July 7, 2024 - One Bread, One Body
July 7, Fourteenth Sunday Ordinary Time
Cycle B Readings:
1) Ezekiel 2:2-5
Psalm 123:1-4
2) 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Mark 6:1-6
"Follow the Spirit's lead" (GAL 5:25)
“The Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet.” —Ezekiel 2:2
Are circumstances going poorly in your life? Are you being opposed by neighbors, co-workers or family members? (Mk 6:1-6) Are those with whom you live “hard of face” and “obstinate of heart”? (Ez 2:4) Are you weak? (2 Cor 12:9-10) Beg the Lord to pour out the Holy Spirit upon you (Rm 5:5)
When the Holy Spirit comes to us, we are strong (2 Cor 12:10). The Spirit enters into us and sets us on our feet (Ez 2:2). We are weak and simple children (2 Cor 12:9-10), but through the Holy Spirit’s gift of wisdom (Is 11:2), He is wise in us. The Holy Spirit makes the difference. The Spirit sets our feet on a rock (Ps 40:3). He gives us courage (2 Tm 1:7) and words to which no one can take exception (Lk 21:15).
The Church burst into the public arena when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and disciples in the upper room (Acts 2:2ff). Walls, locked doors, and fear no longer restrain God’s people once they are filled with the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, beg the Lord for the Holy Spirit (Lk 11:13). Thirst for the Holy Spirit. Stir up the Holy Spirit (2 Tm 1:6-8). Then “follow the Spirit’s lead” (Gal 5:25).
Prayer: Father, Your Son told us to beg You to give us the Holy Spirit (Lk 11:13). I therefore ask You to pour out Your Spirit upon me and seal me in the Spirit (2 Cor 1:22) so I do not leak. Make me a vessel that serves You in all circumstances (2 Tm 2:21; Acts 20:32).
Promise: “My grace is enough for you, for in weakness power reaches perfection.” —2 Cor 12:9
Praise: All praise be to You, risen Jesus. Thank You for lavishing the Spirit on me (Ti 3:6).
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from June 1, 2024, through July 31, 2024. †Most Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023."
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.