rise and fall
"If their purpose or activity is human in its origins, it will destroy itself. If, on the other hand, it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them without fighting God Himself." —Acts 5:38-39
Without the risen Christ, our work falls apart, no matter how developed it is. For example, Theudas had four-hundred men join his cause. However, he was killed, and in the end his movement "came to nothing" (Acts 5:36). Judas the Galilean also "built up quite a following, but likewise died, and all his followers were dispersed" (Acts 5:37).
With the risen Christ, however, even the most insignificant resources are miraculously multiplied to feed the masses (Jn 6:11). Our little efforts become like a mustard seed from which a tree with many branches will rise (Mt 13:32). The daily routine offered to the risen Christ becomes like leaven that will raise our lives to miraculous power and significance (Mt 13:33).
Is your life and work showing signs of the resurrection or of deterioration? Are you on the rise, or falling apart? Jesus' resurrection not only transforms dead bodies but also "dead works" (see Heb 6:1; 9:14). Our future is either one of human decay or divine multiplication. The resurrection transforms both life after death and life before death. It makes life worth living and work worth doing.
Prayer: Risen Jesus, I give You all the loaves and fish of my life for You to multiply them.
Promise: "When the people saw the sign He had performed they began to say, 'This is undoubtedly the Prophet Who is to come into the world.' " —Jn 6:14
Praise: Reading the Bible encourages Mary to attend daily Mass, and Mass in turn encourages her to read the Scriptures more deeply.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 31, 2011
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