth where He had been reared." —Luke 4:16 Jesus began working in His hometown Nazareth by moving in the power of the Holy Spirit, reading the Bible, and proclaiming the good news to the poor (Lk 4:18). Jesus prophetically and fearlessly challenged His hometown folk (Lk 4:24), although this filled them with indignation and even endangered His life (Lk 4:28-30).
If you're working for the Lord anywhere, especially in your hometown, see if you're doing it Jesus' way. For example, when St. Paul began His work in Corinth, "it was in weakness and fear, and with much trepidation" (1 Cor 2:3). Can you relate to this? Following the example of Jesus, Paul chose to move in the power of the Holy Spirit. Rather than trying to hide his fears behind a facade of "macho-ministry," Paul spoke to the Corinthians with no particular eloquence, no persuasive force, and no "wise" argumentation (see 1 Cor 2:4). He relied only on "the convincing power of the Spirit" (1 Cor 2:4) and determined to "speak of nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Cor 2:2). To help Paul overcome his fears, "one night in a vision the Lord said to Paul: 'Do not be afraid. Go on speaking and do not be silenced, for I am with you' " (Acts 18:9-10). Paul's work followed the pattern of Jesus' ministry.
Jesus, Paul, and you have had tough jobs. Don't make it tougher. Do your work Jesus' way. Do it in the power of the Spirit. Don't give in to fear. Proclaim the good news of the crucified and risen Jesus to all nations, especially to the poor. Work for, with, and in Jesus.
Prayer: Father, may I work Jesus' way and get Jesus' results. Promise: "Your faith rests not on the wisdom of men but on the power of God." —1 Cor 2:5 Praise: In work, John put Jesus first by dedicating his business to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/1/2008) Tuesday, September 2, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/3/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=09/02/08) 1 Corinthians 2:10-16
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F090208%2Eshtml) Psalm 145 Luke 4:31-37
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=9/2/2008) THE SCHOOL OF THE SPIRIT

"The Spirit scrutinizes all matters, even the deep things of God." —1 Corinthians 2:10 Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to teach us (Jn 14:26). The Spirit teaches us:


"what lies at the depths of God" (1 Cor 2:11),
"to recognize the gifts He has given us" (1 Cor 2:12),
words in which to speak of these gifts (1 Cor 2:13),
how to appraise everything (1 Cor 2:15), and
how to have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16).

Without the Holy Spirit, we can't know the Father, the Son, ourselves, or anyone else. We don't even know how to talk or think. Without the Spirit, we are so out of touch with reality that we consider the most profound truths absurd (1 Cor 2:14).
Most of you reading this have the Spirit within you, so you are temples of the Spirit. However, the Spirit can move much more powerfully and freely than you have allowed Him so far. "For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God bestowed when my hands were laid on you. The Spirit God has given us is no cowardly Spirit, but rather One That makes us strong, loving, and wise" (2 Tm 1:6-7).
Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit. Renew my Confirmation. Promise: "He commands the unclean spirits with authority and power, and they leave." —Lk 4:36 Praise: It wasn't until Rick fully accepted the grace of his Confirmation that the Holy Spirit brought his life into focus.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/2/2008) Wednesday, September 3, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/4/2008) Pope St. Gregory the Great
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=09/03/08) 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F090308%2Eshtml) Psalm 33 Luke 4:38-44
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=9/3/2008) A SENSE OF BELONGING(S)

"When someone says, 'I belong to Paul,' and someone else, 'I belong to Apollos,' is it not clear that you are still at the human level?" —1 Corinthians 3:4 Belongings and belonging are driving issues for human beings. We want to own things. One of the first words a child learns to say is "mine." To acquire belongings, we will do almost anything. The Lord considers this stupid, even sinful. He assures us we already have all the belongings we need. He says: "All things are yours, whether it be Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or the present, or the future: all these are yours" (1 Cor 3:21-22).
Another pressing concern we human beings have is the need to belong. In the Corinthian Church, some said they belonged to Paul. Others said they belonged to Apollos, Cephas, or Christ (1 Cor 1:12). Everyone wanted to belong to someone. Paul declared that these people already belonged to Christ (1 Cor 3:23). They belonged to God in a unique way; they were a people peculiarly God's own (see Dt 26:18). Their need to belong was already fulfilled, although they weren't aware of it.
Once we realize that our need to belong and to have belongings are already fulfilled, we can stop wasting our lives trying to get what we already have. Instead, we can live for Christ in thanksgiving for providing all our needs in His perfect love.
Prayer: Father, You have provided all I need (see Ps 145:16; Phil 4:19). I thank and adore You. Promise: "We are God's co-workers, while you are His cultivation, His building." —1 Cor 3:9 Praise: Pope St. Gregory allowed God to provide for his needs by his reliance on God to help him build six monasteries by the age of thirty-five.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/3/2008) Thursday, September 4, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/5/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=09/04/08) 1 Corinthians 3:18-23
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F090408%2Eshtml) Psalm 24 Luke 5:1-11
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=9/4/2008) FRESH FISH

