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Wednesday, July 21, 2021

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St. Lawrence of Brindisi



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god is like the rain

“A farmer went out sowing.” —Matthew 13:4

It seems that God isn’t very efficient. He sows manna and quail like “rain” (Ex 16:4; Ps 78:27). It lands everywhere, all over the camp, all over the desert ground, available to both the humble and those who grumble (Ex 16:13). The Lord even sends real rain to nourish the ground everywhere, on the land of the just and the unjust (Mt 5:45).  He sows the Word like “the rain” (Is 55:10-11). It lands everywhere, even on the footpath and the rocks and among thorns where it seemingly can’t grow (Mt 13:4-7).

Praise God that He sends His Word everywhere — to the illiterate, marginalized, grumblers, criminals, sinners, to those who hate Him and those who hunger for His Word. “Learn a lesson from the way” God sows His Word and His grace (Mt 6:28). Have the attitude of God’s agents, His rain clouds. They drop rain everywhere they are. Likewise, sow God’s Word everywhere. Don’t worry about wasting your effort, conserving your strength, or being efficient with your evangelization. Keep it simple. Think God’s rain, think God’s reign, and just get the Word out.

Prayer:  Father, who am I to decide who is unable to receive Your Word and Your blessings? May I sow bountifully so You may reap bountifully (2 Cor 9:6).

Promise:  “He commanded the skies above and the doors of heaven He opened; He rained manna upon them for food and gave them heavenly bread.” —Ps 78:23-24

Praise:  St. Lawrence of Brindisi mastered seven languages and used this talent to read and preach the Scriptures to many.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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.