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Thursday, July 11, 2013

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St. Benedict


Genesis 44:18-21, 23-29; 45:1-5
Psalm 105:16-21
Matthew 10:7-15

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the kingdom

"As you go, make this announcement: 'The kingdom of God is at hand!' " —Matthew 10:7, our transl.

Jesus commands us to go and announce God's kingdom. We should walk kingdom, talk kingdom, and think kingdom. When we see or hear of a sick person (see Mt 10:8), we reach out to give them God's healing, for this is a sign of God's kingdom (see Mt 4:23). When we hear of a death (see Mt 10:8), we think resurrection because the King of the kingdom has risen from the dead. When we see a social leper (see Mt 10:8), we reach out in love because those marginalized by worldly standards are to be warmly welcomed into God's kingdom.

Because we seek first God's kingdom (see Mt 6:33), we oppose the kingdom of darkness (see Col 1:13) and expel demons (Mt 10:8). To receive God's kingdom, we must decide to be poor (Mt 5:3) and to sell all that we have to purchase it (Mt 13:44-46). Therefore, we have a unique attitude toward possessions. We "provide [ourselves] with neither gold nor silver nor copper" (Mt 10:9). King Jesus possesses everything. We possess and are possessed by nothing but Him.

In summary, those who have entered God's kingdom have the mind of Christ the King (1 Cor 2:16) toward life, people, sickness, death, demons, possessions, etc. Seek first God's kingdom (Mt 6:33) and the mind of the King.

Prayer:  King Jesus, use me and use me up for Your kingdom.

Promise:  "The gift you have received, give as a gift." —Mt 10:8

Praise:  St. Benedict lived the kingdom of God and his rule has extended down through time. He received the privilege of dying immediately after receiving Jesus in the Eucharist.

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our leaflet Seek First The Kingdom.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 18, 2013

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