"Amazement at the catch...seized him." —Luke 5:9 Jesus gave Peter a preview of the great harvest of souls in the huge catch of fish. Peter was amazed at the size of the catch and amazed at Jesus (Lk 5:9). Peter's personal encounter with Jesus was the critical beginning of his ministry. Each of us desperately needs an "encounter with the living Jesus Christ" (Church in America, Pope John Paul II, 3). A personal relationship with Jesus is the foundation of our Christian life (1 Cor 3:11). Everything we do flows from this encounter with the crucified and risen Jesus.
However, Peter's amazement wasn't strong enough to endure the cross, and he denied Jesus three times. Even after Jesus appeared personally to Him after He rose from the dead, Peter still vacillated. Not long after meeting the risen Jesus, Peter decided to go back to catching fish instead of men (see Jn 21:3). Peter went stale. He lost his freshness. In His mercy, Jesus gave Peter a repeat of their first encounter, right down to the huge catch of fish (Jn 21:6). Finally, Peter received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and stayed fresh till the end of his life.
Have you personally encountered the living Jesus? That's one goal of this Scriptural booklet (see Lk 24:32). If not, ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you. Then "receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22), Who keeps you fresh and new in Jesus. Receive the Eucharist daily or as often as possible. If you ask Him, Jesus will give you a "Eucharistic amazement" to keep you fresh (Ecclesia de Eucharistia, Pope John Paul II, 6). Lead others to be caught up into an eternity of amazement with Jesus.
Prayer: Father, may I, and all I meet, encounter Jesus, know Him personally (Phil 3:10), and remain in Him (Jn 15:4). Promise: "Do not be afraid. From now on you will be catching men." —Lk 5:10 Praise: When feeling discouraged and stale, Melinda remembers the scripture, "The favors of the Lord are not exhausted" (Lam 3:22), and her love of Jesus is renewed.


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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/4/2008) Friday, September 5, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/6/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=09/05/08) 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F090508%2Eshtml) Psalm 37:3-6, 27-28, 39-40 Luke 5:33-39
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=9/5/2008) LEAVE IT TO THE LORD

"He will make justice dawn for you like the light; bright as the noonday shall be your vindication." —Psalm 37:6 Jesus' disciples were accused of being soft on prayer and fasting (Lk 5:33). The Pharisees made a judgment based only on what they could outwardly observe, and misunderstood the underlying context for the disciples' actions.
Paul was subjected to judgment and scrutiny by both the Corinthians and by human courts as well (see 1 Cor 4:3, 5). He served the Corinthians and the Lord from pure motives but was constantly misunderstood and was frequently subjected to accusations of all kinds.
Have you ever been misunderstood in your Christian walk? Have you ever served out of love and then had a person or group completely misinterpret your motives? Perhaps they shunned you or even accused you of wrongdoing (see Jn 16:2-3).
As followers of Jesus, we do not have to expend the energy to defend ourselves beyond a simple explanation on our behalf (see Mt 5:37). Rather, God's plan is that we focus on serving Him (see 1 Cor 4:1) and leave it to Him to take care of defending and vindicating us (Is 54:17; Ps 37:6). His vindication is far-reaching and complete, "bright as the noonday" (Ps 37:6). So, "commit to the Lord your way; trust in Him, and He will act" (Ps 37:5) in your defense.
Prayer: Father, I put my life in Your hands (Ps 31:6). Promise: "The salvation of the just is from the Lord; He is their Refuge in time of distress." —Ps 37:39 Praise: It is Rhonda's supernatural gift of joy that best witnesses to the glory of God. (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Come for two days of Meditation & Eucharistic Adoration, Oct. 1-2, and a retreat on Celebrating the Sacraments With Joy, Oct. 3 & 4. Call 937-587-5464 or 513-373-2397 to register.)

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/5/2008) Saturday, September 6, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/7/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=09/06/08) 1 Corinthians 4:6-15
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F090608%2Eshtml) Psalm 145 Luke 6:1-5
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=9/6/2008) SNAPSHOTS

