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Saturday, August 12, 2000

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Habakkuk 1:12—2:4
Psalm 9
Matthew 17:14-20

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visionary?

"Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily." —Habakkuk 2:2

The Lord has a great plan for all people, and each one of us has been given a glorious part in that plan (see Heb 11:40). When we recognize our part in God's plan, we have "the vision" (Hab 2:2). We should write down this vision as accurately as possible and discern the various circumstances of our lives accordingly.

Many Christians have difficulties in getting the vision. They are ignorant of God's word and therefore of God's plan and their part in that plan. This problem can be rectified by studying the Church's teachings (especially in the Catechism) and by studying the Bible.

Possibly the major difficulty in getting the vision is our lack of faith that we have been adopted as children of God and therefore are called to greatness. Satan accuses us night and day (Rv 12:10). He tries to get us to doubt that we are sons and daughters of God the Father (see Mt 4:3, 6). If we yield to these temptations, we believe that we are called to nothing but selfishness, pleasure-seeking, and trivial pursuits. Under these circumstances, we will never get the vision, for the vision is a call to greatness, not foolish selfishness. Therefore, in this Great Jubilee, hear the Spirit cry out in your heart "Abba" ("Father") (Rm 8:15). Then see the vision.

Prayer:  Father, I will not waste what remains of my earthly life on doing my own thing (1 Pt 4:2).

Promise:  "I assure you, if you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you would be able to say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible for you." —Mt 17:20

Praise:  Father John held fast to the vision of being a priest despite suffering grave discouragements and serious setbacks before he was ordained.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, March 8, 2000


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 9, 2000