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Sunday, September 13, 1998

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24th Sunday Ordinary Time


Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Psalm 51
Luke 15:1-32

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longing to belong

"Why, O Lord, should Your wrath blaze up against Your own people?" —Exodus 32:11

After the Israelites sinned by adoring the golden calf, the Lord gave Moses the impression that the people belonged to Moses, not Him (Ex 32:7). Moses implored the Lord and referred to the people as belonging to the Lord (Ex 32:11).

The prodigal son felt that he no longer belonged in his father's family after what he had done (Lk 15:18, 21). His older brother agreed with him (see Lk 15:30). However, the prodigal son's father would hear none of this. He spoke of the prodigal son as "this son of mine" (Lk 15:24).

"Once you were no people, but now you are God's people" (1 Pt 2:10). We belong to God (Rm 14:8). We are a people peculiarly His own (Dt 26:18). He created and redeemed us. "You are not your own. You have been purchased, and at a price" (1 Cor 6:19-20). We are doubly owned by God.

Acknowledge that you belong to God. Rejoice to be owned by the all-powerful Creator and the all-loving Redeemer. Every day, pray and say with Paul: "I have been crucified with Christ, and the life I live now is not my own; Christ is living in me" (Gal 2:19-20). You belong to Him alone.

Prayer:  Father, may I know to Whom I belong and therefore where I belong.

Promise:  "But we had to celebrate and rejoice! This brother of yours was dead, and has come back to life. He was lost, and is found." —Lk 15:32

Praise:  "To the King of ages, the immortal, the invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen" (1 Tm 1:17).

Reference:  (Today is Sunday, the Lord's Day. As an aid to observing God's special day, order our leaflet, Keep Holy the Lord's Day.)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert J. Buschmiller, February 17, 1998


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 25, 1998