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Tuesday, January 20, 2009

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Pope St. Fabian
St. Sebastian


Hebrews 6:10-20
Psalm 111
Mark 2:23-28

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"Like a sure and firm anchor, that hope extends beyond the veil through which Jesus, our Forerunner, has entered on our behalf." —Hebrews 6:19-20

Picture a sailing ship several miles offshore being battered by stormy, raging seas and buffeted by high winds. The captain, prevented by the storm from getting into the safe harbor, lowers the anchor to the sea floor to prevent the wind and waves from sweeping the ship away. On the ship, conditions are stormy and dangerous. At the bottom of the sea, however, conditions are quiet. The anchor holds "sure and firm" (Heb 6:19). Though the ship is caught in a storm, it is "solidly set on" the anchor which keeps the ship from being lost (Mt 7:25).

The author of Hebrews likens our hope in Jesus to the ship's "sure and firm anchor" (Heb 6:19). When we have hope in Jesus, even though circumstances in our life are stormy, our hope resembles an anchor that extends from the turmoil of life on earth into the perfect calm of heaven (Heb 6:19-20). Our interior life is one of peace, not chaos. We know we won't be swept away by the turmoil of the world. Connected to the anchor of hope, we live lives of "sure and firm" faith, hope, and love.

"Seize the hope which is placed before" you (Heb 6:18). Cling to Jesus and never let go. Be "fully assured of that for which you hope" (Heb 6:11). "This hope will not leave us disappointed" (Rm 5:5).

Prayer:  Jesus, encourage those who are losing hope (Sir 17:19). Send your Spirit on me so I can lead others to hope in You.

Promise:  "The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." —Mk 2:28

Praise:  Pope St. Fabian was lauded by St. Cyprian as "an incomparable man, the glory of whose death corresponded with the holiness of his life."

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 17, 2008

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