the cost of disunity
"They were likewise to have authority to expel demons." —Mark 3:15
Jesus created His Church and gave it the power to expel demons (Mk 3:15). Tomorrow is the thirty-eighth anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision to legalize abortion. We are authorized to be the Church Militant and drive out the demons of abortion. From the present state of affairs, however, the demons of abortion seem to have driven us out of power. Planned Parenthood and others who promote the abortion agenda must snicker at the weakness of the Body of Christ being unable to prevail over them. It's a poor witness to the world that the Body of Christ on earth, authorized by Jesus to be so mighty, seemingly exercises so little power over evil.
Ironically, the anniversary of legalized abortion is observed during this week of prayer for Christian unity. The teaching of the Catholic Church is united in truth on abortion; however, the Church's members are not united, much less all the members of Christian denominations. We have a civil war going on in our heart (Jas 4:1; Jer 17:9). If the New Covenant were truly written on our hearts (Heb 8:10), we wouldn't be so splintered and divided. If we followed God's New Covenant and lived as His royal people (Heb 8:10), we wouldn't so readily allow millions of pre-born babies to be murdered.
"Today, if you should hear His voice, harden not your hearts" (Heb 3:7-8; Ps 95:8). Repent! "Open wide your hearts" (2 Cor 6:13). Let the Holy Spirit work on your heart as He wishes (see Rm 5:5).
Prayer: "My heart is ready, God, my heart is ready" (Ps 57:7, JB).
Promise: "I will forgive their evildoing, and their sins I will remember no more." —Heb 8:12
Praise: Constantine erected a church dedicated to St. Agnes, who consecrated her life to God at an early age. At age thirteen, Agnes endured martyrdom rather than break her vow to God.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 28, 2010
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.