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Tuesday, October 22, 2013

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Romans 5:12, 15, 17-21
Psalm 40:7-10, 17
Luke 12:35-38

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the tidal wave of grace

"Despite the increase of sin, grace has far surpassed it." —Romans 5:20

Sometimes we think the Lord is trying to stem the tide of sin in our world by giving us His grace. Yet actually Satan is futilely trying to resist God's tidal wave of grace. Grace has far surpassed sin. Much more grace is in this world than sin, despite sin's increase.

Because of Jesus, we share in such a total victory of grace over sin that we have no word to express our position of domination. So St. Paul calls us "more than conquerors," conquerors-plus, super-conquerors (Rm 8:37). "In subjecting all things to [Jesus], God left nothing unsubjected. At present we do not see all things thus subject, but we do see Jesus crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death" (Heb 2:8-9).

Although we may not see or feel it, we know for certain by faith that Jesus won a total and irreversible victory through His death and resurrection. "If death began its reign through one man because of his offense, much more shall those who receive the overflowing grace and gift of justice live and reign through the one Man, Jesus Christ" (Rm 5:17).

Prayer:  Father, may "I consider the sufferings of the present to be as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed in us" (Rm 8:18).

Promise:  "Should He happen to come at midnight or before sunrise and find them prepared, it will go well with them." —Lk 12:38

Praise:  Jesus healed Loretta of multiple sclerosis.

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, May 22, 2013

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