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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

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Conversion of St. Paul


Acts 22:3-16 or
Acts 9:1-22
Psalm 117:1-2
Mark 16:15-18

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the news-paper

"Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to all creation." —Mark 16:15

If we believe in the good news of Jesus and accept baptism, we will be saved (Mk 16:16). If we refuse to believe, we will be condemned in hell forever (see Mk 16:16; Jn 5:27-29). Believing in Jesus' good news is the most important reality of our lives. Believing the good news is so important that:

  1. If we've done everything but believe the good news, our lives are tragic and damnable.
  2. The Lord works amazing signs to accompany the proclamation of the good news (Mk 16:17, 20).
  3. The Lord knocked Saul to the ground with a flash of light to convert him from opposing the good news to preaching it (see Acts 9:3-4; Gal 1:23).
  4. The Lord calls some people to give their whole lives to proclaiming the good news.
  5. The Lord has called several people to work full-time, for free, for years to proclaim the good news through Presentation Ministries and this book, One Bread, One Body.

On this celebration of the conversion of St. Paul, we thank the Lord for the good news and for those who have given their lives to proclaim the good news in any way, especially in One Bread, One Body. Thank you.

Prayer:  Father, may "I do all that I do for the sake of the gospel" (1 Cor 9:23).

Promise:  "Why delay, then? Be baptized at once and wash away your sins as you call upon His name." —Acts 22:16

Praise:  St. Paul believed the word of God, but then experienced the Word of God. Paul testified: "I do all that I do for the sake of the gospel" (1 Cor 9:23).

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our leaflet, Mission Impossible, or our tape on audio AV 46-1 or video V-46.)

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 28, 2010

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