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Monday, July 26, 2021

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Sts. Joachim & Anne


Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34
Psalm 106:19-23
Matthew 13:31-35

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fight forfeit

“It does not sound like cries of victory, nor does it sound like cries of defeat; the sounds that I hear are cries of revelry.” —Exodus 32:18

Moses was so angry, he smashed the tablets of the ten commandments by throwing them down at the base of the mountain. He was mad not because the chosen people were defeated in battle but defeated without battle. We too can lose because we’re too apathetic to fight. We try to skip the battle not because we’re “peace lovers” but “fun lovers.” We forget about winning because of our sinning.

When we fight against the evil one and persevere in the battle, we can’t lose because Jesus has already won the victory (Heb 10:12-13). That’s why Satan’s primary tactic against us is to get us to forfeit. Satan tells us there is no Satan. If we believe that, he tells us there is no battle. We won’t fight if we think there’s no war. But if there’s no war, then why are there so many casualties?

The truth is, Satan is a liar, robber, and murderer. We have the power to quickly crush Satan under our feet (Rm 16:20). We must obey Jesus, the Truth, and fight Satan, the father of lies (Jn 8:44). Fight; never forfeit.

Prayer:  Father, use me to fight the evil one’s works of abortion, pornography, denominations, racism, starvation, terrorism, and militarism.

Promise:  “The reign of God is like a mustard seed which someone took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest seed of all, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes so big a shrub that the birds of the sky come and build their nests in its branches.” —Mt 13:31-32

Praise:  St. Joachim and St. Anne dedicated their daughter to God. They were rewarded by becoming the grandparents of the Son of God!

Reference:  (For a related teaching on Spiritual Warfare, order, listen to or download our CD 57-3 or DVD 57 on our website.)

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the period from June 1, 2021 through July 31, 2021. Reverend Steve J Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 20, 2021"

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.