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Saturday, January 13, 2007

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St. Hilary


Hebrews 4:12-16
Psalm 19
Mark 2:13-17

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not a friend in the world

"Jesus said to them, 'People who are healthy do not need a doctor; sick people do. I have come to call sinners, not the self-righteous.' " —Mark 2:17

Did you ever get the feeling that, if people really knew you, you wouldn't have a friend in the world? If others could read your mind, wouldn't your thoughts embarrass you? What if others knew about the skeletons in your closet? Since you may not have even forgiven yourself, how would others react if they knew the worst sin in your life?

Jesus knows more about you than you do. "Nothing is concealed from Him; all lies bare and exposed to the eyes of Him to Whom we must render an account" (Heb 4:13). He saw close-up the most perverted, "sick," and "dirty" thing you've ever done. Jesus alone is "well aware" of everything in your heart (Jn 2:25). He knows all about you. Yet He loves you so much that He freely chose to die for you on the cross. He will always love you.

Even if your mother forsakes you, even if you don't have a friend in the world, Jesus loves you (Is 49:15). Even if you're a Levi and have turned your back on Jesus to make more money (Mk 2:14), He will love and forgive you. He will love you whether you change as Levi did — or refuse to change, as Judas did. He will love you into heaven; He will love you in hell. He will love you forever. Will you love Him? Will you let Him love you?

Prayer:  Jesus, You have never done anything to me but love me and yet I don't trust You. Forgive me.

Promise:  "God's word is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword. It penetrates and divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the reflections and thoughts of the heart." —Heb 4:12

Praise:  St. Hilary was a monk, writer of hymns, defender of the faith, bishop, and a Doctor of the Church.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 13, 2006

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