"God has put us apostles at the end of the line." —1 Corinthians 4:9 If someone asked you to draw three pictures which represented something of what it means to be a leader and a member of Christ's Church, what would you draw? Possibly you would picture people praying, singing, reading the Bible, or helping the poor. In today's first reading, Paul pictures the Church and its leaders in three ways.
First, he pictures the apostles as "men doomed to die in the arena" (1 Cor 4:9), that is, about to be thrown to the lions (see 1 Cor 15:32; 2 Tm 4:17; 2 Cor 1:8). This literally happened to countless Christians in the first century.
Paul's second picture of the apostles and the Church is that of a cosmic theater with such a gigantic screen that the whole universe, including angels and humans, can gawk at us (1 Cor 4:9). What's playing at the mega-movies is a comedy. We're the comedy. The cosmos is not laughing with us, but at us. The joke is on us. We have become "fools on Christ's account" (1 Cor 4:10).
Paul's last picture of us is that of a dump, a pile of garbage, "the world's refuse, the scum of all; that is the present state of affairs" (1 Cor 4:13). Like Jesus, we have been rejected and discarded (see Lk 20:17). We give off "an odor" which repels the worldly (2 Cor 2:16).
The point of Paul's pictures is that the Church, like its Head, is a "sign of contradiction" to the world (see Lk 2:34). As followers of Christ, we are radically opposed to the ways of the world. It hates us because we don't belong to it (Jn 15:18-19). However, we love the people in the world so much (see Jn 3:16) that we confront them and call them to faith and repentance.
Prayer: Father, through the cross may I be crucified to the world and the world to me (Gal 6:14). Promise: "He fulfills the desire of those who fear Him, He hears their cry and saves them." —Ps 145:19 Praise: Sandra continues to evangelize her family and tries to reach them mostly through her quiet example.


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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/6/2008) Sunday, September 7, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/8/2008) 23rd Sunday Ordinary Time
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=09/07/08) Ezekiel 33:7-9
Romans 13:8-10
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F090708%2Eshtml) Psalm 95
Matthew 18:15-20
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=9/7/2008) CORRECTING PAPERS

"If your brother should commit some wrong against you, go and point out his fault, but keep it between the two of you." —Matthew 18:15 Because we know Jesus the Truth (see Jn 14:6), we are responsible to tell the truth. We must "speak out to dissuade the wicked man from his way," or God will hold us "responsible for his death" (Ez 33:8). In a world with so much sin, we face a formidable task to speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15). Nonetheless, we must do this to obey God, to help others to repent, and to avoid being responsible for the deaths of sinners. To speak truth, we must:


Decide to totally live for Jesus the Truth.
Repent of our sins (see Mt 7:5).
Accept correction ourselves (see Sir 21:6).
Pray for those we see sinning (1 Jn 5:16).
Love sinners and hate sin.
Gently and humbly correct those who are doing wrong (Gal 6:1).

Very few Christians want to confront and correct sinners. When we do so, we usually speak from anger or frustration. However, the Lord repeatedly commands us to correct each other (see Mt 18:15; Lk 17:3; Gal 6:1). If we obey Him, He will grace us and those we correct. Trust Him. Repent, obey, and correct.
Prayer: Father, give me such a thirst for holiness (Mt 5:6) that I will appreciate both giving and receiving correction. Promise: "Owe no debt to anyone except the debt that binds us to love one another." —Rm 13:8 Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who blessed us with the charge to continue His mission here on earth.


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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/7/2008) Monday, September 8, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/9/2008) Birth of Mary
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=09/08/08) Micah 5:1-4 or
Romans 8:28-30
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F090808%2Eshtml) Psalm 13 Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=9/8/2008) "IT'S NOT EVEN MY BIRTHDAY"

"A family record of Jesus Christ." —Matthew 1:1 On Calvary, shortly before He died, Jesus gave Mary His mother as the mother of all His disciples, who were represented by John (Jn 19:26). This underlines the fact that we are family in Christ and with Mary. Families celebrate the birthdays of the family members.
Today we celebrate the birthday of Mary, our adoptive mother. Mothers' birthdays are special in several ways. When a mother thinks of a birthday, she usually doesn't think of her own, but those of her children. Moreover, mothers often make their own birthday cakes and, even on their birthdays, give more presents than they receive.
Mary's birthday is like that. Let's give our mother Mary the present she wants more than anything else, that is, obeying what her Son Jesus tells us (see Jn 2:5). Let's also tell her we love her and thank her for being such a great mother. However, she will give us more birthday presents than we give her, although it's not even our birthday. She will intercede for us to give our whole lives to Jesus and receive the most precious gifts of salvation, repentance, forgiveness, life in the Spirit, healing, freedom, peace, etc. Although it's not your birthday, open up your gifts.
Prayer: Father, thank You for mother Mary, family, and birthdays. Promise: " 'The virgin shall be with Child and give birth to a Son, and they shall call Him Emmanuel,' a name which means 'God is with us.' " —Mt 1:23 Praise: "God Who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is His name" (Lk 1:49).

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/7/2008) Monday, September 8, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/9/2008) Birth of Mary
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=09/08/08) Micah 5:1-4 or
Romans 8:28-30
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F090808%2Eshtml) Psalm 13 Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=9/8/2008) "IT'S NOT EVEN MY BIRTHDAY"

