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Monday, July 9, 2018

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St. Augustine Zhao Rong
& the Chinese Martyrs


Hosea 2:16-18, 21-22
Psalm 145:2-9
Matthew 9:18-26

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drown your sorrows

"My daughter has just died." —Matthew 9:18

Recall some of the saddest words you have ever said. Maybe you've said such things as "She's dead," "There's no hope," "He's gone," "I'm lost," or "I don't want to go on."

Like the synagogue leader, bring your sadness to Jesus. "Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you" (1 Pt 5:7). "We do not have a High Priest Who is unable to sympathize with our weakness" (Heb 4:15). "So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and favor and to find help in time of need" (Heb 4:16).

Jesus may immediately take away your sadness and pain. He may do what you ask or surprise you with something even better. Perhaps you might not realize for years how greatly He is loving you. Nevertheless, know for sure that the Lord is loving you personally with a perfect, infinite, unconditional, crucified, and eternal love. Drown your sorrows in "the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ's love" (Eph 3:18).

Prayer:  Father, use my sufferings for the consolation of others (2 Cor 1:4-7).

Promise:  "I will espouse you to Me forever: I will espouse you in right and in justice, in love and in mercy; I will espouse you in fidelity, and you shall know the Lord." —Hos 2:21-22

Praise:  The one hundred-and-twenty Chinese Martyrs, who included men, women, children, priests, and lay people, showed the depth of the faith by giving everything, including their lives, to Jesus.

Reference:  (For a related teaching on Divine Love, order, listen to or download our CD 52-3 or DVD 52 on our website.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 27, 2018

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