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Thursday, April 30, 2015

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Pope St. Pius V


Acts 13:13-25
Psalm 89:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27
John 13:16-20

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say "i do" to i am

"When it takes place you may believe that I AM." —John 13:19

Jesus foretold that one of His apostles would betray Him so that, when it took place, the apostles would believe that Jesus was the I AM, that is, God (see Ex 3:14). Even in front of a hostile crowd, Jesus said: "I solemnly declare it: before Abraham came to be, I AM" (Jn 8:58). Jesus also promised that, after He was lifted up on the cross, many would realize that He was the I AM (Jn 8:28). Those who do not believe this will surely die in their sins (Jn 8:24). When hundreds of soldiers came to arrest Jesus, they said they were seeking Jesus the Nazorean. Jesus said in response "I AM" (Jn 18:5, 6, 8). At this, "they retreated slightly and fell to the ground" (Jn 18:6).

Jesus repeatedly made it clear that He is the I AM, that is, God. Therefore, we must do more than talk to Him. We must worship Him. Serving Him is not enough. Only our total commitment is the appropriate response to the great I AM. When we believe Jesus is the great I AM, we know that giving Him all of our money, possessions, energy, and time is the least we can do. Say "I do" to I AM.

Prayer:  Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All! (see Jn 20:28)

Promise:  "The favors of the Lord I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim Your faithfulness." —Ps 89:2

Praise:  Pope St. Pius V lived an exemplary life: as a simple friar at the beginning, and later as a humble pope.

Reference:  (We have several tape series to help you read the Bible. Overview of the Bible is six audio tapes starting with AV 10A-1 or three video tapes starting with V-10A. 15-minute Bible Teaching - New Testament is forty audio tapes starting with #700. An Introduction to each book of the Bible is thirty-two audio tapes starting with AV 21-1 or seventeen video tapes starting with V-21.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 21, 2014

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