"A family record of Jesus Christ." �Matthew 1:1 On Calvary, shortly before He died, Jesus gave Mary His mother as the mother of all His disciples, who were represented by John (Jn 19:26). This underlines the fact that we are family in Christ and with Mary. Families celebrate the birthdays of the family members.
Today we celebrate the birthday of Mary, our adoptive mother. Mothers' birthdays are special in several ways. When a mother thinks of a birthday, she usually doesn't think of her own, but those of her children. Moreover, mothers often make their own birthday cakes and, even on their birthdays, give more presents than they receive.
Mary's birthday is like that. Let's give our mother Mary the present she wants more than anything else, that is, obeying what her Son Jesus tells us (see Jn 2:5). Let's also tell her we love her and thank her for being such a great mother. However, she will give us more birthday presents than we give her, although it's not even our birthday. She will intercede for us to give our whole lives to Jesus and receive the most precious gifts of salvation, repentance, forgiveness, life in the Spirit, healing, freedom, peace, etc. Although it's not your birthday, open up your gifts.
Prayer: Father, thank You for mother Mary, family, and birthdays. Promise: " 'The virgin shall be with Child and give birth to a Son, and they shall call Him Emmanuel,' a name which means 'God is with us.' " �Mt 1:23 Praise: "God Who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is His name" (Lk 1:49). -----

<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/8/2008) Tuesday, September 9, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/10/2008) St. Peter Claver
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=09/09/08) 1 Corinthians 6:1-11
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F090908%2Eshtml) Psalm 149 Luke 6:12-19
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=9/9/2008) CONFLICTING REPORTS

"Those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured; indeed, the whole crowd was trying to touch Him because power went out from Him which cured all." —Luke 6:18-19 Luke has just finished recounting five fights the religious leaders had with Jesus. They got upset with Jesus over the observance of the sabbath, fasting, the company He kept, and claiming authority to forgive sins. At the end of round five, the religious leaders "became frenzied and began asking one another what could be done to Jesus" (Lk 6:11).
Natural responses to a barrage of complaints and accusations are disturbance, fear, resentment, and/or withdrawal. Instead, Jesus responded by "spending the night in communion with God" (Lk 6:12), selecting the twelve apostles (Lk 6:13), and healing the sick (Lk 6:19). We should respond to a barrage of conflicts in the same way Jesus did. We must not be perturbed, but remain calm so that we "will be able to pray" (1 Pt 4:7).
When we're going through the agony in the garden, we must take a long time to pray. We should also select others to support us in prayer, even if this exposes us to further rejection. Finally, we should forget about our own hurts and, although wounded, reach out to heal others.
Prayer: Jesus, give me the grace to make a supernatural response to conflicts. Promise: "You have been washed, consecrated, justified in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God." —1 Cor 6:11 Praise: St. Peter Claver was so moved to reach out to black slaves that he used pictures to bridge the language barrier to teach them about Christ.
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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/9/2008) Wednesday, September 10, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/11/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=09/10/08) 1 Corinthians 7:25-31
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F091008%2Eshtml) Psalm 45 Luke 6:20-26
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=9/10/2008) POOR ME

"Blest are you poor; the reign of God is yours." —Luke 6:20 Luke presents the Beatitudes differently than does Matthew. In Luke, Jesus teaches the Beatitudes while "coming down the mountain" (Lk 6:17). In Matthew, Jesus teaches them "on the mountain" (Mt 5:1). Luke has four beatitudes and four woes, while Matthew has eight beatitudes.
Luke stresses physical poverty much more than does Matthew. Luke says: "Blest are you poor," and "blest are you who hunger" (Lk 6:20). Matthew, however, talks about being "poor in spirit," and hungering and thirsting for holiness (Mt 5:3, 6). Luke emphasizes physical poverty throughout his Gospel. He alone mentions Jesus' birth in a manger, the Good Samaritan, and the rich man and Lazarus. In his Beatitudes, Luke is repeating his theme that we should not only help the poor but be the poor.
We must "incarnate" our service to God's poor; it must become flesh. "The equal dignity of human persons requires the effort to reduce excessive social and economic inequalities. It gives urgency to the elimination of sinful inequalities. Solidarity...practices the sharing of spiritual goods even more than material ones" (Catechism, 1947-1948).
We must identify with the poor as does Jesus (see 2 Cor 8:9).
Prayer: Father, may I be like Jesus and thereby be poor. Promise: "The world as we know it is passing away." —1 Cor 7:31 Praise: Brother John put all his belongings into a single backpack to do missionary work and be one of the poor in a third-world country.
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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/10/2008) Thursday, September 11, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/12/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=09/11/08) 1 Corinthians 8:1-7, 11-13
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F091108%2Eshtml) Psalm 139 Luke 6:27-38
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=9/11/2008) OCCASIONS OF SIN

