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Wednesday, August 7, 1996

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Pope St. Sixtus II
St. Cajetan


Jeremiah 31:1-7
Jeremiah 31
Matthew 15:21-28

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moving your clock up

"At that time, says the Lord, I will be the God of all the tribes of Israel, and they shall be My people." —Jeremiah 31:1<br> "That very moment her daughter got better." —Matthew 15:28

"There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens" (Eccl 3:1). Consequently, Jesus told the Canaanite woman that it was not time for Him to minister to the Gentiles (see Mt 15:24). However, by her great faith, the woman moved up Jesus' timetable (Mt 15:28).

Jesus told Mary, His mother, that it wasn't time to do His first miracle (Jn 2:4). Nonetheless, by her great faith, Mary turned the clock forward.

Jesus tells us it's not time for His final return and the end of the world. However, we have the power to hasten the end of time (2 Pt 3:12).

It is not necessary to wait for certain things. Some things timed for next year can happen this year if we only have faith — even great faith. Faith can not only move mountains (Mt 17:20); it can even move up time.

By faith, make the future present or at least soon, sooner, or very soon. Wait for what may seem forever, or receive now by faith.

Prayer:  Father, may I not keep You waiting.

Promise:  "With age-old love I have loved you; so I have kept My mercy toward you." —Jer 31:3

Praise:  Pope Sixtus and four of his deacons received Jesus in the Eucharist; later in the liturgy, they were arrested and beheaded. In God, Who was the Source of their strength, they had strength for everything (Phil 4:13).

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert J. Buschmiller, January 29, 1996


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 5, 1996