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Tuesday, July 2, 1996

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Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12
Psalm 5
Matthew 8:23-27

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peace and punishment

"Lord, save us! We are lost!" —Matthew 8:25

In His justice, the Lord promises to punish those who have sinned, especially those He has favored (Am 3:2). We have already been punished by major upheavals but still have not returned to the Lord (Am 4:11). So now the Lord will deal with us in His own way (Am 4:12). We must prepare to meet our God (Am 4:12).

As we face a major payment of the wages of sin (see Rm 6:23), we should:

  • repent. The Lord wants to give us mercy rather than justice, if we would only repent.
  • "correct those who are confused; the others you must rescue, snatching them from the fire" (Jude 22).
  • believe in Jesus. He can take the worst storm and turn it into "complete calm" (Mt 8:26).

"Those times will be more distressful than any between God's work of creation and now, and for all time to come. Indeed, had the Lord not shortened the period, not a person would be saved. But for the sake of those He has chosen, He has shortened the days" (Mk 13:19-20). Jesus assures us: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in God and faith in Me" (Jn 14:1). Jesus promises: "I tell you all this that in Me you may find peace. You will suffer in the world. But take courage! I have overcome the world" (Jn 16:33). Peace!

Prayer:  Father, I will trust in You — no matter what.

Promise:  "So now I will deal with you in My own way." —Am 4:12

Praise:  Jim delivered a stinging prophecy to a fellow seminarian who had grown lukewarm. The seminarian was hostile and angry for a time, but soon repented and received the Holy Spirit.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, November 29, 1995


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 4, 1995