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Wednesday, May 23, 2012

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Pentecost Novena - Day 6


Acts 20:28-38
Psalm 68:29-30, 33-36
John 17:11-19

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"left behind"

"I gave them Your word." —John 17:14

This booklet is produced by Presentation Ministries. Our founder, Fr. Al Lauer, died of liver cancer in October 2002. That year, Fr. Al experienced what Jesus and St. Paul felt toward their flocks they would be leaving behind (Jn 17:17, 19; Acts 20:30). For years, Fr. Al had taught us the truths of the faith continually. Then he learned he had only months left with us. In his final months on earth, Fr. Al spent as much time as physically able with those of us he would be leaving behind. He never shrunk from telling us what was for our own good and from teaching us in public or in private (Acts 20:20). He commended us to the Word of God (Acts 20:32). Even in his last week on earth, Father still taught us in daily Masses from his deathbed. Those of us with him in those Masses felt as though we were watching Christ Himself teach us from the cross. Even while suffering and near death, Father Al spoke of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may be revealed and kept alive in us being left behind (2 Cor 4:11).

We who continue the One Bread, One Body ministry have been given a precious legacy to pass on. This legacy of Scripture teaching was given through the gift of Father Al's sacrificial life. We feel privileged to share with you his love for the Word of God. With Fr. Al Lauer, we place you in the hands of God, saying to the Lord: "I gave them Your word" (Jn 17:14).

You who read this teaching, this booklet, and the daily Mass Scriptures have also been given a precious legacy to pass on to others. "The gift you have received, give as a gift" to a world starving for Jesus (Mt 10:8).

Prayer:  Father, may I faithfully feed Your lambs (Jn 21:15) with Your Word.

Promise:  "I commend you now to the Lord, and to that gracious word of His which can enlarge you." —Acts 20:32

Praise:  Julia feeds God's sheep in a weekly Bible study, teaching them from the Scriptures that God loves them.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 31, 2011

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.