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Sunday, September 10, 2017

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23rd Sunday Ordinary Time


Ezekiel 33:7-9
Romans 13:8-10
Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9
Matthew 18:15-20

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warning signs

"You shall warn them for Me." —Ezekiel 33:7

Millions of parents are killing their newly-conceived children by the "pill," Depo-provera, Norplant, and other abortifacient methods. If we don't speak out to dissuade these people from sinning and killing, we will be partially responsible for their deaths, meaning their deaths due to sin, which is ultimately damnation (see Ez 33:8).

Each of us probably know people who are racially prejudiced, taking advantage of others in their business, committing sexual sins, being unforgiving to their enemies, or committing other sins. If we do not warn these people and call them to repent, we are partially responsible for their deaths and damnation.

Therefore, we must ask the Lord for the love and courage to correct others (Mt 18:15; Lk 17:3), after we have repented of our own sins (Mt 7:5) and forgiven those who have wronged us (Mt 6:12). My brothers and sisters, "if someone is detected in sin, you who live by the Spirit should gently set him right, each of you trying to avoid falling into temptation himself. Help carry one another's burdens; in that way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal 6:1-2).

Prayer:  Father, may I suffer anything so that as many people as possible be saved (1 Cor 9:19).

Promise:  "Owe no debt to anyone except the debt that binds us to love one another. He who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law." —Rm 13:8

Praise:  Praise Jesus, the Way and the Truth and the Life (Jn 14:6). Alleluia to the King of kings!

Reference:  (For related teaching, order our leaflet, The Challenge of Making Disciples in a Culture of Death, or on audio AV 97-1 and AV 97-3 or on video V-97.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 27, 2017

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