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Sunday, August 16, 2020

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20th Sunday Ordinary Time


Isaiah 56:1, 6-7
Romans 11:13-15, 29-32
Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8
Matthew 15:21-28

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save the children

“Lord, Son of David, have pity on me! My daughter is terribly troubled by a demon.” —Matthew 15:22

Jesus delivered many people from demons. Sometimes He delivered children from demons (Mt 15:22; Mk 9:17ff). This raises the question: How can innocent children who could not have grievously sinned or been knowingly involved in the occult be possessed or troubled by demons?
Children suffer innocently for the sins of their parents and the world. This suffering seems to include even harassment from the evil one. Sins committed by any of us can result in the severest form of child abuse: exposing a child to demonic influence.  A simple reading of any of the historical books of the Old Testament will demonstrate how sins of others can harm innocent children.
Why doesn’t the Lord protect children from the effect of our sins? Why didn’t He intervene and save the Holy Innocents martyred at Bethlehem? Why doesn’t He spare the children victimized by abortion? The Lord allows us to accept the wages of our sins (Rm 6:23). He even lets us pass on a devastating inheritance to our children and to the children of the world (Ex 20:5). Our unrepented sins open the door for Satan to enter not only our lives, but also the lives of innocent children. Repent!

Prayer:  In the name of Jesus, leave, Satan, never to return. Thank You, Jesus, for Your victory.

Promise:  “Observe what is right, do what is just; for My salvation is about to come, My justice, about to be revealed.” —Is 56:1

Praise:  “If Christ was not raised, your faith is worthless” (1 Cor 15:17). Father God, thank You for Your perfect plan of redemption.

Reference:  

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from August 1, through September 30, 2020. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 1, 2019"

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.