From the Church flow the living waters which will change our culture of death into a civilization of love and life and "renew the face of the earth" (Ps 104:30).
For the Church to fully exercise her authority and power, she must be "built as an edifice of spirit, into a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Pt 2:5). "In Him you are being built into this temple, to become a dwelling place for God in the Spirit" (Eph 2:22). Everyone "must be careful how he builds" (1 Cor 3:10).
For the Church to be built up, bring Jesus to the world, and make every thought captive to Christ (2 Cor 10:5), she must be cleansed as Jesus cleansed the Temple (see Jn 2:15ff).
Let zeal for God's Church consume us (Jn 2:17; Ps 69:10). Let us cleanse the Church by first repenting of our sins in and against the Church. Let us build up the Church, especially by forming small Christian communities. Then we will see the Church exalted as the Body of Christ (e.g. Eph 1:22-23), the bride of Christ (e.g. Rv 22:17), "the pillar and bulwark of truth" (1 Tm 3:15), " ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people He claims for His own to proclaim the glorious works' of the One Who called you from darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Pt 2:9). Love the Church as Christ loves the Church. Give yourself up for her (Eph 5:25).
| PRAYER: | Father, may zeal for Your Church consume me. |
| PROMISE: | "Are you not aware that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" –1 Cor 3:16 |
| PRAISE: | In honoring the church of St. John Lateran, "the mother of all the churches," we honor all parishes as we form the body of Christ. Praise You, Jesus, "Head of the Church" (Eph 1:22). |
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