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Sunday, September 17, 2006

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24th Sunday Ordinary Time


Isaiah 50:4-9
James 2:14-18
Psalm 116
Mark 8:27-35

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"Whoever would preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will preserve it." —Mark 8:35

Jesus' first question to His disciples was not "Who do you say that I am?" (Mk 8:29) Jesus felt compelled to introduce the big question with another question: "Who do people say that I am?" (Mk 8:27) He intentionally set up the contrast between what others say and what we individually say.

When we give our lives to Jesus, we make a personal, individual decision. The saying goes: "God has no grandchildren." That means we are all called to relate to Him directly and not "once removed." We can't live on what our fathers, mothers, pastors, or teachers told us. We must know Jesus personally, not just know about Him. We have to stand on our own faith, not on anyone else's.

As individuals, "we shall all have to appear before the judgment seat of God" (Rm 14:10). It won't matter if we're better or worse. God does not compare His children. Each of us lives, dies, and is judged on the basis of his or her individual response to God's grace. Jesus' question remains: "Who do you say that I am?"

Prayer:  Jesus, I repent of my sins. Forgive me, come into my heart, take over my life. Fill me with Your Spirit. You are my Lord.

Promise:  "The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning He opens my ear that I may hear; and I have not rebelled, have not turned back." —Is 50:4-5

Praise:  Praise Jesus, "the Author of Life" (Acts 3:15), Who gave His life to conquer death for our salvation.

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our tape on Developing a Deep, Personal Relationship with Jesus on audio AV 52-1 or video V-52.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 26, 2006

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