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Friday, July 24, 2020

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St. Sharbel Makhluf


Jeremiah 3:14-17
Jeremiah 31:10-13
Matthew 13:18-23

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how to get good leaders

“Return, rebellious children, says the Lord, for I am your Master.” —Jeremiah 3:14

The Lord promised that, if we repented of our rebellion against Him, He would appoint over us wise and prudent leaders after His own heart (Jer 3:15). Then we would become fruitful and reach new heights (Jer 3:16ff).
We do not produce “grain a hundred- or sixty- or thirtyfold” (Mt 13:8) if we do not repent of:
• not growing in understanding God’s Word (Mt 13:19). The Holy Spirit has been given to us as our Teacher (Jn 14:26). If we are docile to the Spirit, we will have a good understanding of God’s Word.
• not rooting God’s Word in our lives (Mt 13:21). Our superficiality is due to our refusal to repent of selfishness and lukewarmness (Rv 3:16).
• giving in to “worldly anxiety and the lure of money” (Mt 13:22). By the power of the Holy Spirit, we must and can crucify our “flesh with its passions and desires” (Gal 5:24). In other words, we must live our Baptisms.
Do you believe we need better leaders in government, church, and business, especially the media? If so, repent of your own sins, especially of rejecting God’s Word. Then you will be spiritually fruitful, and you will be led into a much better world, even leading to a civilization of love and life.

Prayer:  Father, may I never underestimate the importance of my repentance.

Promise:  “There all nations will be gathered together to honor the name of the Lord at Jerusalem, and they will walk no longer in their hardhearted wickedness.” —Jer 3:17

Praise:  St. Sharbel exemplifies our Church “breathing with both lungs,” East and West. He was born in Lebanon and professed religious vows in the Maronite Order, a religious community affiliated with the Eastern Catholic Churches. Although a hermit, St. Sharbel attracted many because of his wisdom and holiness.

Reference:  

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from June 1, 2020 through July 31, 2020. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 18, 2019"

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.