[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

 

<< Thursday, May 23, 2013 >>

Sirach 5:1-8
View Readings

Psalm 1:1-4, 6

Mark 9:41-50

"NOT-TY" OR NICE?

"Say not..." —Sirach 5:1, 3, 4, 6

 

• "Say not: 'I have the power' " (Sir 5:1).
  Rather, say: "In weakness power reaches perfection" (2 Cor 12:9).
• "Say not: 'Who can prevail against Me?' " (Sir 5:3)
  Rather, say: "Without Jesus I can do nothing" (see Jn 15:5).
• "Say not: 'I have sinned, yet what has befallen me?' " (Sir 5:4)
  Rather, say: "The Lord, indeed, knows how to rescue devout men from trial, and how to continue the punishment of the wicked up to the day of judgment" (2 Pt 2:9).
• "Say not: 'Great is His mercy; my many sins He will forgive' " (Sir 5:6).
  Rather, say (and do): "Return to the Lord and give up sin" (Sir 17:20, 21).

Jesus said: "I assure you, on judgment day people will be held accountable for every unguarded word they speak. By your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned" (Mt 12:36-37). Watch what you say. Speak the truth; do the truth (Eph 4:15).

 

Prayer: Father, be Lord of my mouth and life.

Promise: "Any man who gives you a drink of water because you belong to Christ will not, I assure you, go without his reward." —Mk 9:41

Praise: Mariano, a Christian businessman, witnesses to every customer with whom he deals. His secret of evangelization: "I listen attentively to them and am interested in what is going on in their life. Soon, when they return the favor, I tell them what Jesus is doing in my life."

[Salvation]

Prayer for Those Who Are Terminally Ill

 

Lord Jesus, you healed so many people during your public ministry. I bring before you now, in prayer, all those who are terminally ill -- those afflicted with cancer, AIDS, and other illnesses.

 

Look lovingly and compassionately upon them. Let them feel the strength of your consolation. Help them and their families to accept this cross they are asked to carry.  Protect them from euthanasia, Lord.

 

Let them see you carrying their cross with them, at their side, as you once carried yours to Calvary. May Mary be there, too, to comfort them. 

 

Lord Jesus, I know and believe that, if it is your will, you can cure those I pray for (especially N.). I place my trust in you. I pray with faith, but I also pray as you did in Gethsemane: your will be done. 

 

Bless us, Lord, and hear my prayer. Amen.

 

Reprinted from "Queen of Apostles Prayerbook" with permission of copyright holder, Pauline Books & Media,