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Thursday, July 28, 2022

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Jeremiah 18:1-6
Psalm 146:1-6
Matthew 13:47-53

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the ultimate quality control

“Whenever the object of clay which he was making turned out badly in his hand, he tried again, making of the clay another object of whatever sort he pleased.” —Jeremiah 18:4

God is the Potter, and we are the clay (Jer 18:6; Is 64:7). However, because we are living, free clay, we can choose not to cooperate with God. In that case, what the Potter is making turns out badly, and He will start over again (Jer 18:4). The Lord insists on quality (see 1 Cor 3:12-15). In fact, at the end of the world, lives of godly quality will be judged “worthwhile” (Mt 13:48), while those with unfruitful lives of low quality will be hurled “into the fiery furnace, where they will wail and grind their teeth” (Mt 13:50).

The quality which the Lord expects in our lives is humanly impossible to attain, but the Lord will take over our lives and transform them to the highest quality. We need only be like Mary and let it be done to us according to God’s Word (see Lk 1:38). Godly quality is a matter of His grace and our obedience. The Potter will make of each of us a masterpiece if we but accept His grace and let ourselves be cleansed of evil things (2 Tm 2:21). Therefore, give your life to Jesus, the only Way (see Jn 14:6) to quality and eternal happiness.

Prayer:  Father, when fire tests the quality of my life (1 Cor 3:13), may I be approved.

Promise:  “Praise the Lord, O my soul; I will praise the Lord all my life.” —Ps 146:1-2

Praise:  John has turned down job offers that would have interfered with his ability to adore Jesus in the Eucharist each week.

Reference:  (For a related teaching on Obeying God, listen to, download or order our CD 62-3 or DVD 62 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 time period from June 1, 2022 through July 31, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 18, 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.