< <  

Friday, February 11, 2022

  > >

Our Lady of Lourdes


1 Kings 11:29-32; 12:19
Psalm 81:10-15
Mark 7:31-37

View Readings
Similar Reflections

riches to rags

“I will tear away the kingdom from Solomon’s grasp and will give you ten of the tribes.” —1 Kings 11:31

Solomon was the wisest man in the world. He built the temple to be the eighth wonder of the world. He was so wealthy as to attract worldwide recognition. His subjects expected Solomon to lead Israel into the international prominence prophesied of the Davidic dynasty. However, that was dramatically changed.

“The Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I will tear away the kingdom from Solomon’s grasp’ ” (1 Kgs 11:31). Solomon’s kingdom was soon divided and his descendants were left with one tribe of Israel (1 Kgs 11:32). What happened? Solomon sinned. He fell into idolatry and put other things ahead of God. He put his wives and concubines ahead of God, and his heart was turned away from the Lord (1 Kgs 11:2-3).

You are greater than Solomon. The least born into Christ’s kingdom is greater than he (Mt 11:11). God has called you to inherit an eternal dynasty. By sinning, will you ruin your future and eternity? Or will you receive your promised inheritance? Repent. Go to Confession. Resist sin even “to the point of shedding” your own blood (Heb 12:4).

Prayer:  Jesus, may I die rather than commit any sin.

Promise:  “He said to him, ‘Ephphatha!’ (that is, ‘Be opened!’) At once the man’s ears were opened; he was freed from the impediment and began to speak plainly.” —Mk 7:34-35

Praise:  Franz, a Jewish author, passed through Lourdes while escaping the Nazis. He made a vow to write a novel about the miracle of Our Lady of Lourdes. He went to America where he wrote and published his novel.

Reference:  (To help you resist sin this coming Lent, listen to, download or order Effects of Sin on CD 81-3 or DVD 81 on our website.)

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 2021"

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.