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Thursday, October 19, 2000

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North American Martyrs


Ephesians 1:3-10
Psalm 98
Luke 11:47-54

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losing your head?

"God has given us the wisdom to understand fully the mystery, the plan He was pleased to decree in Christ, to be carried out in the fullness of time: namely, to bring all things in the heavens and on earth into one under Christ's headship." —Ephesians 1:9-10

In the letters to the Ephesians and Colossians, Christ is called the Head of the body, the Church. This shows us how literally it is to be taken that without Jesus, we can do nothing (Jn 15:5). For example, without the brain in your head giving commands to your eyes, you could not read this sentence. Without your brain, you could not understand what you're reading, what day it is, or what your name is. When we see a person who has suffered a brain injury, we see the significance of the analogy of Christ being our Head. We need to be connected to Jesus as much as the parts of our body need to be connected to our brain. Otherwise, we are paralyzed. Accordingly, the purpose of life is to give spiritual "therapy" to the world by bringing "all things in the heavens and on earth into one under Christ's headship" (Eph 1:10).

Therefore, don't lose your Head. Repent and be totally and intimately committed and connected to Jesus, our Head.

Prayer:  Father, send the Holy Spirit so that I will live in Jesus, and through Him live in You and in the Spirit.

Promise:  "Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for Him, His holy arm." —Ps 98:1

Praise:  Several of the North American Martyrs escaped after suffering gruesome tortures. Time after time, they returned to their mission, knowing that further tortures and martyrdom awaited them. The love of Christ impelled them to spread the good news of Jesus to their torturers (2 Cor 5:14).

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, April 24, 2000


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 27, 2000