a good day’s work
“John had told Herod, ‘It is not right for you to live with your brother’s wife.’ ” —Mark 6:18
In today’s Gospel, St. John the Baptizer preaches the Good News. This means not just a pat on the back but the ultimate Good News of repentance, freedom, healing, and restoration through Jesus’ death and Resurrection. Our job is to build God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven (Mt 6:10).
When we die, planet earth should be more in line with God’s order than when we were conceived. We should leave the earth better than we found it. We cannot accomplish this monumental task by our human power. If, however, we proclaim the Good News of Christ crucified (1 Cor 2:2) with the anointing of the Holy Spirit (Lk 4:18), the Lord will do the rest. Nothing is impossible with Him (Lk 1:37). He made this earth, and He can re-make it into His image and likeness.
Beginning today, let God work and speak through you. May the world be more Christ-like for your having lived here.
Prayer: Jesus, may I do a good job for You today and tell someone the Good News about You.
Promise: “Your faith rests not on the wisdom of men but on the power of God.” —1 Cor 2:5
Praise: “All the prophets as well as the law spoke prophetically until John. If you are prepared to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who was certain to come” (Mt 11:13-14). St. John the Baptizer, pray for us.
Reference: (Widowhood has its challenges. You can receive strength from the consolation of the Holy Spirit. A special retreat for the widowed will be held Sept. 16-18. Call 513-373-2397 or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com to register.)
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 August 1, 2022 through September 30, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 31, 2022"
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.