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Wednesday, February 3, 2021

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St. Blase St. Ansgar


Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15
Psalm 103:1-2, 13-14, 17-18
Mark 6:1-6

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amazing faith

“...so much did their lack of faith distress Him.” —Mark 6:6

Jesus was amazed at the Syro-Phoenician woman’s faith (Mt 15:28). He was amazed at the centurion’s faith (Mt 8:10).  He was amazed at the lack of faith of the people of Nazareth (see Mk 6:6).How do we get amazing faith? 
1) We must ask God for it. Faith is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22). 
2) We must accept the discipline of the Lord (Heb 12:5ff). That in itself gives evidence of our faith. By humbling ourselves and changing our lifestyles to obey the Lord’s commands, we show that we believe the Lord is shaping our lives and we are in His hands. 
3) We must not hold anything back from God. “My just man will live by faith, and if he draws back I take no pleasure in him” (Heb 10:38). 
4) We obey His commands as set forth in the Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the teachings of the Church. We actually call this “The Faith.” 
May Jesus be amazed at our faith. May we accept eagerly the discipline of the Lord and trust in Him. Jesus, “increase our faith” (Lk 17:5).

Prayer:  Father, “not my will but Yours be done” (Lk 22:42).

Promise:  “Strive for peace with all men, and for that holiness without which no one can see the Lord.” —Heb 12:14

Praise:  St. Blase was bishop of Sebaste in Armenia. He was martyred around 316 AD during the persecution of Emperor Licinius. He is the patron saint of those suffering from throat ailments.

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

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 31, 2020"

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.