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Wednesday, August 2, 2023

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St. Eusebius of Vercelli
St. Peter Julian Eymard


Exodus 34:29-35
Psalm 99:5-7, 9
Matthew 13:44-46

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radiant with god

“The Israelites would see that the skin of Moses’ face was radiant.” —Exodus 34:35

Everyone could see the Lord radiate through Moses, though Moses did not know he was glowing (Ex 34:29-35). Everybody could see that Moses was valuable to God and to humanity. But an empty field with buried treasure (see Mt 13:44), as Jesus describes in today’s gospel passage, does not readily appear to be valuable, nor does it radiate beauty, value, and importance. A person who sells all to buy an empty field of apparent low value looks not radiant, but foolish.

Jesus does tell us to let our light shine before men (Mt 5:16), but in a humble way. Our job is to listen daily to the Lord in prayer (Lk 10:39). Daily Mass is a wonderful way to do this. Just like being exposed daily to nuclear radiation would make us “glow” with nuclear energy, much more so will receiving the Holy Eucharist make us radiant with God’s grace and joy. After spending daily time with the Lord listening to Him, the change in us becomes noticeable to others. We humble ourselves so it is God alone Who shines through us. We decrease so He may increase (Jn 3:30).

Humble yourself before the Lord, that He may exalt you and shine through you. Radiate His presence so others might give God glory (Mt 5:16). “Look to Him that you may be radiant with joy” (Ps 34:6).

Prayer:  Father, Your Word says that in Your light I “shall be radiant at what” I see (Is 60:5). Shine through me so that when others look at me, they see only You.

Promise:  “Extol the Lord, our God, and worship at His footstool; holy is He!” —Ps 99:5

Praise:  St. Eusebius stood up for the truths of the faith. He persevered in his stand even though his opponents threatened his life, dragged him through city streets, and held him in prison.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

Rescript:  In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period August 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 4, 2023

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.