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Wednesday, June 30, 2021

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First Martyrs of Rome


Genesis 21:5, 8-20
Psalm 34:7-8, 10-13
Matthew 8:28-34

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for crying out loud

“She said to herself, ‘Let me not watch to see the child die.’ As she sat opposite him, he began to cry.” —Genesis 21:16-17

When children cry, they may be praying. The Lord hears the cry of the poor, especially poor little children. In response to children crying, the Lord sends the guardian angels of these children to deal with the problem. He sends angels to take custody of our lives (Bar 6:6). These guardian angels are not fat little babies themselves, as artists have often pictured them. Guardian angels are mighty creatures not to be trifled with (see Rv 19:17). For example, when Zechariah seemed less than impressed with the angel Gabriel’s message, he was struck dumb for nine months (Lk 1:19-20).

Babies throughout the world are crying out with silent screams as they are aborted. Other babies and older children are crying for food as they starve because of the selfishness and unjust politics of others. Some children are abused physically, sexually, and/or psychologically and are even sexually exploited through pornography. Millions of angels are being marshaled in response to these deafening cries from millions of babies and children. Jesus warned: “See that you never despise one of these little ones. I assure you, their angels in heaven constantly behold My heavenly Father’s face” (Mt 18:10).

Prayer:  Father, may my angel guard me as I serve You in obedient faith.

Promise:  “The demons kept appealing to Him, ‘If You expel us, send us into the herd of swine.’ He answered, ‘Out with you!’ ” —Mt 8:31-32

Praise:  According to the Roman historian Tacitus in 64 AD, many Christians were put to death because of their “hatred of the human race.” The First Martyrs of Rome are honored for virtue, not hatred!

Reference:  (For a related teaching on Archangels, order, listen to, or download our CD 61-3 or DVD 61 on our website.)

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the period from June 1, 2021 through July 31, 2021. Reverend Steve J Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 20, 2021"

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.