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Sunday, January 24, 1999

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3rd Sunday Ordinary Time


Isaiah 8:23—9:3
1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17
Psalm 27
Matthew 4:12-23

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do-drops

"They immediately abandoned their nets and became His followers." —Matthew 4:20

Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him and become fishers of men (Mt 4:19). We too are repeatedly appealing for workers for the harvest (see Mt 9:38). Some very busy people answer our appeals and thus become even busier, taking on more work and responsibilities. The sacrificial love of these very busy people is beautiful. Although Jesus does assign more work to the few existing workers (see Lk 12:48; Lk 19:17ff), He is constantly calling more and more people to become workers. Jesus plans to give these prospective workers the time to follow Him and work for Him by changing their jobs, habits, and lives.

Do more work for the Lord, but first ask the Lord what you should drop out of your life. If you're very busy already, don't add on; instead substitute. If you don't do this first according to God's will, you will probably do it later against His will. For example, if the Lord is calling you to lead a Bible study, feed the starving, or heal the sick; drop something (like TV). However, if you try to work more and still watch TV as much, you may later drop prayer time or time with your family.

Take on new jobs for Jesus. Drop something first, however, because what you will drop later will usually not be the right thing.

Prayer:  Father, may I get less busy before I get more busy. Purify me.

Promise:  "Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel — not with wordy 'wisdom,' however, lest the cross of Christ be rendered void of its meaning!" —1 Cor 1:17

Praise:  Praise Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life! (Jn 11:25) "He is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords Who alone has immortality" (1 Tm 6:15-16).

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert J. Buschmiller, June 11, 1998


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 20, 1998