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Friday, January 18, 2002

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1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22
Psalm 89:16-19
Mark 2:1-12

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"The people, however, refused to listen to Samuel's warning and said, 'Not so! There must be a king over us." —1 Samuel 8:19

Samuel had been a great leader of Israel, however, his sons did not follow his example (1 Sm 8:5). Therefore, they would not have been good leaders for Israel. Then who would lead Israel?

The most direct answer to this problem would have been for Samuel's sons to change their lives for the Lord. But the Israelites assumed that Samuel's sons would not convert. So Israel decided to institute a pagan form of government, a kingdom (1 Sm 8:5).

We live in a culture of death where millions are destroyed through abortion, euthanasia, racism, starvation, and other gross injustices. We have tried to deal with these catastrophes by changing the government, media, medical institutions, and other aspects of our society. This is certainly part of God's will. Nonetheless, the direct way of changing the culture of death is to give our lives to Jesus and to lead parents, abortionists, and medical personnel to conversion.

If your marriage is in trouble, your job is intolerable, your family is in chaos, your finances are in shambles, or your hopes shattered, the most direct solution to your difficulties is nothing other than conversion to Christ. Live totally for Jesus. Invite others to do the same.

Prayer:  Father, may I assume Your grace of salvation is sufficient (see 2 Cor 12:9).

Promise:  "When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralyzed man, 'My son, your sins are forgiven.' " —Mk 2:5

Praise:  Once an assistant in an abortion clinic, Mary, in her conversion to Christ, travels the country and speaks openly of that industry's evils.

Reference:  (For related teaching, order our prayer book, Conversion-Conversations.)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, May 30, 2001


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 4, 2001