Young Adults of St Francis

Archive for February 2012

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Posted by: on: February 14, 2012

BLAMING AND CLAIMING
“Make no mistake about this.” —James 1:16
God gets blamed for temptations (Jas 1:13), tragedies, and all sorts of problems. Just because He created everything, gave us free will, and allows us to use and abuse our freedom doesn’t mean that God is to blame for the wages of our sins (see Rm 6:23).

On the other hand, God doesn’t often get the credit for “every worthwhile gift, every genuine benefit” (Jas 1:17). We claim we’ve earned our blessings. Even if we admit that God had something to do with them, we may still say that God helps those who help themselves. In this way, we take part of the credit for the good things God gives us.

The fact is that we can do nothing without Jesus (Jn 15:5) and cannot name anything good that we have not received from God (1 Cor 4:7; Jas 1:17). “If, then, you have received it, why are you boasting as if it were your own?” (1 Cor 4:7)

Let’s quit blaming God for problems and taking credit for His blessings. We should pray: “Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to Your name give glory because of Your kindness, because of Your truth” (Ps 115:1). “Only in the Lord are just deeds and power” (Is 45:24). To God be glory!
Prayer: Father, may I be honest with You, myself, and others.
Promise: “Happy the man whom You instruct, O Lord, whom by Your law You teach, giving him rest from evil days.” —Ps 94:12-13

“One Bread, One Body Winter into Lent February 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012”

Volume 28, No.2 © October, 2011. Presentation Ministries, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Posted by: on: February 14, 2012

TRIAL TESTED
“My brothers, count it pure joy when you are involved in every sort of trial.” —James 1:2
Many in the United States and other developed nations enjoy creature comforts beyond imagination. On the surface this may seem to shield us from certain trials. For all the benefits, in many ways this is not necessarily good for us. “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes” (Ps 119:71).

Do you consider your hard life-lessons opportunities for growth? Alternatively, is your attitude causing Jesus to “sigh from the depths of His spirit?” (Mk 8:12) Are there pains that have taken you up to, or possibly beyond, the breaking point? If the answer is yes, it’s time to set an appointment with Jesus. “For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but One Who was tempted in every way that we are, yet never sinned” (Heb 4:15).

In the end, it is a question of faith. Are you a man or woman of enduring faith? The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus to us, and the Father professes that we are His beloved, favored children (see Mk 1:11). What other words do we need to hear so that our hardened hearts will be convinced? Let’s not be like the scribes and Pharisees, always seeking a sign (see Mt 12:38). Pray for greater faith.
Prayer: Father, give me a faith such that when I suffer through the trials of life, my fire-tried faith will give You praise, glory, and honor (1 Pt 1:6-7).
Promise: “If any of you is without wisdom, let him ask it from the God Who gives generously and ungrudgingly to all, and it will be given him.” —Jas 1:5

“One Bread, One Body Winter into Lent February 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012”

Volume 28, No.2 © October, 2011. Presentation Ministries, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Posted by: on: February 14, 2012

AN EPIDEMIC OF LEPROSY
“A leper approached Him with a request.” —Mark 1:40
Our society and churches are filled with lepers. These people don’t have physical leprosy, which is Hanson’s disease, but the spiritual leprosy of self-hatred. They continually “cry out ‘Unclean, Unclean!’ ” (Lv 13:45) They do things to turn people away from them. They even tell God to stay away from them. They wallow in depression and degrade themselves through self-destructive compulsions such as overeating, alcoholism, gambling, TV addiction, sexual promiscuity, masturbation, gossip, etc.

Only one Person can cure leprosy — Jesus. In our leprous condition, we must kneel down and make an act of faith in Jesus, saying: “If You will do so, You can cure” us (Mk 1:40). He will have mercy on us, stretch out His hand, touch us, and say: “I do will it. Be cured” (Mk 1:41). Then we will be freed from years of self-hatred and self-destruction. We will no longer be degraded by the tyranny of doing what feels good. We will be truly free and fully alive.

