disgusting discussing
“They saw a large crowd standing around, and scribes in lively discussion with them.” —Mark 9:14
A boy was possessed by a mute and deaf spirit, but all the religious leaders could do was discuss it. On another occasion, on the afternoon of His Resurrection, the apostles had abandoned the Lord, then Jesus had been crucified, Judas had committed suicide, but the two disciples on the road to Emmaus made small-talk about major happenings (Lk 24:14-15).
“The kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power” (1 Cor 4:20). The “preaching of the gospel” should not be “a mere matter of words for you but one of power” in the Holy Spirit (1 Thes 1:5). St. Paul commanded St. Timothy: “Keep reminding people of these things and charge them before God to stop disputing about mere words. This does no good and can be the ruin of those who listen” (2 Tm 2:14). “Avoid worldly, idle talk, for those who indulge in it become more and more godless, and the influence of their talk will spread like the plague” (2 Tm 2:16-17).
It’s time to stop talking and start walking. We’ve run on at the mouth too long. The world doesn’t need to hear anymore lip-service from Christians. It’s time to put our money and lives where our mouths are. It’s time to put up or shut up. Let’s stop merely discussing the world’s problems. Let’s win this world for Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Father, may I show the world what You can do.
Promise: “The harvest of justice is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.” —Jas 3:18
Praise: St. Peter Damian was an orphan. One of his brothers was cruel to him, but another brother treated him kindly and paid for his education. Peter later became a Benedictine monk.
Reference: (Our annual Lenten Women’s Retreat, Mary: Woman of Strength, will be offered March 18-19. Take time to renew your interest and dedication to Mary. Call (513) 373-2397 or (937) 587-5464 or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 01/2022 through March 31, 2022 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 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.