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Words and Deeds

First Reading: 2 Tm 3:10-17

Psalm: 119:157, 160, 161, 165, 166, 168

Gospel: Mk 12:35-37

The Messiah is the Son of God. As God-Man, Jesus was born of the lineage of David. The Jews knew that the Messiah would come from the line of David and expected an earthly king. They wanted him to fit their lifestyle and their expectations. It was hard for them to believe and accept that the Messiah was also the Lord of David. They rejected him and put him to death. They deny that the Son of God has risen to save us. (Until now, the Jews are still awaiting the coming of the Messiah.)

Many times, we profess our faith and say that we believe in Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Son of God. However, our faith is not seen in our way of life. Often in our words and deeds, we relegate the Lord God to the side and we make our own plans and actions the priority. We make our activities and work the center of our lives. We become bound to all earthly things and forget our purpose in life. We become attached to our material world and make it our god. Do we make our own the options of Jesus, our Lord? Are we cognizant of God’s desires for us?

Let us pray for the grace to recognize God’s plan for each one of us. May our heart’s desire be directed entirely toward the Father through the intercession of Jesus, His Son and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

One Bread, One Body

<< Friday, June 8, 2012 >>

Saint of the Day

2 Timothy 3:10-17
View Readings

Psalm 119:157, 160-161, 165-166, 168

Mark 12:35-37

THE WORD AT WORK WITHIN YOU (1 Thes 2:13)

"My heart stands in awe of Your word." —Psalm 119:161

Presentation Ministries publishes One Bread, One Body for the purpose of opening up the Church's daily eucharistic Scripture readings to as many people as possible. We pray fervently that each teaching will touch your hearts deeply and bear great fruit in your lives, in the Church, and in God's kingdom.

It has been our guiding principle to use a number of Scripture references and quotations on these pages, for "all Scripture is inspired of God and is useful for teaching" (2 Tm 3:16). The real power in any of these teachings comes from the Scripture passages themselves. This is because it is God's Word, not our words, which has the power to open hearts. "Indeed, God's word is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword. It penetrates and divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the reflections and thoughts of the heart" (Heb 4:12).

God's Word is permanent (Ps 119:160) and unfailing (Is 55:11). When His Word is proclaimed, it gets the job done. "It shall not return to [God] void, but shall do [His] will, achieving the end for which [He] sent it" (Is 55:11). When His Word is proclaimed at Mass, it is especially powerful. The Mass is the environment of miracles. In such a setting, God's Word is charged with even greater life-changing power. "That is why we thank God constantly that in receiving His message from us you took it, not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God at work within you who believe" (1 Thes 2:13).

Prayer: Father, may Catholics increasingly read, study, pray, share, live, proclaim, obey, and teach Your word.

Promise: "You, for your part, must remain faithful to what you have learned and believed." —2 Tm 3:14

Praise: Showing mercy to an emotionally abusive spouse, Linda prayed faithfully for her husband's conversion until the day he died.