a condemned building
“There is no condemnation now for those who are in Christ Jesus.” —Romans 8:1
We often feel condemned or about to be condemned. In these moments, we feel as if people are judging us, because they are. We are afraid of not being accepted and even rejected. We know that people’s love for us is conditional, and sooner or later we won’t meet their conditions. We have the haunting fear we will be condemned not only in this life but for all eternity.
The Good News is: “There is no condemnation now for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rm 8:1). Even if a mother should forsake her child, our heavenly Father will never forsake us (Is 49:15). Jesus will never reject anyone who comes to Him (Jn 6:37). As He did for the adulteress, Jesus will disperse the crowd condemning us. He will ask: “Where did they all disappear to? Has no one condemned you?” (Jn 8:10) He will say: “Nor do I condemn you” (Jn 8:11). “I will never desert you, nor will I forsake you” (Heb 13:5).
Jesus’ love is unchangeable and unconditional. Only in Him can we have absolute security. “God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him” (Jn 3:17).
Prayer: Jesus, people are picking up stones to throw at me. Protect me by surrounding me with Your love.
Promise: “Sir, leave it another year, while I hoe around it and manure it; then perhaps it will bear fruit.” —Lk 13:8-9
Praise: St. John of Capistrano was trained by St. Bernardine of Siena, a concrete example of the communion of saints in action. St. John preached in Italy, France, Germany, Austria, and Poland. At age 70, St. John of Capistrano led soldiers into victory against invaders.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Certainty, order, listen to or download our CD 59-3 or DVD 59 on our website.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 01/2021 through January 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Chancellor, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 5, 2021"
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.