Then we should tell the good news of our healing to whomever the Lord leads us. These people may also be lepers. They may have been discouraged by the lepers in their family and church. By sharing our healing, we will open them to Jesus. They will no longer tell Jesus to stay away from them, but will let Him touch them.
Prayer: Father, may I repent of self-hatred and let Jesus touch me in Confession.
Promise: “Whether you eat or drink — whatever you do — you should do all for the glory of God.” —1 Cor 10:31

“One Bread, One Body Winter into Lent February 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012”

Volume 28, No.2 © October, 2011. Presentation Ministries, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Posted by: on: February 14, 2012

THE WAR OF WORSHIPS
“If now this people go up to offer sacrifices in the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem, the hearts of this people will return to their master.” —1 Kings 12:27
The Lord wants our hearts to be entirely with Him (see 1 Kgs 11:4). The devil wants our hearts to be only partially with God. This will then prevent us from loving God with all our hearts (Mt 22:37) and being saved.

The Lord tries to win our hearts by giving us the grace to treasure worshipping Him. Where our treasure is, there will our hearts be (Lk 12:34). If we treasure worshipping Him, then where our worship is, there will our hearts be.

On the other hand, the devil, like Jeroboam, tries to turn our hearts away from God by proposing alternative worship sites and services (see 1 Kgs 12:29-32). For example, instead of worshipping at church on Sunday, the devil offers us weekend worship as we party at home, bow-down before the TV, and/or frequent such worship sites as bars, shopping malls, stadiums, or corporate offices. If we put anything ahead of God, we automatically worship that thing, and then our hearts are not entirely with the Lord. Therefore, worship God alone (Ex 20:3).
Prayer: Father, may I obey the first of the Ten Commandments.
Promise: “Those who had eaten numbered about four thousand.” —Mk 8:9

“One Bread, One Body Winter into Lent February 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012”

Volume 28, No.2 © October, 2011. Presentation Ministries, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Posted by: on: February 14, 2012

GRAND OPENING
“Ahijah took off his new cloak, tore it into twelve pieces…” —1 Kings 11:30
Ahijah prophesied that the kingdom of Israel would be torn into twelve pieces. Is your life torn to shreds, ripped in pieces, tattered, or frayed? If you used a coat to symbolize your life, in what condition would the coat be?

Are you spiritually deaf with a speech impediment as was the man in today’s Gospel reading? (Mk 7:32) Is your physical condition representative of your spiritual condition?

If your life is torn to shreds, if you’re in bad shape, come to Jesus. He will simply command you: ” ‘Ephphatha!’ (that is, ‘Be opened!’)” (Mk 7:34) The Lord has already provided for our salvation, healing, deliverance, power, and peace by His death and Resurrection. He loves us infinitely. He cannot love us more. We are perfectly loved, and we would know and experience this (Eph 3:18-19), if we were only open.

Be opened to repentance, to giving and receiving forgiveness. Be opened to God’s grace, His callings, and eternal life. Jesus’ side was opened (Jn 19:34). Jesus’ heart is open. The gates of heaven are open. Be opened!
Prayer: Father, may I open my heart (2 Cor 6:13) to the calling I have most resisted in my life.
Promise: “He has done everything well! He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak!” —Mk 7:37

“One Bread, One Body Winter into Lent February 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012”

Volume 28, No.2 © October, 2011. Presentation Ministries, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Posted by: on: February 14, 2012

AN “IDOL” MIND IS THE DEVIL’S WORKSHOP
“They served their idols, which became a snare for them.” —Psalm 106:36
Solomon, the wisest man in the world, became such a fool as to set the stage for a civil war and the massive deterioration of God’s people. Solomon’s downfall was the sin of idolatry. He adored false gods, such as Astarte, Milcom, Chemosh, and Molech (1 Kgs 11:5-7).

Many people aren’t too upset to hear about idolatry. They may realize they have committed many sins, but they don’t see themselves as having done that one. They’ve never bowed down to grotesque images or burned incense in weird cults. However, we don’t have to act like that to commit the sin of idolatry. By merely presuming we can disobey God and get away with it, we can commit the sin of idolatry (1 Sm 15:23). Putting anything ahead of God and thereby not giving our hearts entirely to Him is idolatry (1 Kgs 11:4). For example, the sin of giving in to greed can be in effect idolatry (Eph 5:5). Therefore, idolatry is a sin often committed. Idolatry can even be a way of life, “for the worship of infamous idols is the reason and source and extremity of all evil” (Wis 14:27).

