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Sunday, November 4, 2007

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31st Sunday Ordinary Time


Wisdom 11:22—12:2
2 Thessalonians 1:11—2:2
Psalm 145
Luke 19:1-10

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crowd control

"He was trying to see what Jesus was like, but being small of stature, was unable to do so because of the crowd." —Luke 19:3

So many people are trying to see what Jesus is like. But they're small and the crowd is large. Sometimes the crowd consists not of people around us but rather things inside us. How many have a crowd of fears, doubts, and selfish desires inside? To see Jesus we must fight our way through the crowd (Lk 8:45) or climb above it.

If I told you to go to Confession right now, a crowd would form for some of you. You may feel afraid. Before long, you'd have a hundred reasons why you're not going. You have to fight through the crowd to touch Jesus and be washed in His blood. What if I told you to go to Mass daily, lead someone to Christ, or tithe? For many of us, another crowd of sin, selfishness, doubt, fear, and anxiety would form.

We must climb the tree of faith above the crowd and fight by faith through the crowd. Don't be crowded out of eternal life; enter in by faith.

Prayer:  "We pray for you always that our God may make you worthy of His call, and fulfill by His power every honest intention and work of faith. In this way the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you and you in Him" (2 Thes 1:11-12).

Promise:  "You have mercy on all, because You can do all things; and You overlook the sins of men that they may repent." —Wis 11:23

Praise:  Praise You, risen King Jesus, enthroned in majesty and glory! I lift up my hands, heart, and voice to praise You today.

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our tape Hold Fast to The Faith on audio AV 71-1 or video V-71.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 3, 2007

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