"Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature" (Mk 16:15). -----------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, December 31, 2011, Pope St. Sylvester I
1 John 2:18-21, Psalm 96:1-2, 11-13, John 1:1-18 Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/123111.cfm
"My reason for having written you is not that you do not know the truth but that you do, and that no lie has anything in common with the truth." -1 John 2:21
On this last day of the year, many people try to escape from reality by drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or staring at TV. Some feel so miserable they don't even think of not drinking. They resign themselves to despair and only hope they won't drive when they drink. They even promote "designated drivers." But for every "designated driver" there are at least a few "designated drunks." In contrast to the world, the Lord warns us: "Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, solid in your faith" (1 Pt 5:8-9). "Children, it is the final hour; just as you heard that the antichrist was coming, so now many such antichrists have appeared" (1 Jn 2:18). "Let us not be asleep like the rest, but awake and sober! Sleepers sleep by night and drunkards drink by night" (1 Thes 5:6-7). "Be on guard lest your spirits become bloated with indulgence and drunkenness and worldly cares" (Lk 21:34). "Awake, O sleeper, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light" (Eph 5:14). "Avoid getting drunk on wine; that leads to debauchery. Be filled with the Spirit" (Eph 5:18).
Prayer: Father, may I not live under the influence of anything but You.
Promise: "The light shines on in darkness, a darkness that did not overcome it." -Jn 1:5
Praise: Pope St. Sylvester trusted in God's guidance of the Church during difficult times by writing in humility and courage.
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