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Monday, May 28, 2007

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Sirach 17:19-24
Psalm 32
Mark 10:17-27

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one thing more

"For man it is impossible but not for God. With God all things are possible." —Mark 10:27

We must obey Jesus' command to the young rich man. "Jesus looked at him with love and told him, 'There is one thing more you must do' " (Mk 10:21). Jesus repeatedly calls us to take one more step. "More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted" (Lk 12:48). Since we have received more, so we are expected to do more. This pattern repeats itself into a series of "one thing more."

The Lord is calling us to break new ground (Hos 10:12), to go where we've never gone before, to cross over into faith-territory where we will find "conviction about things we do not see" (Heb 11:1). Our relationship with the Lord cannot be stagnant for long. It is either growing or dying. If we're walking by faith and not by sight (2 Cor 5:7), we are continually breaking new ground (Mi 2:13). If we don't walk into the unknown with Jesus, we will walk away sad, having chosen to be left behind (Mk 10:22).

What is the "one thing more you must do"? Are you to "sell what you have and give to the poor"? (Mk 10:21) Should you tithe, fast, go to Confession, pray with your spouse, or share your faith at work? This Memorial Day will be memorable if we obey Jesus, break new ground, and do "one thing more."

Prayer:  Father, may I obey You no matter what.

Promise:  "Turn again to the Most High and away from sin, hate intensely what He loathes." —Sir 17:21

Praise:  Mark obeyed God by making the first step toward reconciliation with his brother.

Reference:  (For related teaching, order our leaflet, Hearing God, or our audio AV 45-1 or video V-45.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 16, 2006

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