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Sunday, June 20, 2010

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12th Sunday Ordinary Time


Zechariah 12:10-11; 13:1
Galatians 3:26-29
Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9
Luke 9:18-24

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intercessors wanted

"My soul clings fast to You; Your right hand upholds me." —Psalm 63:9

Zechariah prophesies that one day we will take our sins seriously. We will begin to cry and mourn over the fact that we have thrust Jesus through and had a part in crucifying Him (Zec 12:10; see also Catechism, 598). This outpouring of repentance and contrition will be preceded by an outpouring of "a spirit of grace and petition" (Zec 12:10).

At this point we see few serious intercessors, but this is beginning to change. Christians of all denominations are yielding to "a spirit of petition" (Zec 12:10). A worldwide symphony of intercession is mounting in intensity. This will prepare for a wave of repentance that will turn this world around.

Will you by interceding go back into labor for the Church? (Gal 4:19) Will you deny your "very self, take up [your] cross each day, and follow" Jesus into the garden of Gethsemani? (Lk 9:23) Can you not watch one hour with Him? (Mk 14:37) Will you be a part of the birth pangs of a new and mighty movement of the Holy Spirit? Will you wrestle and contend with self and Satan for the sake of Jesus and His Church? (Col 4:12) The Lord is searching for intercessors, for people to stand in the breach (Ez 22:30). Will He find you?

Prayer:  Jesus, great Intercessor and High Priest, use me day and night for Your purposes.

Promise:  "There does not exist among you Jew or Greek, slave or freeman, male or female. All are one in Christ Jesus." —Gal 3:28

Praise:  Praise Jesus Who loved His enemies, prayed for them, and opened heaven for them.

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our series of tapes on Intercession on audio AV 15A-1, AV 15A-2, AV 15A-3, or video V-15A, V-15B.)

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 29, 2009

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