the word at work within you (1 thes 2:13)
"My heart stands in awe of Your word." —Psalm 119:161
Presentation Ministries publishes One Bread, One Body for the purpose of opening up the Church's daily eucharistic Scripture readings to as many people as possible. We pray fervently that each teaching will touch your hearts deeply and bear great fruit in your lives, in the Church, and in God's kingdom.
It has been our guiding principle to use a number of Scripture references and quotations on these pages, for "all Scripture is inspired of God and is useful for teaching" (2 Tm 3:16). The real power in any of these teachings comes from the Scripture passages themselves. This is because it is God's Word, not our words, which has the power to open hearts. "Indeed, God's word is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword. It penetrates and divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the reflections and thoughts of the heart" (Heb 4:12).
God's Word is permanent (Ps 119:160) and unfailing (Is 55:11). When His Word is proclaimed, it gets the job done. "It shall not return to [God] void, but shall do [His] will, achieving the end for which [He] sent it" (Is 55:11). When His Word is proclaimed at Mass, it is especially powerful. The Mass is the environment of miracles. In such a setting, God's Word is charged with even greater life-changing power. "That is why we thank God constantly that in receiving His message from us you took it, not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God at work within you who believe" (1 Thes 2:13).
Prayer: Father, may Catholics increasingly read, study, pray, share, live, proclaim, obey, and teach Your word.
Promise: "You, for your part, must remain faithful to what you have learned and believed." —2 Tm 3:14
Praise: Showing mercy to an emotionally abusive spouse, Linda prayed faithfully for her husband's conversion until the day he died.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 29, 2012
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