"Therefore, if food causes my brother to sin I will never eat meat again, so that I may not be an occasion of sin to him." —1 Corinthians 8:13 Eating meat that had been offered to idols was an occasion of sin for many Corinthian and Roman Christians (Rm 14:20). Nothing was wrong with this practice of itself, but it wounded the consciences of some Christians. Therefore, Paul said he would never eat meat again.
Today, alcohol is an occasion of sin to many people. Therefore, out of love for them we give up our right to drink alcohol where there is even the possibility of being an occasion of sin. This is especially true in the case of the public sale and consumption of alcohol, which is popular with many churches.
Gambling is also an occasion of sin in our society. Therefore, love of neighbor can move us not to buy another lottery ticket, or promote bingo, raffles, or games of chance where there is even the possibility of being an occasion of sin.
Sins of sexual fantasies, masturbation, fornication, and adultery are pandemic in our world. Therefore, we should be careful to dress modestly and never mention sexual impurity in our conversation (Eph 5:3-4).
Paul stated emphatically: "When you sin thus against your brothers and wound their weak consciences, you are sinning against Christ" (1 Cor 8:12).
Prayer: Father, may I be more concerned about holiness than pleasure. Promise: "Love your enemy and do good; lend without expecting repayment. Then will your recompense be great." —Lk 6:35 Praise: Peter and Paula did not offer alcohol at their wedding reception, but instead prayed for the Holy Spirit to bless all present.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/11/2008) Friday, September 12, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/13/2008) Most Holy Name of Mary
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=09/12/08) 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-27
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F091208%2Eshtml) Psalm 84 Luke 6:39-42
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=9/12/2008) "EXISTING TO EVANGELIZE"

"I made myself the slave of all so as to win over as many as possible." —1 Corinthians 9:19 How much do you want people to give their lives to Christ? Would you be "the slave of all so as to win over as many as possible"? Would you make yourself "all things to all men in order to save at least some of them"? (1 Cor 9:22) Are you running the race and fighting the fight? (1 Cor 9:26; 2 Tm 4:7) Would you discipline and master your body (1 Cor 9:27) to make it an instrument of justice (Rm 6:13) in leading people to Christ?
The Lord will give us such a strong desire to lead people to Him that we will realize we exist to evangelize (On Evangelization, 14, Pope Paul VI). Like Paul, we will be "under compulsion" to preach the gospel and ruined if we don't (1 Cor 9:16). Like Jesus, we "have come to light a fire on the earth" (Lk 12:49). How we "wish the blaze were ignited!" (Lk 12:49)
Ask the Holy Spirit to come to you. Ask for a new Pentecost. Ask for the desires of God's heart to be fulfilled as His desires become the desires of your heart. Exist to evangelize.
Prayer: Jesus, may I live and die to be Your witness (see Acts 1:8). Promise: "Hypocrite, remove the plank from your own eye first; then you will see clearly enough to remove the speck from your brother's eye." —Lk 6:42 Praise: "I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say" (Lk 1:38).

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/12/2008) Saturday, September 13, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/14/2008) St. John Chrysostom
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=09/13/08) 1 Corinthians 10:14-22
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F091308%2Eshtml) Psalm 116 Luke 6:43-49
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=9/13/2008) DEMONIC WORSHIP

"I am telling you, whom I love, to shun the worship of idols." �1 Corinthians 10:14 When we receive Communion and partake of the one loaf, "we, many though we are, are one body" (1 Cor 10:17). We share in the body and blood of Christ (1 Cor 10:16). However, when we immerse ourselves in worldly activities, we may be involved in the worship of idols and commune with the world. We may unknowingly have "become sharers with demons" (1 Cor 10:20).
Worship is simply abandoning ourselves to something or to someone. Today's idol worship is often done at parties, concerts, sporting events, bars, motels, or malls. When we party with abandon, idolize an entertainer or athlete, have sinful sexual relations (see Eph 5:5), or invest an inappropriate amount of time and/or money into something, we may be worshipping idols, having communion with them, and unknowingly becoming sharers with demons.
"You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and also the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and likewise the table of demons. Do we mean to provoke the Lord to jealous anger? Surely we are not stronger than He!" (1 Cor 10:21-22) "Worship God alone!" (Rv 22:9)
Prayer: Father, deliver me from any unknowing involvement in the occult. Promise: "A good man produces goodness from the good in his heart." �Lk 6:45 Praise: St. John Chrysostom was exiled more than once from his diocese, but remained in contact with, and faithful to, the pope. He shunned worldly idols by bringing reform to the corrupt court, clergy, and people.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/13/2008) Sunday, September 14, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/15/2008) Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=09/14/08) Numbers 21:4-9
Philippians 2:6-11
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F091408%2Eshtml) Psalm 78:1-2, 34-38
John 3:13-17
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=9/14/2008) "CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST" (Gal 2:19)

"...obediently accepting even death, death on a cross!" —Philippians 2:8 Jesus healed a man and then forbade him to tell people He had done the healing (Mk 1:44). Jesus realized people would misunderstand His true identity and label Him as merely a Healer. Jesus multiplied loaves and fishes to feed the multitudes. When He realized people only partially grasped His true identity, calling Him a Prophet and King (Jn 6:14-15), he had to leave that area.
Jesus was arrested, manhandled, and tried before the Sanhedrin. Jesus stood as an accused Prisoner before judges who were determined to find a way to condemn Him to death. In that most ironic scenario, Jesus the condemned proclaimed His true identity. When asked if He was the "Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One...Jesus answered, 'I am' " (Mk 14:61-62). As He was lifted up on His cross, a sign above His head proclaimed His true identity for the world to see: "Jesus the Nazorean the King of the Jews" (Jn 19:19). Jesus wouldn't let His true identity be revealed apart from the context of His crucified suffering. He is the Crucified. He is the great I AM (Ex 3:14; Mk 14:62).
With St. Paul, say: "I have been crucified with Christ, and the life I live now is not my own; Christ is living in me. I still live my human life, but it is a life of faith in the Son of God" (Gal 2:19-20). We are Christians. We receive our identity in Jesus. Live a crucified, triumphant life in Christ. Take up your cross (Lk 9:23).
Prayer: Jesus, fill me with Your crucified love. May I never shrink from carrying my daily cross. Promise: "Jesus Christ is Lord!" —Phil 2:11 Praise: "We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world."

