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Saturday, August 20, 2016

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St. Bernard


Ezekiel 43:1-7
Psalm 85:9-14
Matthew 23:1-12

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glory be

"I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east." —Ezekiel 43:2

Because of the people's refusal to repent, "the glory of the Lord rose from the city" of Jerusalem (Ez 10:23). However, God promised that one day His glory would return to His people (Ez 43:4, 7). This promise was fulfilled in an unimaginable way when God became a human being.

St. John proclaimed: "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we have seen His glory: the glory of an only Son coming from the Father" (Jn 1:14). When Jesus was born, the angels sang: "Glory to God in high heaven" (Lk 2:14).

Before His death, Jesus said: "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in Him. If God has been glorified in Him, God will, in turn, glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him soon" (Jn 13:31-32). Jesus' body was glorified in His resurrection (see Phil 3:21).

However, many of us don't experience the glory of God's presence and power. Like Ezekiel, we live for years without God's glory. We must repent, totally give our lives to the Lord, and receive the Holy Spirit in power. Then God's glory will come to us. "In His temple all say, 'Glory!' " (Ps 29:9)

Prayer:  "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen."

Promise:  "Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, but whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." —Mt 23:12

Praise:  St. Bernard was known for his piety and deep spirituality and was sought after for guidance and wisdom. St. Bernard and thirty other young noblemen joined the monastery together.

Reference:  (For a related teaching on Jesus the Redeemer, listen to or download our CD 50-3 or DVD 50 on our website or order our tape on audio AV 50-3 or video V-50.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 23, 2016

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