“Do not deceive yourselves: no fornicators, idolators, or adulterers, no sodomites, thieves, misers, or drunkards, no slanderers or robbers will inherit God’s kingdom” (1 Cor 6:9-10, our emphasis). Love the Lord with all your heart and repent of idolatry. “My little children, be on your guard against idols” (1 Jn 5:21).
Prayer: Lord, You are God alone. I worship You alone.
Promise: “When she got home, she found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.” —Mk 7:30

“One Bread, One Body Winter into Lent February 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012”

Volume 28, No.2 © October, 2011. Presentation Ministries, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Posted by: on: February 14, 2012

SUCCESS IS SPELLED C-R-O-S-S
“Blessed be the Lord, your God, Whom it has pleased to place you on the throne of Israel.” —1 Kings 10:9
Solomon was the wisest person who had ever lived or will ever live (1 Kgs 3:12). He was amazingly rich and lived in such majesty as to leave even the sophisticated queen of Sheba breathless (1 Kgs 10:5).

The Lord made Solomon so awesome to confirm His promise that the Davidic dynasty would last forever (2 Sm 7:16) and bring forth the Messiah (1 Sm 16:1; Mi 5:1). The success of David, Solomon, and their descendants was seen as proof they were God’s chosen ones.

Today, many people think prosperity indicates God’s approval of their life. However, the “prosperity gospel” is only true if we look at prosperity in the long run, and if we define it by Biblical standards. For instance, Jesus was the ultimate Chosen One, yet He appeared a failure. He underwent adversity rather than prosperity for much of His life. Nevertheless, after His crucifixion, when He rose from the dead and ascended to the right hand of the Father, He was certainly more than prosperous (see Is 52:13; 53:12).

Success or prosperity, by Biblical standards, is centered on the wisdom, power (1 Cor 1:24), and glory of the cross (see Gal 6:14). God’s chosen ones are chosen for the glory of the resurrection only because they are chosen for the apparent failure of the cross.
Prayer: Father, may I boast of nothing but the cross of Jesus (Gal 6:14).
Promise: “Commit to the Lord your way; trust in Him, and He will act.” —Ps 37:5

“One Bread, One Body Winter into Lent February 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012”

Volume 28, No.2 © October, 2011. Presentation Ministries, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Posted by: on: February 14, 2012

JESUS, THE ULTIMATE TRADITIONALIST
“For example, Moses said…” —Mark 7:10
Christianity is based on divine traditions, that is, the handing on of what the Holy Spirit has revealed to God’s people. The Bible itself is written to hand on some divine traditions (see 2 Thes 2:15). Therefore, without respect for tradition, the very basis of Christianity is undermined.

One of the main ways the devil tries to ruin our respect for tradition is by tempting us to place human traditions ahead of divine ones. He hopes we will react to this abuse by trying to throw out tradition instead of throwing out the abuse. Therefore, Jesus was very interested in showing religious leaders that they were disregarding God’s commandments, which are divine traditions, and clinging “to what is human tradition” (Mk 7:8). Here Jesus was trying to guard the divine traditions expressed in the Bible from being set aside (Mk 7:9) or nullified (Mk 7:13) by merely human traditions. The devil tries to turn tradition against itself — to use human traditions to destroy divine ones. However, Jesus protects divine tradition from this attack. He is the divine Defender of divine tradition. Jesus is a Traditionalist in the ultimate sense.
Prayer: Father, may I put divine tradition ahead of human tradition, including the tradition to attack tradition.
Promise: “May Your eyes watch night and day over this temple, the place where You have decreed You shall be honored; may You heed the prayer which I, Your servant, offer in this place.” —1 Kgs 8:29

“One Bread, One Body Winter into Lent February 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012”

Volume 28, No.2 © October, 2011. Presentation Ministries, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Posted by: on: February 14, 2012

TEMPLE TANTRUMS
“Advance, O Lord, to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your majesty.” —Psalm 132:8
God was untouchable. Even if you touched the mountain that God was on, you would instantly die (Ex 19:12). God later restrained His glory enough so that people could be in the Temple with Him, although He was still untouchable as He dwelt in a dark cloud (1 Kgs 8:12).

Almost a thousand years after God first became present in the Temple, He did what is still unbelievable for much of the world. The Lord God became a Baby. Now God could be touched, tickled, kissed, caressed, poked, pushed, hit, and crucified. Those who touched God in faith were healed, freed, and transformed (Mk 6:56).

