a passionate love for the church
"My house is meant for a house of prayer." —Luke 19:46
Today is the patronal feast day of Our Lady of Presentation Ministries, the publisher of One Bread, One Body. Mary was presented in the Temple at the age of three to begin about twelve years of preparation to be the mother of God. God continued to make the Temple one of the most important places in His plan of salvation.
In the new covenant of Jesus, the Temple is fulfilled in the Church. The Church is so important in God's plan that Jesus calls the Church His body (e.g. Eph 1:22-23) and His bride (see Eph 5:25ff). Jesus has given the Church the keys of God's kingdom (Mt 16:19). Jesus loves the Church so much that He died for her (Eph 5:25). "Christians of the first centuries said, 'The world was created for the sake of the Church' " (Catechism, 760). "The Church is the goal of all things" (Catechism, 760).
Pray that you will love the Church as much as Jesus wants you to love her. Ask Him to cleanse your temple of all sins (see Lk 19:46ff), especially pride and selfishness, so that you will love His Temple, the Church, as He does. Reconsecrate yourself to the Lord (see 1 Mc 4:54ff). Because you are a member of His body, your reconsecration will build up the Church. Live and die for Jesus and for His Church.
Prayer: Father, use Our Lady of Presentation Ministries fully to build up the Church.
Promise: "All the people prostrated themselves and adored and praised Heaven, who had given them success." —1 Mc 4:55
Praise: Through Presentation Ministries, Our Lady of Presentation has blessed many by continuing to present her Son to the world through Catholic Scriptural publications, the Internet, audio and video tapes, retreats, and telephone Bible teachings.
Reference: (Pray about joining Our Lady of Presentation Ministries. Ask for a co-worker brochure. You may wish to order our tape on Presentation Ministries on audio AV 61-1 or video V-61.)
Rescript:
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Giles H. Pater, April 24, 2003
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 28, 2003