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/14/2008) Monday, September 15, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/16/2008) Our Lady of Sorrows
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=09/15/08) Hebrews 5:7-9
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F091508%2Eshtml) Psalm 31 John 19:25-27
or Luke 2:33-35
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=9/15/2008) PRAYING TO SUFFER

"You yourself shall be pierced with a sword — so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare." —Luke 2:35 We have a special prayer (a sequence) for today's feast day honoring Mary, the Sorrowful Mother. In this prayer, we ask to be pierced through our hearts with each wound of Jesus crucified. We also ask to mingle tears with Mary and share the grief she had at the foot of the cross (see Jn 19:25). We seek to bear in our bodies the death of Jesus even to our last breath (see 2 Cor 4:10). Finally, we again ask to be wounded with every one of Jesus' wounds until we are overwhelmed and faint. This is a prayer few people want to pray, but the Lord calls us to pray it from our hearts.
With Mary, we should pray to know how to suffer by being formed into the pattern of Jesus' death (Phil 3:10). We must desire to suffer with Jesus rather than have pleasure without Him. We consider it a privilege not only to believe in Him but to suffer for Him (Phil 1:29). We find joy in the sufferings we endure for the Church. When we suffer innocently and love our enemies, we suffer redemptively and make up in our own bodies what is lacking in Christ's sufferings (Col 1:24). This proves that the Holy Spirit is resting on us (1 Pt 4:14).
Mary, Mother of Sorrows, pray for us to pray for redemptive suffering.
Prayer: Father, may I consider it a privilege to suffer for You. Promise: "Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered; and when perfected, He became the Source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him." —Heb 5:8-9 Praise: Mary earned the title Our Lady of Sorrows by bearing up under incredible sorrows. Mary's "Yes" to earthly sorrow has given her eternal honor as the Queen of Heaven and Earth.
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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/15/2008) Tuesday, September 16, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/17/2008) Pope St. Cornelius
St. Cyprian
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=09/16/08) 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F091608%2Eshtml) Psalm 100 Luke 7:11-17
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=9/16/2008) GLAD TIDINGS

"Serve the Lord with gladness." —Psalm 100:2 Serving the Lord with gladness, according to the dictionary, means to serve Him while showing joy, being brightly cheerful, and having an inner feeling of contentment and gratification. Because the Lord of the universe allows us to actually have a part in building His kingdom, we "raise a glad cry" (Is 44:23). We gratefully tell the Lord: "I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, Most High" (Ps 9:3).
This gladness transcends our circumstances. From his prison, St. Paul tells his coworkers: "Even if my life is to be poured out as a libation over the sacrificial service of your faith, I am glad of it and rejoice with all of you. May you be glad on the same score, and rejoice with me!" (Phil 2:17-18)
When we serve the Lord with gladness, others catch on. God especially wants all people to "be glad in the Lord and rejoice" (Ps 32:11; see also Ps 67:5). God promises: "The lowly will hear Me and be glad" (Ps 34:3). Many will tell the Lord: " 'You changed my mourning into dancing; You took off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness' (Ps 30:12). 'You are my Shelter; from distress You will preserve me; with glad cries of freedom You will ring me round' (Ps 32:7). 'When cares abound within me, Your comfort gladdens my soul' (Ps 94:19). 'Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices, my body, too, abides in confidence' (Ps 16:9)."
"Hear the sounds of joy and gladness" (Ps 51:10). "Meet with joy and gladness" (Is 35:10). "Serve the Lord with gladness."
Prayer: Father, I love living for Jesus. "I will rejoice for He has made me glad" (see Ps 92:5). Promise: "You, then, are the body of Christ. Every one of you is a member of it." —1 Cor 12:27 Praise: During St. Cyprian's years as bishop, he faithfully persevered while suffering a persecution, two schisms, and a plague.
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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/16/2008) Wednesday, September 17, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/18/2008) St. Robert Bellarmine
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=09/17/08) 1 Corinthians 12:31—13:13
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F091708%2Eshtml) Psalm 33 Luke 7:31-35
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=9/17/2008) CHILD'S PLAY

