[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

 

<< Thursday, May 17, 2012 >>

Saint of the Day

Acts 18:1-8
View Readings

Psalm 98:1-4

John 16:16-20

"THE TIME IS SHORT" (1 Cor 7:29)

"What does He mean by this 'short time'?" —John 16:18

The "now" word in today's readings is: "within a short time" (Jn 16:16). The phrase "short time" is used four times in the Gospel passage. Through this repetition, the Lord undoubtedly wants to emphasize that something is about to happen. In addition, He obviously wants us ready instead of unprepared when it takes place.

Liturgically, we begin praying the Pentecost novena tomorrow. Throughout this novena, we prepare to receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Like a parent hustling to get children ready to catch the school bus, the Lord, through His Church, practically screams to us that it's time to stop dawdling. We must get ready to pray now or we'll miss the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which the Lord has long been preparing for us.

"The time is short" (1 Cor 7:29). Do whatever it takes to get ready for the Holy Spirit. Turn off or throw out the TV. Stop reading the newspapers and read the Bible instead. Go to Confession during the novena. Attend Mass as often as possible, even daily during these nine days. When the Spirit comes, may He find you ready and waiting with open arms. "Within a short time," "receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 16:16; 20:22).

 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, may I be so prepared to receive You that it only takes me a "short time" to respond to You.

Promise: "Many of the Corinthians, too, who heard Paul believed and were baptized." —Acts 18:8

Praise: Karl, a lawyer, has generously donated his time for years to serve God as a legal consultant to a Catholic ministry.

[Salvation]

“First and foremost, the right to life of every human person – from conception to natural death – is the primary and thus most essential of all human rights,” the letter stated. “Faith teaches and human reason confirms that human life is not a privilege bestowed on us by others, but rather a right that society must recognize and protect.

"As Christians, we are called to witness to an authentic ‘human ecology’ which safeguards all human life – no matter how frail or impaired – from being manipulated or destroyed.”

Bishops of Wisconsin

 

VOTE FOR LIFE!