KNOW JESUS OR NO JESUS?

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/123113.cfm

"You have the anointing that comes from the Holy One, so that all knowledge is yours." -1 John 2:20

Today's Gospel reading directs our attention to Jesus, for it reveals that Jesus is:
   * the Eternal Word (Jn 1:1),
   * the Word Who is God (Jn 1:1),
   * the Word incarnate as a human being (Jn 1:14),
   * the Creator (Jn 1:3),
   * the Life (Jn 1:4; 14:6),
   * the Light (Jn 1:9; 8:12),
   * the "Christ," that is, the Anointed One, the Messiah (Jn 1:17),
   * the uniquely begotten Son of God (Jn 1:18), and
   * the Revelation of the Father (Jn 1:18; Heb 1:3) and the only Way to Him (Jn 14:6).

These verses beginning John's Gospel are only the beginning of knowing Jesus. "Absolute fullness reside(s) in Him" (Col 1:19). Spend this next year, the rest of your life, and eternity in knowing Jesus, for "eternal life is this: to know You, the only true God, and Him Whom You have sent, Jesus Christ" (Jn 17:3). Know Jesus.


Prayer: Father, by Your grace may I end this year completely repentant, forgiving, forgiven, healed, freed, and obedient.

Promise: "Of His fullness we have all had a share - love following upon love." -Jn 1:16

Praise: Pope St. Sylvester believed so strongly in the power of fasting to overcome the strongholds of Satan that he proclaimed Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays as days of fasting for the Church.

"A CERTAIN PROPHETESS"

1 John 2:12-17, Psalm 96:7-10, Luke 2:36-40
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/123013.cfm

"There was also a certain prophetess, Anna by name, daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher." -Luke 2:36

Anna is probably the most unnoticed person of the first Christmas. When we think of Christmas, we remember Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men. Some people recall Herod, the Holy Innocents, and even Simeon. Yet who thinks of Anna, an old widow "constantly in the temple, worshiping day and night in fasting and prayer"? (Lk 2:37)

The life of Anna proclaims that life in Christ is worshiping Him in Spirit and truth (Jn 4:23) through prayer and fasting (Lk 2:37). The life of Anna proclaims that life is to be an act of thanksgiving, a "eucharist." Anna witnesses to the life of evangelization, as we talk about the Christ Child to all who look forward to their deliverance (Lk 2:38).

Why is the prophetic witness of Anna often overlooked? Possibly Anna's life is giving us more truth than we want to hear. Maybe Anna gives us so true a meaning of Christmas that our Christmas celebrations show up for what they really are and are not.

This Christmas season, learn about Christmas, Christ, and life. Learn from an old woman, a prophetess. Learn from Anna.

Prayer: Father, this Christmas, teach me how to live.

Promise: "Have no love for the world, nor the things that the world affords. If anyone loves the world, the Father's love has no place in him." -1 Jn 2:15

Praise: Valerie gave up a successful ministry of Scripture teaching and evangelization to care full-time for her aged mother.

HEROD IN YOUR HOME

Holy Family

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14, Colossians 3:12-21, Psalm 128:1-5, Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122913.cfm

"Herod is searching for the Child to destroy Him." -Matthew 2:13

Modern-day "Herods" are still searching for children to destroy them. These Herods gain entry to the home right under the nose of the parents, who are paralyzed or asleep on the watch. Once the new Herods gain access to the home, they soon attempt to take over formation of the children in that home.

This week, a priest told me that St. Teresa of Avila prophesied in the sixteenth century that evil would come into every home through a black "box." There are many such "boxes" in the modern home. Video games and cartoons often immerse children in violence. The child is gradually de-sensitized to human suffering, which can lead to violent attitudes and behaviors. Television is a major point of entry for modern Herods. Yes, there are godly TV channels and programs. Yet Herod constantly lurks, a mere thumb-click from infiltrating the child's mind and soul. Herod works through the Internet, "prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Pt 5:8). Herod enters a child's soul through his ears. Children listen to pagan music with ungodly lyrics for hours through black "boxes" such as i-pods, smart-phones, etc.

Parents, create a holy home environment. With God on your side, you can more than counteract the culture of death. Evict Herod from every room of your home. Welcome Jesus to take Herod's place. Make Jesus the Lord of your home. Your house is His, and He wants it to be "full" (Lk 14:23) of love and faith.

Prayer: Father, give parents the strength to "test everything; retain what is good" (1 Thes 5:21). May parents be holy in their conduct (1 Pt 1:15) so evil has no foothold in the home.

Promise: "Over all these virtues put on love, which binds the rest together and makes them perfect." -Col 3:14

Praise: "Give to the Lord, you families of nations, give to the Lord glory and praise" (Ps 96:7).

