the bad old days
"Lord, command me to be delivered from such anguish; let me go to the everlasting abode; Lord, refuse me not. For it is better for me to die than to endure so much misery in life." —Tobit 3:6
We don't know how good we've got it. Although we've let the devil cause chaos in our society through our sins, we still live in the kingdom of God. We live in A.D. and not B.C., in victory and not in defeat. We live after Jesus has brought salvation to the world through His passion, death, and resurrection. Like Tobit, many have suffered tragedies in their lives and are near despair (Tb 3:6). However, the good news is that "we are more than conquerors" in Jesus, Who loves us (Rm 8:37). Like Sarah and the woman in the Gospel, many have gone through a series of heart-breaking marriages (Tb 3:8; Mk 12:22). They didn't know the Savior, but we do.
Of course, present-day Sadducees and Pharisees still are badly misled (and misleading), "make a pretense of religion" (2 Tm 3:5), and "fail to understand the Scriptures or the power of God" (Mk 12:24). But "despite the increase of sin, grace has far surpassed it" (Rm 5:20). We are very privileged to live after Jesus has redeemed the world. Jesus said: "I solemnly assure you, history has not known a man born of woman greater than John the Baptizer. Yet the least born into the kingdom of God is greater than he" (Mt 11:11). We are greater than John, Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Elijah, etc. We are in Jesus. Alleluia!
Prayer: Jesus, if not for You...I love You.
Promise: "At that very time, the prayer of these two suppliants was heard in the glorious presence of Almighty God." —Tb 3:16
Praise: St. Justin was the first Christian philosopher. He defended the faith and died as a martyr for Jesus.
Reference: (Our Girls' Camp is from June 13 through 17, 2005. This is a chance for girls ages 9-13 to meet the Lord Jesus in a personal way. To register, e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com or call 937-587-5464.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 20, 2004
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