remember me?
"It immediately fell in and was completely destroyed." —Luke 6:49
Three years ago today, terrorists hijacked airplanes and flew them into the Twin Towers in New York City. Three thousand people died horrible deaths, and many people turned to the Lord in prayer. Prayers flooded electronic mail systems. Churches were full of anguished people who instinctively turned to God in prayer. People cried out "Lord, Lord" (Lk 6:46).
How many people who turned to God three years ago are still seeking Him today? Jesus is merciful, and He will never reject anyone who comes to Him (Jn 6:37). What Jesus really wants, however, is for people to call Him "Lord, Lord," and then show their acceptance of His lordship over them by hearing His words and putting them into practice the rest of their lives (Lk 6:46-47).
If people come to Jesus in time of trouble and do not continue to stay with Him, they are "to be compared" (Lk 6:47) with others who will be destroyed in falling buildings (Lk 6:49). Let's not perpetuate the tragedies of the past. "Any man who desires to come to [Jesus] will hear [His] words and put them into practice" (Lk 6:47). Those who do so "may be likened to the man who, in building a house, dug deeply and laid the foundation on a rock. When the floods came the torrent rushed in on that house, but failed to shake it because of its solid foundation" (Lk 6:48). Jesus says: "Come to Me" (Mt 11:28). Then He says: "Remain in Me" (see Jn 15:4).
Prayer: Jesus, may hurting people come to You, find Your healing love, and remain with You forever.
Promise: "Because the loaf of bread is one, we, many though we are, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf." —1 Cor 10:17
Praise: Discouraged often by what is broadcast on secular news channels, Marian turns on the Catholic radio station to be encouraged by the wondrous works of God.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by one of our editors.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Richard L. Klug, January 16, 2004
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 26, 2004