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Saturday, August 11, 2012

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St. Clare


Habakkuk 1:12—2:4
Psalm 9:8-13
Matthew 17:14-20

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a little, essential, rare faith

"The just man, because of his faith, shall live." —Habakkuk 2:4

The Lord has a glorious plan for your life. This plan "presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint" (Hab 2:3). This plan may be delayed, but you must have the faith to wait for its fulfillment. The Lord wants to give you the faith to move mountains of obstacles out of your life, but you must accept at least a little mustard seed of faith (Mt 17:20).

"All depends on faith" (Rm 4:16). Throughout history, men and women "by faith conquered kingdoms, did what was just, obtained the promises; they broke the jaws of lions, put out raging fires, escaped the devouring sword; though weak they were made powerful, became strong in battle, and turned back foreign invaders. Women received back their dead through resurrection. Others were tortured and would not receive deliverance, in order to obtain a better resurrection. Still others endured mockery, scourging, even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, sawed in two, put to death at sword's point" (Heb 11:33-37).

By faith, we conquer the world (1 Jn 5:5). "But when the Son of Man comes, will He find any faith on the earth?" (Lk 18:8)

Prayer:  Father, may I trust You in ways I have never trusted You before.

Promise:  "Then Jesus reprimanded him, and the demon came out of him. That very moment the boy was cured." —Mt 17:18

Praise:  St. Clare held a monstrance before Frederick II's army and they fled from the King of kings.

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our tape Hold Fast to The Faith on AV 71-1 or video V-71.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 30, 2012

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