greater than the great
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you." —Jeremiah 1:5
The Lord
- knew,
- formed,
- dedicated,
- appointed,
- sent,
- commanded (Jer 1:7), and
- touched Jeremiah (Jer 1:9).
Jeremiah was great in God's plan of salvation.
Yet the least born into God's kingdom is greater than Jeremiah (see Mt 11:11). You who have been baptized into Christ (Rm 6:3) are not only known and formed by God but re-born (see Jn 3:3, 5) and adopted as His sons and daughters. You are not only dedicated but by Baptism become sharers in His divine nature (2 Pt 1:4). Also, He has appointed you "a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people He claims for His own" (1 Pt 2:9). Moreover, He has sent you to "preach the gospel to all creation" (Mk 16:15, our transl) and to "make disciples of all the nations" (Mt 28:19). He has commanded you through the Church and her Scriptures, especially the New Testament. The Lord has touched your mouth in an awesome way when you receive the body and blood of Christ. You are much greater than Jeremiah. Live accordingly. "When much has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted" (Lk 12:48).
Prayer: Father, may I be myself — my redeemed self.
Promise: "Part of it, finally, landed on good soil and yielded grain a hundred- or sixty- or thirtyfold. Let everyone heed what he hears!" —Mt 13:8-9
Praise: Once Matthew wasted the whole weekend watching sports shows, but since the Holy Spirit touched his life, he's doing great things to bring about God's Kingdom.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, December 4, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 10, 2001