EXHAUSTIVE COMMITMENT

Holy Innocents

1 John 1:5-2:2, Psalm 124:2-5, 7-8, Matthew 2:13-18
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122813.cfm

"He is an Offering for our sins, and not for our sins only, but for those of the whole world." -1 John 2:2

Today is the feast day of the Holy Innocents, the infants King Herod ordered slaughtered within two years following the appearance of the star to the Wise Men (Mt 2:16). The Church holds in the highest regard these innocent children, these martyrs. "They died not only for Christ, but in his stead" (St. Augustine, "Sermon 10 on holiness").

Are there innocent babies being aborted today, dying because of what we had done or maybe because of what we have not done? (see 1 Jn 1:8, 10; Mt 2:18)

Once I saw a photo of a statue of Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, and a donkey lying in a big heap, depicting their complete exhaustion in the effort to protect Jesus from being slain (cf Mt 2:13). The statue, which can be seen at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, is entitled, "The Holy Family Resting - The Flight into Egypt." According to the description, "this sculpture represents Jesus, Mary and Joseph struggling, against great obstacles, to foster family life and preserve their faith in a loving and merciful God."

Every one of us can certainly identify with the exhaustion of the Holy Family. Let us commit ourselves, with an eternal focus, to work to exhaustion to protect and proclaim the Gospel of Life.

Prayer: Father, give me the grace to work until exhaustion for You.

Promise: "If we say, 'We have never sinned,' we make Him a liar and His word finds no place in us." -1 Jn 1:10

Praise: The Holy Innocents were the first of countless witnesses to the only Holy One. They are a sign of hope for all those little ones who have died in the state of innocence.

THE REVOLUTION OF LOVE

St. John

1 John 1:1-4, Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12, John 20:1-8
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122713.cfm

"What we have seen and heard we proclaim in turn to you so that you may share life with us. This fellowship of ours is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ." -1 John 1:3

God became man. People could hear, see, and touch Him, and thereby could relate to Him as a human being. After Jesus ascended bodily into heaven, we can now have an even more deeply personal and intimate relationship with Him by the Holy Spirit, through the Church, and especially through the Eucharist.

When we begin to grasp and experience "the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ's love" (Eph 3:18), His love becomes our life (see 1 Jn 1:1-3; Ps 63:4). His love compels us (2 Cor 5:14) to proclaim the good news of Jesus (1 Cor 9:16) and "make disciples of all the nations" (Mt 28:19). His love leads us even to lay down our lives for the Lord and for each other (Jn 15:13; 1 Jn 3:16). Because of this love, we become another Mary at the foot of the cross, Mary Magdalene at Jesus' tomb, and John at Pentecost. God's incarnate love has changed our life and has become our life.

Are you ready for a Christmas which will be a catalyst for a revolution of love in your life? The love you receive in this Christmas season may result in evangelization, reconciliation, service, discipleship, Calvary, Pentecost, and heaven. Are you ready for true love and the real Christmas?

Prayer: Father, may I receive Your love as never before.

Promise: "The disciple who had arrived first at the tomb went in. He saw and believed." -Jn 20:8

Praise: St. John was the only apostle who stood at the foot of Jesus' cross (Jn 19:26).

HE'S GOT THAT CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

St. Stephen

Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59, Psalm 31:3-4, 6, 8, 16-17, Matthew 10:17-22
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122613.cfm

"Into Your hands I commend my spirit; You will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God." -Psalm 31:6

St. Stephen, "of whom the world was not worthy" (Heb 11:38, RSV-CE), modeled perfect discipleship and testified to God's all-consuming love. The deacon Stephen (Acts 6:4-6) knew he was called to be a servant: "Those who serve well as deacons gain a worthy place for themselves and much assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus" (1 Tm 3:13). Beyond dedicated and selfless service, Stephen displayed sacrificial, crucified love. "There is no greater love than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends" (Jn 15:13).

Are we willing to boldly proclaim to the world that we are a disciple of the risen Jesus? Will we cry out with Stephen: "Look!...I see an opening in the sky, and the Son of Man standing at God's right hand"? (Acts 7:56) Humanly, it is impossible to muster up the courage to praise and pray in this way. Nonetheless, "do not be afraid" (Acts 18:9). Jesus and the Father have sent a "Counselor, the Holy Spirit," to help you (Jn 14:26, RSV-CE). "The Spirit too helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in speech" (Rm 8:26).

Jesus therefore tells us, His unworthy disciples, "When they hand you over, do not worry about what you will say or how you will say it. When the hour comes, you will be given what you are to say. You yourselves will not be the speakers; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you" (Mt 10:19-20). With St. Stephen, "receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22), the true Christmas spirit.

Prayer: Father, fill me with Your "grace and power" (Acts 6:8). I put my words and my life in Your hands (Ps 31:6).

