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Friday, September 23, 2005

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St. Pio of Pietrelcina


Haggai 1:15—2:9
Psalm 43
Luke 9:18-22

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" 'But you — who do you say that I am?' He asked them." —Luke 9:20

If suddenly you were taken away to a totally non-Christian environment, with no churches, no family, no friends, no expectations, would you still worship God daily? Would you keep holy the Lord's day? (Ex 20:8) Would you obey the commandments? Would your relationship with Jesus remain?

What if it cost you your job to be a Christian? What if you didn't get anything out of Church or even Christianity? Would you still be faithful because of your relationship with Him?

Eventually, only one question remains. Family, Church, upbringing, culture, and doctrine fade into the background. We can't live forever on what others say about Jesus. We must have our own personal relationship with Him. On the last day, judgment day, Jesus will not ask us who do people say that He is. He will ask the only question that counts: "Who do you say that I am?" (Lk 9:20)

Prayer:  Jesus, purify me of impure and mixed motives in my relationship with You.

Promise:  "Greater will be the future glory of this house than the former, says the Lord of hosts; and in this place I will give you peace, says the Lord of hosts." —Hg 2:9

Praise:  St. Pio used the spiritual gift of knowledge in the Confessional and so led many to life-changing repentance and holiness.

Reference:  (For related teaching, order our tape Jesus the Redeemer on audio AV 50-3 or video V-50.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 8, 2005

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