<< Monday, July 22, 2002 >> |
St. Mary Magdalene
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Song of Songs 3:1-4 or 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 View Readings |
Psalm 63 |
John 20:1-2, 11-18 Similar Reflections |
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A NEW OUTLOOK ON PEOPLE |
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"The love of Christ impels us who have reached the conviction that since one died for all, all died." —2 Corinthians 5:14 |
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Because: - God became man to die for every human being (2 Cor 5:14-15),
- every person is called to be baptized into His death (see 2 Cor 5:14; Rm 6:3),
- every person can receive a new nature (see 2 Cor 5:17) and live no longer for themselves but for Jesus (2 Cor 5:15), and
- Jesus was raised from the dead for our sakes (2 Cor 5:15),
"we no longer look on anyone in terms of mere human judgment" (2 Cor 5:16). Previously, we had respected all human beings because all are created in the image and likeness of God (Gn 1:26-27). Now we reverence all human persons (see 1 Pt 2:17) in a much greater way because God has become a human being to save us by dying for us on the cross and by rising from the dead. God has even decided to offer us a share in His divine nature through Christ (2 Pt 1:4). Amazingly, He has made it possible for us to live in Him and He in us through Baptism (Rm 6:3) and the Eucharist (Jn 6:56). God obviously loves human beings eternally, perfectly, infinitely, and unconditionally. Let us love every human being accordingly. |
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Prayer: Father, may I love people so much that I will be a witness for the risen Christ, as Mary Magdalene was. |
Promise: "I found Him Whom my heart loves." —Sg 3:4 |
Praise: St. Mary Magdalene accepted God's grace to stand before her dying Lord and joyfully received His abundance on Easter morn. |
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(For a related teaching, order our tape on Love on audio AV 58-1 or video V-58.) |
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Nihil obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, December 4, 2001 |
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 10, 2001 |
The Nihil obstat and Imprimatur are a declaration
that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free from doctrinal or moral error.
It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil obstat and Imprimatur
agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed. |
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