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One Bread, One Body - Reflection for October 13, 2011

JUST NOW

"He did so to manifest His own justice." –Romans 3:25

"Just yesterday, I was just just, just as he was." The preceding sentence contains grammatically correct English. It shows the many usages of the word "just." The sentence can be more clearly stated: "As recently as yesterday, I was merely fair, exactly as he was." The English word "just" is just plain confusing.

Similarly, throughout the history of Christianity, most notably from the time of the Protestant Reformation, the words "just," "justice," and "justification" have been taught and understood in ways that are confusing. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you the truth (Jn 16:13) about justice by prayerfully meditating on the following truths:

After praying about these Scriptures, look up grace, faith, and justice in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (see the Catechism's index for help). Let the Spirit teach you (Jn 14:26) about justice (Jn 16:8, 10).

PRAYER: Father, make me just, and not just just but also merciful.
PROMISE: "I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in His word. My soul waits for the Lord more than sentinels wait for the dawn." –Ps 130:5-6
PRAISE: Senators Smith and Foster work tirelessly for justice for the unborn, as a service to God, the Lord of life.

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Acknowledgement

Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:

· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College