After Jesus ascended into heaven, He remained touchable in His Body, the Church, and especially in the Eucharist. God so emptied Himself that He not only became a human being; He also comes to us under the appearances of bread and wine. Now He is more than touchable; He lives within us. We are now His temple (see 1 Cor 6:19). This is incredible, but true.

Touch and worship the all-holy, all-powerful, infinite God, Who makes His dwelling within you (Jn 6:56; 17:23).
Prayer: Father, may I be a pure temple for You.
Promise: “May Your priests be clothed with justice; let Your faithful ones shout merrily for joy.” —Ps 132:9

“One Bread, One Body Winter into Lent February 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012”

Volume 28, No.2 © October, 2011. Presentation Ministries, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Posted by: on: February 14, 2012

LIFE-LINES
“Is not man’s life on earth a drudgery?” —Job 7:1
Most people can relate to Job, for they have endured tragedies, deaths in their families, sicknesses, pain, and sufferings. Even those who have so far had easier lives know that life can be, and almost inevitably will be, hard. We all have the question of Job: “Is not man’s life on earth a drudgery?” We feel as if we “have been assigned months of misery” (Jb 7:3). Our days and nights drag on ever so slowly (Jb 7:4), while at the same time life passes all too quickly (Jb 7:6-7).

We cannot change the drudgery and slavery of our human condition. For example, Paul tried for years to rise above our human condition; finally, he was forced to cry out in desperation: “What a wretched man I am! Who can free me from this body under the power of death?” (Rm 7:24) Unlike Job, Paul amazingly received an answer to this previously unanswerable question. The answer was: “Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rm 7:25).

Only Jesus can make life worth living. He alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jn 14:6). He is “our only Master and Lord” (Jude 4). “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 4:12).
Prayer: Jesus, I believe You are reaching out Your hand to me (see Mk 1:31). By faith, I take Your hand. You are my Savior and my only Hope.
Promise: “Preaching the gospel is not the subject of a boast; I am under compulsion and have no choice. I am ruined if I do not preach it! If I do it willingly, I have my recompense; if unwillingly, I am nonetheless entrusted with a charge.” —1 Cor 9:16-17

“One Bread, One Body Winter into Lent February 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012”

Volume 28, No.2 © October, 2011. Presentation Ministries, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Posted by: on: February 14, 2012

WILD ABOUT WISDOM
“God said, ‘Ask something of Me and I will give it to you.’ ” —1 Kings 3:5
The Lord wants to lovingly provide for us and meet our needs, even more than we want them met. The Lord is especially generous and ungrudging in giving us wisdom (Jas 1:5). For instance, Solomon asked the Lord for a wise and understanding heart. The Lord “went wild” and made Solomon the wisest human being that has ever lived or will ever live (1 Kgs 3:12).The Lord will also lavish wisdom on us by renewing and deepening the wisdom we have received in our Baptisms and Confirmations. Yet we “must ask in faith, never doubting” (Jas 1:6). Every human being naturally has doubts about the Lord, but those who let these doubts influence their actions “must not expect to receive anything from the Lord” (Jas 1:7).

When we pray for wisdom, we must not only pray in faith but also in love at the foot of Jesus’ cross. Without love, wisdom profits us nothing (see 1 Cor 13:2). The ultimate wisdom is the absurdity of preaching Christ’s crucified love (1 Cor 1:23-24).

The Lord will give you greater wisdom than you have ever thought possible, if you ask without doubting and with crucified love. “Ask, and you will receive” (Mt 7:7).
Prayer: Father, may I do and say what is right.
Promise: “Jesus saw a vast crowd. He pitied them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them at great length.” —Mk 6:34

 

“One Bread, One Body Winter into Lent February 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012”

Volume 28, No.2 © October, 2011. Presentation Ministries, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Posted by: on: February 14, 2012

Human Rights

“John had told Herod, ‘It is not right for you to live with your brother’s wife.’” –Mark 6:18

            Like John the Baptizer, we need the love and courage to say:

“It is not right to have sexual relations outside of marriage.”

“It is not right to abort babies.”

“It is not right to have homosexual relations.”

“It is not right to use artificial means of contraception.”

“It is not right to look lustfully at a person.”

“It is not right to masturbate.”

“It is not right to tell ‘dirty jokes,’ condone pornography, or dress immodestly.”

“It is right, holy, and beautiful to have sexual relations in the context of the marriage covenant.”

