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Saturday, March 9, 2013

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St. Frances of Rome


Hosea 6:1-6
Psalm 51:3-4, 18-21
Luke 18:9-14

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get real and get right with god

"This man went home from the temple justified but the other did not." —Luke 18:14

Some people sincerely believe they are close to God, but are self-deceived. Their "piety is like a morning cloud, like the dew that early passes away" (Hos 6:4). Others are much closer to God than they think. Finally, a few people have an accurate perception of their relationship with God.

Ask yourself if:

  • you mean what you pray. For example, do you really want God's kingdom to come and His will, not yours, to be done? (see Mt 6:10)
  • you realize your need to repent (see Lk 18:13; Ps 51:3-4). Because of this, do you go to Confession often?
  • you use the words "I,""me," and"mine" too often in prayer (see Lk 18:11-12). Is your prayer God-centered or self-centered?
  • you compare yourself with others and whatyou perceive to be their relationships with God (see Lk 18:9-11).
  • you intentionally try to humble yourself (Lk 18:14) by living a simple life of service.

It is difficult to see our relationship with God rightly, but we can see clearly in the light of God's Church and His Word. Let's get real and get right with God.

Prayer:  Father, may I live in reality, in love, and in You (1 Jn 4:16).

Promise:  "Be bountiful, O Lord, to Zion in Your kindness by rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem." —Ps 51:20

Praise:  St. Frances of Rome was a noblewoman, wife, mother, and also served Jesus in the poor.

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our leaflet, Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior, and God, or on audio AV 43-1 or video V-43.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, September 13, 2012

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