i-solated
"We should not absent ourselves from the assembly, as some do." —Hebrews 10:25
The writer to the Hebrews says we should have "utter sincerity," "absolute confidence," clean hearts, and an unswerving profession (Heb 10:22-23). Doesn't that depress you? When we see God's expectations together with our weaknesses, it can seem overwhelming. Nonetheless, the Lord will do the job, and all we need do is let it be done to us according to His word (Lk 1:38).
The Lord will use every circumstance to bring us into His full holiness. He will especially use other Christians. Thus we should "encourage one another" (Heb 10:25). "We must consider how to rouse each other to love and good deeds" (Heb 10:24). We must assemble to rouse, bless, love, heal, and serve each other, because the devil easily defeats a one-man army. A stray sheep is easy pickings. The disconnected member of the body has no power. Jesus constantly calls us together while Satan tries to scatter us.
When you're having hard times, did you ever notice how the devil tries to take away your interest in fellowship? Don't fall for it. When you don't feel like being with other Christians, that is when you need your Christian brothers and sisters more than ever. "Where a lone man may be overcome, two together can resist. A three-ply cord is not easily broken" (Eccl 4:12).
Prayer: Father, make me a family man or woman. May my "I," "my," and "me" change to "we," "our," and "us."
Promise: "In the measure you give you shall receive, and more besides." —Mk 4:24
Praise: St. Angela was moved with pity for poor, untaught children and was open to receive God's grace to begin a new order of religious to help alleviate the sufferings of those children.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Richard Walling, July 7, 2004
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 19, 2004