"They are like children." —Luke 7:32 In the New Testament, children represent three different spiritual states. The most popular Biblical picture of children is one that stresses their utter dependence on their parents. If we become lowly like children and acknowledge our total dependence on the Lord, we will enter God's kingdom (Mt 18:3).
The Bible also sees children as a symbol of spiritual immaturity. "Everyone whose food is milk alone is ignorant of the word that sanctifies, for he is a child" (Heb 5:13). Paul said: "When I was a child I used to talk like a child, think like a child, reason like a child. When I became a man I put childish ways aside" (1 Cor 13:11). Because of their immaturity, children are easily deceived, so Paul told the Ephesians: "Be children no longer, tossed here and there, carried about by every wind of doctrine that originates in human trickery and skill in proposing error" (Eph 4:14).
Finally, the Bible uses children to represent sins of selfishness and rebellion. Jesus compared the people of His day to self-centered, spoiled, and stubborn children (Lk 7:32-34). Jesus wants us to become childlike in one sense of the word, but not childish. He wants us to have the spiritual maturity and unselfishness to be aware of our total dependence on Him. Let's become children in the right way and repent of being childish in other ways (see 1 Cor 14:20).
Prayer: Father, may we "be like children as far as evil is concerned, but in mind be mature" (1 Cor 14:20). Promise: "Love does not rejoice in what is wrong but rejoices with the truth." —1 Cor 13:6 Praise: St. Robert, the spiritual father of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, used his giftedness to defend and teach the Catholic faith.

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/17/2008) Thursday, September 18, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/19/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=09/18/08) 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F091808%2Eshtml) Psalm 118 Luke 7:36-50
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=9/18/2008) NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT

"You are being saved by it at this very moment if you hold fast to it as I preached it to you." �1 Corinthians 15:2 We pray God will do something for us, or thank Him for what He has done. We live in the past and in the future. However, the Lord wants us to be aware of Him at this very moment. "Now is the day of salvation!" (2 Cor 6:2) Now is the time to abandon our lives "to Him Whose power now at work in us can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine" (Eph 3:20).
When we pray for healing, do we expect an immediate response from God? Almost all Jesus' healings in the Bible happened immediately. Has God changed His timing? Or are we not believing and so not receiving? The Lord promises: "Before they call, I will answer; while they are yet speaking, I will hearken to them" (Is 65:24). We think God is slow and we talk about waiting on the Lord, but He's waiting on us. Jesus said to the two disciples: "How slow you are to believe!" (Lk 24:25) "Will [God] delay long over them, do you suppose? I tell you, He will give them swift justice. But when the Son of Man comes, will He find any faith on the earth?" (Lk 18:7-8)
The place is here, the person is you, and the time is now. Jesus said: "Your faith has been your salvation. Now go in peace" (Lk 7:50).
Prayer: Jesus, may I be living in and loving You now. Promise: "You gave Me no kiss, but she has not ceased kissing My feet since I entered." �Lk 7:45 Praise: In support of a family member who was a recovering alcoholic, the Burtons never served alcohol at any family parties.
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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/18/2008) Friday, September 19, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/20/2008) St. Januarius
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=09/19/08) 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F091908%2Eshtml) Psalm 17 Luke 8:1-3
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=9/19/2008) RISEN LIFE

"Christ is now raised from the dead." �1 Corinthians 15:20 Christians are a resurrection-people. "If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is void of content and your faith is empty too. Indeed, we should then be exposed as false witnesses of God" (1 Cor 15:14-15). "If Christ was not raised, your faith is worthless. You are still in your sins, and those who have fallen asleep in Christ are the deadest of the dead. If our hopes in Christ are limited to this life only, we are the most pitiable of men" (1 Cor 15:17-19). In summary, without Jesus' resurrection, our faith is meaningless, empty, false, and worthless.
Without the resurrection, we are trapped in sin, doomed in death, and "the most pitiable of men" and women. Because Jesus is risen, our faith is the ultimate, full, true, and precious meaning of life. Because of the resurrection, Jesus has conquered sin, death, Satan, hell, and damnation. We are therefore the most blessed of men and women.
Because Jesus' resurrection makes all the difference in this world and in the next, we celebrate His resurrection not annually but each Sunday. We focus the whole day on the risen Christ. We assemble and pray with other risen people. We celebrate with the assembly and with our families. Each week we take off work for this day. We draw our "life from the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Pt 1:3).
Prayer: Father, may I obey the Third Commandment. Promise: "The Twelve accompanied Him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and maladies." �Lk 8:1-2 Praise: None of the wild animals placed in the amphitheater with St. Januarius and his companions to devour them would come near them (see Dn 6:23).
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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/19/2008) Saturday, September 20, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/21/2008) Sts. Andrew Kim Taegon,
Paul Chong Hasang,
& the Korean Martyrs
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=09/20/08) 1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F092008%2Eshtml) Psalm 56 Luke 8:4-15
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=9/20/2008) THE MIRACLE OF A HUNDREDFOLD

"But some fell on good soil, grew up, and yielded grain a hundredfold." �Luke 8:8 The Lord promises we can receive His word to bear fruit a hundredfold. This is like saying $1,000 will turn into $100,000, which is an astronomical increase. Most Christians believe God's word will help, bless, teach, and even heal them, but few expect the hundredfold harvest.
If we took seriously the Lord's promise of a hundredfold, we would:


tremble in prayer as we open the Bible,
kiss the Bible before opening it,
insist our pastors preach much longer,
never miss our daily Bible reading,
go to Mass more often than Sunday,
daily read the Bible with our children and spouse, and
encourage our children to seriously consider a lifetime ministry of preaching or teaching God's word.

