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Sunday, August 17, 2003

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20th Sunday Ordinary Time


Proverbs 9:1-6
Ephesians 5:15-20
Psalm 34
John 6:51-58

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the word of life or a waste of life

"Do not continue in ignorance, but try to discern the will of the Lord." —Ephesians 5:17

St. Jerome asserted: "Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ" (Catechism, 133). If we are ignorant of Christ, we will not discern the will of the Lord (Eph 5:17). This means we will not make "the most of the present opportunity" (Eph 5:16). In other words, we will be fools (Eph 5:15) wasting our lives. But through knowledge of the Scriptures and through good discernment of God's will, we are saved from a futile (see 1 Pt 1:18), vain (see Eccl 1:2) existence.

Therefore:

  • "Keep this book of the law on your lips. Recite it by day and by night, that you may observe carefully all that is written in it; then you will successfully attain your goal" (Jos 1:8).
  • Let the law of the Lord be your joy, and study God's law day and night (see Ps 1:2).
  • Devour God's words and make them the joy and happiness of your heart (Jer 15:16).
  • Abide in God's word (Jn 8:31).
  • Devote yourself to the apostles' teaching (Acts 2:42).
  • Each day study the Scriptures (Acts 17:11).
  • Preach God's word and "stay with this task whether convenient or inconvenient — correcting, reproving, appealing — constantly teaching and never losing patience" (2 Tm 4:2).

How precious is God's word! Love, live, and proclaim His word.

Prayer:  Father, may I daily read and joyfully obey your word.

Promise:  "I Myself am the Living Bread come down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread he shall live forever; the bread I will give is My flesh, for the life of the world." —Jn 6:51

Praise:  Praise the risen Jesus, incarnate, eternal Word of God!

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Richard L. Klug, February 27, 2003


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 3, 2003