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Saturday, June 9, 2012

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St. Ephrem


2 Timothy 4:1-8
Psalm 71:8-9, 14-17, 22
Mark 12:38-44

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our roots

"I charge you to preach the word, to stay with this task whether convenient or inconvenient — correcting, reproving, appealing — constantly teaching and never losing patience." —2 Timothy 4:2

This booklet was founded by Father Al Lauer twenty-eight years ago. Father Al passed on nine years ago, but his priestly ministry followed today's eucharistic readings literally.

Father taught constantly, "whether convenient or inconvenient" (2 Tm 4:2). For eighteen years, he generally wrote these teachings in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. However, his evangelistic ministry kept him on the move. Often he wrote these teachings on scraps of paper in "inconvenient" places and times, such as gas stations, airports, his hospital and death beds, between Masses, before and after ministry meetings, etc. Father Al "put up with hardship [and performed his] work as an evangelist" (2 Tm 4:5).

Father believed that no one should be denied teaching because of a lack of money. He wanted the Word of God to be spread even if many didn't have two coins (Mk 12:42) to pay for a subscription. Accordingly, we offer this booklet to all regardless of money, trusting in God to provide our every need.

Constantly teaching and never stopping — these commands are the roots of One Bread, One Body. You who read this have been blessed to stand on the shoulders of Father Al Lauer. May you be blessed richly by his ministry and be filled with his same desire to spread the Word of God "whether convenient or inconvenient."

Prayer:  Father, help me to freely give to others the gift of the Word that You have given to me (Mt 10:8).

Promise:  "A merited crown awaits me." —2 Tm 4:8

Praise:  St. Ephrem spread the gospel with courage and creativity to a sin-sick world.

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

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 29, 2012

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.