“It is right to be a virgin or celibate until marriage.”

“It is right to respect, cherish, and defend, life from the moment of conception until natural death.”

“It is right to respect those with homosexual tendencies and to offer them healing and encouragement.”

“It is right for married couples to have children and always be open to conceiving them.”

“It is right to look at a Christian’s body and recognize it as a temple of the Holy Spirit.”

“It is right to be and like pure, free, and holy.”

“It is right to be unpopular with those who aren’t living for Jesus.”

“It is right to give Him thanks and praise.”

Prayer: “Through the intercession of St. Blasé, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Promise: “The Lord forgave him his sins and exalted his strength forever.” –Sir 47:11

 

“One Bread, One Body Winter into Lent February 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012”

Volume 28, No.2 © October, 2011. Presentation Ministries, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Posted by: on: February 14, 2012

Perseverance and the Presentation Spirit

“He came to the temple now, inspired by the Spirit.” –Luke 2:27

            “The Holy Spirit was upon” Simeon (Lk 2:25). He had long waited the consolation of Israel and the coming of the Messiah (Lk 2:25-26). The Holy Spirit had even revealed to Simeon that he would personally see the Christ before he died (Lk 2:26).

The Holy Spirit also was upon Anna. Though Luke’s Gospel doesn’t explicitly link Anna and the Spirit, it calls her a prophetess (Lk 2:36). She used the Spirit’s gift of prophecy. The Spirit also inspired Anna to constantly fast, pray, and worship (Lk 2:37).

Unlike many Israelites before them, Anna and Simeon persevered in readiness. They were ready to act instantly when Jesus appeared (see Mal 3:2). Many other Israelites weren’t ready for the Messiah, failed to recognize Him, and so rejected Him.

Why didn’t Simeon and Anna recognize Jesus when others couldn’t?

  1. When Jesus came, they readily spoke of Him. Since people speak from the abundance of their hearts, this shows their hearts were always filled with God (Lk 6:45).
  2. They wouldn’t allow a long wait to dim their hope in the Lord. Their suffering and personal holiness led to constant, vigilant, living hope (Rm 5:3-5).
  3. Though the Holy Spirit hadn’t been poured out, they were mysteriously “inspired by the Spirit” (Lk 2:27). They yielded to the Spirit rather than ignoring Him.

“Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20:22). Stay present to Jesus (Mk 14:37). Like Simeon and Anna, be ready for Jesus.

Prayer: Jesus, may I live in the present (Mt 6:34) and present myself daily to You. Each day I will wait for You in joyful hope.

Promise: “He is able to help those who are tempted.” –Heb 2:18

“One Bread, One Body Winter into Lent February 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012”

Volume 28, No.2 © October, 2011. Presentation Ministries, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Posted by: on: February 14, 2012

The Wages of sin is ___

“I said, ‘I confess my faults to the Lord,’ and You took away the guilt of my sin.” – Psalm 32:5

            How bad is sin? Seventy-thousand people dies during a three-day pestilence because of one of David’s less serious sins (2 Sm 24:15). The sin of disbelief in Jesus resulted in many staying sick and only a few being healed when Jesus visited His hometown (Mk6:5). Sin is bad enough that God became a human being and died on the cross to save us from it. sin is bad enough to condemn the unrepentant to hell and everlasting separation from God.

            Because sin is so bad as to create hell, crucify God, and deprive and destroy millions of people, we should resist sin to the point of shedding our blood (heb 12:4). If we still fall into sin, we should turn to Jesus and repent immediately. “He is an Offering for our sins, and not for our sins only, but for those of the whole world” (1 Jn2:2). We should rejoice with all the saints and angels over one sinner who repents (Lk 15:7, 10). Because sin is so bad, resisting temptation and repenting are so good. Because sin is so bad, we can see that Jesus is so good and deserves all of our thanks, worship, obedience, and love forever. Don’t treat God’s gracious gift as pointless (gal 2:21). Hate sin, love sinners, and worship Jesus, our Savior from sin.

Prayer: Father, may I rejoice to bring my sins to the cross through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Promise: “You are my Shelter; from distress You will preserve me; with glad cries of freedom You will ring me round.” –Ps 32:7

 

“One Bread, One Body Winter into Lent February 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012”

Volume 28, No.2 © October, 2011. Presentation Ministries, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio.


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