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Friday, September 6, 2002

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1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Psalm 37:3-6, 27-28, 39-40
Luke 5:33-39

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leave it to the lord

"He will make justice dawn for you like the light; bright as the noonday shall be your vindication." —Psalm 37:6

Jesus' disciples were accused of being soft on prayer and fasting (Lk 5:33). The Pharisees made a judgment based only on what they could outwardly observe, and misunderstood the underlying context for the disciples' actions.

Paul had been subject to being judged and scrutinized by both the Corinthians and by human courts as well (see 1 Cor 4:3, 5). He served the Corinthians and the Lord from pure motives but was constantly misunderstood and was frequently subjected to accusations of all kinds.

Have you ever been misunderstood in your Christian walk? Have you ever served someone out of love and then had that person or group completely misinterpret your motives? Perhaps they shunned you or even accused you of wrongdoing (see Jn 16:2-3).

As followers of Jesus, we do not have to expend the energy to defend ourselves beyond a simple explanation on our behalf (see Mt 5:37). Rather, God's plan is that we focus on serving Him (see 1 Cor 4:1) and leave it to Him to take care of defending and vindicating us (Is 54:17; Ps 37:6). His vindication is far-reaching and complete, "bright as the noonday" (Ps 37:6). So, "commit to the Lord your way; trust in Him, and He will act" (Ps 37:5) in your defense.

Prayer:  Father, I put my life in Your hands (Ps 31:6).

Promise:  "The salvation of the just is from the Lord; He is their Refuge in time of distress." —Ps 37:39

Praise:  Although Alice must carry an oxygen tank with her for the rest of her life, she never lets that stop her from carrying out her many ministries to the Church and to God's people.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by one of our editors.)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 7, 2002


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 12, 2002