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Sunday, August 23, 2020

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21st Sunday Ordinary Time


Isaiah 22:19-23
Romans 11:33-36
Psalm 138:1-3, 6, 8
Matthew 16:13-20

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accepting jesus on his terms

“For from Him and through Him and for Him all things are. To Him be glory forever. Amen.” —Romans 11:36

The most important question in life is: “Who do you say” Jesus is? (Mt 16:15) If we confess with our lips that Jesus is the Messiah, Lord, and Son of God (Mt 16:16; Rm 10:9) and if we live for Jesus and not for ourselves (2 Cor 5:15), we will be saved from death, self-deception, slavery, damnation, and hell, and we will be saved for freedom, purity, holiness, love, peace, joy, and eternal life.
Moreover, when we accept the grace to have faith in Jesus and to live for Him, Jesus reveals His Church to us (Mt 16:18). He likewise calls us to love the Church, even by laying down our lives for her (Eph 5:25).
Have you accepted Jesus on His terms? Have you been crucified with Christ? (Gal 2:19) Is the life that you’re living no longer your own? (Gal 2:20) Have you lost your life for Jesus? (Lk 9:24) Do you merely go to church, or are you “churched” by Jesus’ standards?
“How deep are the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How inscrutable His judgments, how unsearchable His ways!” (Rm 11:33) Enter into the mystery of Trinitarian, eternal love. Give your life totally to Jesus and His Church now.

Prayer:  Father, reveal Jesus to me in ever deeper ways (see Mt 16:17).

Promise:  “When he opens, no one shall shut, when he shuts, no one shall open.” —Is 22:22

Praise:  “There is nothing to fear. I am the First and the Last and the One Who lives. Once I was dead but now I live—forever and ever” (Rv 1:17-18). Praise You, risen Jesus!

Reference:  (For a related teaching on Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior, and God, order, view or download our leaflet or order, listen to, or download our CD 43-3 or DVD 43 on our website.)

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from August 1, through September 30, 2020. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 1, 2019"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.