< <  

Friday, July 21, 2023

  > >

St. Lawrence of Brindisi


Exodus 11:10—12:14
Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18
Matthew 12:1-8

View Readings
Similar Reflections

nothing less than 100%

“The Son of Man is indeed Lord of the sabbath.”—Matthew 12:8

Jesus responded to the Pharisees’ criticism of Him and His disciples by comparing Himself to King David and the priests of the Temple (Mt 12:3, 5). Jesus also took the liberty of giving these religious leaders a lesson in interpreting the Bible (see Mt 12:7). Next, Jesus called Himself the Lord of the sabbath (Mt 12:8). In effect, He called Himself God.

The Pharisees probably thought: “Who does this Galilean Carpenter think He is?” Jesus acted as if He was King of kings, Priest of priests, Rabbi (Teacher) of rabbis, and God Himself. The Pharisees had no choice but to worship Jesus or stone Him as a blasphemer.

Jesus is also challenging you to believe in Him as your Lord, God, and All (see Jn 20:28). He wants to take over your whole life and make you realize your total dependence on Him (see Jn 15:5). He wants to be not part of your life, but all of your Life (see Phil 1:21). After all, He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jn 14:6). Jesus doesn’t want more of you or 99% of you. He wants all of you —100%.

Will you pray: “I have been crucified with Christ, and the life I live now is not my own; Christ is living in me”? (Gal 2:19-20)

Prayer:  Father, as soon as possible may every knee bend and every tongue proclaim: JESUS CHRIST IS LORD! (Phil 2:10-11)

Promise:  “This day shall be a memorial feast for you, which all your generations shall celebrate with pilgrimage to the Lord, as a perpetual institution.” —Ex 12:14

Praise:  St. Lawrence of Brindisi preached throughout Europe, and like Jesus fortified himself with much prayer.

Reference:  (For a related teaching on Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior and God, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 43-1 or DVD 43 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 time period from June 1, 2023, through July 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio December 14, 2022"

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.