"cause for rejoicing" (1 pt 1:6)
"He rejoiced to see the evidence of God's favor." —Acts 11:23
I was just handed several letters from readers of One Bread, One Body (OBOB). Each letter was an encouragement from a faithful reader who uses OBOB during prayer time, and each person expressed their gratitude, encouragement, and love. These readers are like Barnabas, offering encouragement for us to remain firm in our commitment to produce OBOB (see Acts 11:23).
These letters cause us to rejoice as we "see the evidence of God's favor" (Acts 11:23). Many of you who read OBOB have committed yourselves daily to prayer and Scripture reading. You attend Mass as often as possible and when unable to attend Mass, you follow it on TV or radio. You joyfully spread God's Word and witness to Jesus from the abundant love of your hearts (Lk 6:45). One writer exclaims: "I love to spread the Word whenever I get the chance."
We give thanks to God for you (1 Thes 1:2; Col 1:3; Phil 1:3) and rejoice in your fruitfulness for the Lord. In love, we "beg and exhort you in the Lord Jesus...to make still greater progress" (1 Thes 4:1). You are doing great things; in Jesus you can do greater things than ever before (Jn 14:12). Continue to "give...evidence" of your love and fruitfulness for Jesus (see Lk 3:8).
Prayer: Father, thank You for the cloud of witnesses You surround us with (Heb 12:1). "How wonderfully" we "cherish the holy ones" who love You (Ps 16:3).
Promise: "My sheep hear My voice. I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life." —Jn 10:27-28
Praise: Pete has been studying Scripture daily for over thirty years. He teaches the Bible each week using several different forums.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 1, 2016
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