When we expect the hundredfold harvest of the word, our entire lives are transformed. We receive the word not as the word of man but of God (1 Thes 2:13), "humbly welcome" it (Jas 1:21), and "act on this word" (Jas 1:22).
Prayer: Lord, may Your word burn in my heart (Lk 24:32). Promise: "Just as we resemble the man from earth, so shall we bear the likeness of the Man from heaven." �1 Cor 15:49 Praise: The Korean Martyrs, some only catechumens, give witness throughout the ages to the "immeasurable scope of [God's] power in us who believe" (Eph 1:19).

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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/20/2008) Sunday, September 21, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/22/2008) 25th Sunday Ordinary Time
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=09/21/08) Isaiah 55:6-9
Philippians 1:20-24, 27
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F092108%2Eshtml) Psalm 145
Matthew 20:1-16
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=9/21/2008) THE EXHILARATION OF NOT GETTING OUR WAY

"As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are My ways above your ways and My thoughts above your thoughts." �Isaiah 55:9 Because God's thoughts and ways are very different than ours, we must think and act very differently from what we are comfortable with, if we are to have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16). In other words, if it feels good, don't do it!
Until we are very holy, doing things God's way will be heart-wrenching. It will upset us to not get our way. However, we give in and do it God's way anyway because we love Him. Sometimes we don't even understand what God is doing, but there's something mysteriously beautiful about living in this kingdom of God and living so foreign to our natural ways. There is such authentic fulfillment in losing our lives (Lk 9:24), abandoning ourselves to the Lord, not relying on our own understanding (Prv 3:5), and not doing our own thing. What freedom we have in not being confined to our own thoughts and ways, but living a new life of faith in the Lord! (see Gal 2:20)
"For who can see Him and describe Him? Or who can praise Him as He is? Beyond these, many things lie hid; only a few of His works have we seen" (Sir 43:33-34). "How deep are the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How inscrutable His judgments, how unsearchable His ways!" (Rm 11:33) "To Him be glory forever. Amen" (Rm 11:36).
Prayer: Father, by Your grace may I break out of self-centeredness into the light of Your kingdom. Promise: "Christ will be exalted through me, whether I live or die. For, to me, 'life' means Christ; hence dying is so much gain." �Phil 1:20-21 Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who prayed "Not My will, but Thine be done." Alleluia!
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<< (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/21/2008) Monday, September 22, 2008 >> (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=9/23/2008)
Saint of the Day (http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?SODDate=09/22/08) Proverbs 3:27-34
View Readings (http://www.presentationministries.com/scripture/scriptureT.asp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eusccb%2Eorg% 2Fnab%2F092208%2Eshtml) Psalm 15 Luke 8:16-18
Similar Reflections (http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobFindSimilar.asp?d=9/22/2008) A LAMP TO THEIR FEET

"No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bushel basket or under a bed; he puts it on a lampstand so that whoever comes in can see it." �Luke 8:16 I'm sitting before the Blessed Sacrament reposed in the tabernacle. This church is not my parish. I didn't know where the tabernacle was located. So I looked for the burning light inside the sanctuary lamp. Once my eyes located the lamp, I knew where Jesus was. We are called to be like sanctuary lamps. When people see us, they can find Jesus. Like St. John the Baptizer, we can be "the lamp, set aflame and burning bright" (Jn 5:35).
The sanctuary light in this church is not bright at all. It's a rather dim light, in fact. However, the church sanctuary is in semi-darkness, and the light, though dim, is easily spotted by someone looking for it. Therefore, we must not be discouraged if we feel we are not exactly shining stars compared to other believers. Some Christians shine more brightly than others (see 1 Cor 15:41). "What of it? All that matters is that" our shining lives reflect the glory of God as best as we can (Phil 1:18).
People line a street or driveway with candle luminaries to point the way to a party. We must do the same for Jesus. We, His followers, "possess the light of life" (Jn 8:12). Nations can find Jesus by the light of Jesus shining through us (Is 60:1). "Awake, O sleeper, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light" (Eph 5:14). Then let your light shine publicly for the glory of God.
Prayer: Father, may Your light shine in me to the world so that people may see goodness in my acts and praise You (Mt 5:16). Promise: "To the Lord the perverse man is an abomination, but with the upright is His friendship." �Prv 3:32 Praise: When the snowstorm hit, Carol was a witness to all who saw her walking to Church as usual, despite inclement weather.