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Tuesday, June 9, 2015

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St. Ephrem of Syria


2 Corinthians 1:18-22
Psalm 119:129-133, 135
Matthew 5:13-16

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"through him"

"It is through Him that we address our Amen to God when we worship together." —2 Corinthians 1:20

At every Mass, the Eucharistic prayer comes to a climax when the priest elevates the body and blood of Jesus and proclaims: "Through Him, with Him, in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is Yours, almighty Father, forever and ever." At this climactic moment, the entire assembly responds "Amen." We worship God together by addressing our Amen through Jesus to the Father in the Spirit (2 Cor 1:20).

This is God's plan for worship. Through Jesus (2 Cor 1:20), we worship the Father, addressing our prayer and praise to Him. With Jesus (Eph 2:6; Rm 6:8), we are raised up to heaven in our worship and share in the life of the Father. In Jesus (Phil 3:9), we find our very life and share in the glory of the Father (2 Thes 1:12).

In the Mass, every person, prayer, praise, promise (2 Cor 1:20), and proclamation are all wrapped together and offered to God through, with, and in Jesus. In turn, God the Father shares His life with us through, with, and in Jesus in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Re-dedicate yourself often to God through Jesus in the Mass, even daily if possible. Joyfully immerse yourself in the worship of heaven. Experience the fullness of God — through, with, and in Jesus.

Prayer:  Thank You, Jesus, for lifting us up to the Father in the Mass. I will praise You in eucharistic joy forever.

Promise:  "Your light must shine before men so that they may see goodness in your acts and give praise to your heavenly Father." —Mt 5:16

Praise:  St. Ephrem was a teacher, Scripture scholar, prolific songwriter and worship leader, and is a Doctor of the Church.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For a related teaching, order our tape on Developing a Deep, Personal Relationship with Jesus on audio AV 52-1 or video V-52.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 18, 2014

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