St. John Neumann, at the age of forty-one, reflected God's love for others (1 Jn 4:11), and took to heart the Lord's command to go and teach all nations (see Mk 16:15). As bishop of Philadelphia, he reorganized the existing parochial school system under the diocese, and the number of pupils increased by almost twenty-fold shortly thereafter. St. John Neumann could testify that God's love is brought to perfection in us (1 Jn 4:12) when we give our "all" to bring His Kingdom to a disordered world.
When we, out of love, give all that we have (Lk 21:4) to obtain Jesus our Treasure (Mt 13:44), we will receive the resources, both physical and spiritual, to accomplish God's will (see e.g. Eph 1:3; Phil 4:19).
When we have our lives in right order, a godly order, when we receive and obey our instructions from Jesus, He multiplies our faith (see Mt 25:29). Then He multiplies our works done in obedience and love. This is as He has told us: whoever "has faith in Me will do the works I do, and greater far than these" (Jn 14:12).
Therefore, love one another as God has commanded (1 Jn 4:11). Lovingly give Jesus your all. "Serve the needs of all" (Mk 10:44) and see Jesus multiply your deeds of love (Mt 13:33).
| PRAYER: | Father, give me the grace to die to my selfish agenda and work for You alone. |
| PROMISE: | "If we love one another God dwells in us, and His love is brought to perfection in us." –1 Jn 4:12 |
| PRAISE: | During the Nineteenth Century, St. John Neumann labored tirelessly as he ministered to Catholic immigrants. He was canonized by Pope St. Paul VI in 1977. |
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