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Saturday, August 23, 2014

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St. Rose of Lima


Ezekiel 43:1-7
Psalm 85:9-14
Matthew 23:1-12

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glory be

"I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east." —Ezekiel 43:2

Because of the people's refusal to repent, "the glory of the Lord rose from the city" of Jerusalem (Ez 10:23). However, God promised that one day His glory would return to His people (Ez 43:4, 7). This promise was fulfilled in an unimaginable way when God became a human being.

John proclaimed: "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we have seen His glory: the glory of an only Son coming from the Father" (Jn 1:14). When Jesus was born, the angels sang: "Glory to God in high heaven" (Lk 2:14).

Before His death, Jesus said: "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in Him. If God has been glorified in Him, God will, in turn, glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him soon" (Jn 13:31-32). Jesus' body was glorified in His resurrection (see Phil 3:21).

However, many of us don't experience the glory of God's presence and power. Like Ezekiel, we live for years without God's glory. We must repent, totally give our lives to the Lord, and receive the Holy Spirit in power. Then God's glory will come to us. "In His temple all say, 'Glory!' " (Ps 29:9)

Prayer:  "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen."

Promise:  "Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, but whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." —Mt 23:12

Praise:  St. Rose voluntarily practiced penances for the sake of her own sanctification and that of the Church.

Reference:  (Pray about attending one of our upcoming retreats: Sept. 5-7, Healing the Broken-Hearted (Divorced and Separated Retreat), a Widows and Widowers Conference on Sept. 6, and Proclaiming God's Word - The Gospel of Mark on Oct. 3-5. Call 513-373-2397 or 937-587-5464 to register or for information.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 19, 2014

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