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Tuesday, January 27, 2009

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St. Angela Merici


Hebrews 10:1-10
Psalm 40
Mark 3:31-35

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love the unlovable

"Gazing around Him at those seated in the circle He continued, 'These are My mother and My brothers.' " —Mark 3:34

Jesus looked at the motley crew of disciples and called them His "mother and brothers." He accepted them as family. He said His brother, sister, and mother is whoever does God's will (Mk 3:35). Although at this point the apostles were not totally doing God's will, Jesus accepted them as family to change them into disciples who would do God's will.

The Lord loved us first (1 Jn 4:19); He loves us as family; He loves us as much as He loves Mary. He loves us unconditionally. He loves us not because we are lovable, but we are made lovable by His love. Jesus really means it when He calls us brothers and sisters and mothers to Him. He even suffered and died for us. Jesus knows everything about us. He knows whether we will be Judas and betray Him, or Peter and deny Him. He knows about all the skeletons in our closets, yet He chooses to be with us and within us. He wants to be with us, even when we don't want to be with ourselves. Jesus loves us even when we don't love ourselves. He loves us.

Prayer:  Jesus, I have just begun to receive Your love. May I open up and let You show Your love to me.

Promise:  "By this 'will,' we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." —Heb 10:10

Praise:  St. Angela promoted home-schooling for young women five centuries ago. She cared for the "least of the brethren" by her resolve to educate the poor.

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our tape on Divine Love on audio AV 52-3 or video V-52.)

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 17, 2008

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