Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

To: All
One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

Language: English | Espa�ol

All Issues > Volume 33, Issue 2

<< Friday, March 17, 2017 >> St. Patrick
 
Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28
View Readings
Psalm 105:16-21 Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46
Similar Reflections
 

HOPING WHEN LIFE IS THE WORST

 
"The Stone which the builders rejected has become the Keystone of the structure. It was the Lord Who did this and we find it marvelous to behold." �Matthew 21:42
 

If we repent in our sinfulness, slavery, and misery, the Lord will take the worst in our lives and make it the best. The Lord manifests His almighty power not just by doing great works but by making the greatest miracles out of the worst sins, injustices, and defeats. "God makes all things work together for the good" of those who love Him (Rm 8:28).

Joseph's brothers decided to murder him. Then they changed their plans from murdering him to starving him and finally to selling him into slavery. The brothers agreed to lie to their father about Joseph's death and thereby broke their father's heart. This was a gross evil. The Lord turned this to the good by raising up Joseph into one of the most powerful people in the world. He saved the lives of countless thousands of people (including his own family) from starvation. Ironically, Joseph, who was almost left to starve to death, saved many countries from starving to death.

The worst evil ever perpetrated and the focal point of every sin that has ever or will ever be committed is Jesus' Passion and death. The Lord took this absolute worst to bring about the ultimate best � the salvation of the whole world.

If you are in the worst of times, there may be reason for you to be even more hopeful. "Rejoice in hope" (Rm 12:12).

 
Prayer: Father, this Lent may hope well up inside me as never before.
Promise: "The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples set him free. He made him lord of his house and ruler of all his possessions." �Ps 105:20-21
Praise: St. Patrick's enslavement converted a nation. He prayed that whenever people thought of him, they would be prompted to think of Christ.

34 posted on 03/17/2017 6:46:20 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 33 | View Replies ]


To: All

Fathers are parents, too!


35 posted on 03/17/2017 6:48:09 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 34 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson