[Salvation]

The Yeast of Pharisees

by Food For Thought on October 19, 2012

In the Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples to be “on guard against the yeast of the Pharisees.” Jesus was referring to their hypocrisy. The Pharisees pretend to be God-fearing but all their words and actions are just for show – to make people think they are pious so they will be shown respect. But deep down, they are selfish, manipulating, pretentious, and even violent. Jesus tells his disciples not to fear them even though they could “kill the body.” They cannot kill the soul or destroy the Holy Spirit that God has put in the hearts of His disciples.

In the first reading, St. Paul says that Christians are those who hope in the Lord, who wait for his glorious coming. As they have been stamped with the seal of the Holy Spirit, they feel a freedom that others do not have: that of being sons of God, of having experienced God as a Father, which gives them great joy and peace. It also emboldens them to preach the Good News of salvation to others. We are called to experience the joy and freedom of God’s children. We are also called to preach the Gospel of Jesus to all men. To preach how Jesus died for our sins and was raised by the Father for our justification is our joy and privilege.

[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

 

<< Friday, October 19, 2012 >>

St. John de Brebeuf, St. Isaac Jogues & Companions

Ephesians 1:11-14
View Readings

Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 12-13

Luke 12:1-7

PEOPLE OF PRAISE

 

"...a people God has made His own, to praise His glory." —Ephesians 1:14

 

The world never mentions that people are praising God. By this silence, some might conclude that people don't praise God. However, the reality is that there's a non-stop symphony of praise taking place on earth. Consecrated religious and devout lay people across the globe praise God at least twice daily in the Liturgy of the Hours. Right now, many are praying the Divine Praises in Benediction, Eucharistic Adoration, or private prayer. Many others are praising God in song or with the charismatic gift of tongues. Babies and young children are offering God praise (see Mt 21:16; Ps 8:3). Best of all, Holy Masses are offered non-stop throughout the world in praise of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We are "predestined to praise" the glory of God (Eph 1:12). God has made us "His own, to praise His glory" (Eph 1:14). Our praises are a foretaste of heaven, when we will be caught up in worship of the Triune God, praising Him "without pause" (Rv 4:8).

Since God has made us a people of praise, let us live out our vocation of praise. "It is fitting to praise Him" (Ps 147:1). "Chant His praises" (Ps 33:2). "Sing praise to His name" (Ps 135:3). Praise God in the morning and in the evening (Ps 92:2-3). Praise the Lord all your life (Ps 145:2). "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Alleluia" (Ps 150:6).

 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, pour out Your love in the hearts of all believers (Rm 5:5). May "the high praises of God be in their throats" (Ps 149:6). "Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will proclaim Your praise" (Ps 51:17).

Promise: "Even the hairs of your head are counted! Fear nothing, then. You are worth more than a flock of sparrows." —Lk 12:7

Praise: St. Isaac had several fingers severed by Iroquois tribesmen. He persevered and used his wounded hands to celebrate Mass for them and baptize Indian converts until he was martyred.