god’s vomiting
“When he found one really valuable pearl, he went back and put up for sale all that he had and bought it.” —Matthew 13:46
Many people don’t want to put all their eggs into one basket. So they become “Christians” but still keep one foot in the world. This way, if Jesus isn’t real, at least they haven’t wasted their whole lives for Him. They rationalize that if Jesus is the meaning of life, they’re at least church members, without losing the “fun” of the world.
This is the most common approach to Christianity in America. It makes Jesus feel like throwing up (Rv 3:15-16). Jesus died on the cross for us. He poured out every drop of blood and breathed His last breath for us. As we kneel before the crucified Jesus, we realize that it is sacrilegious to give Him anything less than everything.
The kingdom of God is like a buried treasure or a precious pearl (Mt 13:44-46). The cost of discipleship is everything. We may not have much, but we each have an “all” — and that all is what we must give. The first commandment is: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind” (Lk 10:27).
Prayer: Father, “give Your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge Your people and to distinguish right from wrong” (1 Kgs 3:9).
Promise: “We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love” Him. —Rm 8:28
Praise: Praise You, risen Jesus, “The Way, and the Truth, and the Life” (Jn 14:6). Alleluia!
Reference: (For a related teaching on The Challenge of Making Disciples in a Culture of Death, view, download or order our booklet or listen to, download or order our CD 97-1 and CD 97-3 or DVD 97 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 June 1, 2023, through July 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio December 14, 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.