Promise: "Whoever holds out to the end will escape death." -Mt 10:22

Praise: Those who debated with St. Stephen "proved no match for the wisdom and spirit with which he spoke" (Acts 6:10).

WHAT CHILD IS THIS?

Christmas

Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-6, Psalm 98:1-6, John 1:1-18

Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122513.cfm

"Hark! Your watchmen raise a cry, together they shout for joy, for they see directly, before their eyes, the Lord restoring Zion." -Isaiah 52:8

"Mary" Christmas! Alleluia! Christ our Savior is born. On this Christmas morn many throughout the world have almost nothing and live in abject poverty. They live in conditions similar to the first Christmas. There is no room for them in the inn (Lk 2:7). Yet there is room for all of us in the kingdom of the Christ-Child. We may be rejected by man and despised by the world, but no one who comes to Jesus will He ever reject (Jn 6:37).

"O come all ye faithful...O come let us adore Him." "The grace of God has appeared, offering salvation to all" (Ti 2:11). "When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us; not because of any righteous deeds we had done, but because of His mercy" (Ti 3:4-5).

Come to Jesus. Receive salvation. "You who are thirsty, come to the water! You who have no money, come" (Is 55:1). Come to Jesus, "all you who are weary and find life burdensome" (Mt 11:28), and He will refresh you. Come "to Bethlehem and see this event" (Lk 2:15). "This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing. Praise, praise, and give Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary."

Prayer: Jesus, on this Christmas Day, I come to You. I repent of my sins and give You the Christmas present of my life. I accept You as my Lord and Savior.

Promise: "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we have seen His glory: the glory of an only Son coming from the Father, filled with enduring love." -Jn 1:14

Praise: Praise You, Jesus, Son of God, for becoming a human being like us in everything but sin. Thank You, Jesus! Alleluia!

"LEAD, KINDLY LIGHT"(Cardinal John Henry Newman)

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16, Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29, Luke 1:67-79
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122413.cfm

"He, the Dayspring, shall visit us." -Luke 1:78

Zechariah hadn't been able to talk for nine months. So he had plenty of time to think about what he would say if he ever talked again. After Zechariah was miraculously healed and filled with the Holy Spirit, he prophesied, that is, he said what God was saying (Lk 1:67). At the end of this prophecy of prophecies, Zechariah called Jesus "the Dayspring," the Dawn, Who "shall visit us in His mercy, to shine on those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace" (Lk 1:78-79). Jesus is the merciful Dawn, the Shining Light, Who guides us from the darkness and death of sin into the way of peace.

Zechariah's prophecy was confirmed by the angels at the birth of Christ, the first "Christmas," when a multitude of the heavenly host announced that Jesus' birth meant glory in heaven and peace on earth (see Lk 2:13-14).

Jesus' birth and life was "for the light of men" (Jn 1:4). Jesus is first our dawning Light (see Jn 8:12), then He is our Peace (Eph 2:14). If our Christmas lights are guiding lights leading us to peace, then we have the true meaning of Christmas. "Lead, kindly Light."

Prayer: Lord Jesus, dawn on me; lead me home.

Promise: "The favors of the Lord I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim Your faithfulness. For You have said, 'My kindness is established forever.' " -Ps 89:2-3

Praise: Louise prayed for years for her only son to become a priest. Now he's a Franciscan missionary.

Fwd: PURIFIED, PRAISING PRIESTS - One Bread, One Body, 12/23/2013

St. John of Kanty

Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24, Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14, Luke 1:57-66
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122313.cfm


"He will purify the sons of Levi." -Malachi 3:3

Two days before Christmas, the Church reads to us from Malachi the prophet. Malachi prophesied to priests, calling them to greater holiness and leadership in worship and instruction (Mal 1:6; 2:1, 6-7). Malachi foretells that priests, that is, "the sons of Levi," will be refined in fire "like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the Lord" (Mal 3:3).
Zechariah was a priest (Lk 1:5). He was struck mute because of his disbelief in God's good news to him (Lk 1:20). When Zechariah the priest obeyed God's prophecy, his mouth was opened and he began to praise God (Lk 1:63-64). This purified, praising priest had a great impact on all who saw him, as they all reverenced God (Lk 1:65-66).
Though ordained priests are called to purification and greatness before Christmas, religious and lay Christians, including parents, are not off the hook. Parents share a baptismal priesthood (Catechism, 1546; 1 Pt 2:5, 9) and are in that sense "priests" of their domestic church, their home (see Catechism, 1666). God is purifying all baptized Christians. All are called to submit to God's purification and open their mouths to proclaim God's praise (Ps 51:17).
Ordained and baptismal priests, let God purify you right now, even if it's painful and inconvenient. These last two days before Christmas are perhaps the busiest time for a priest, but purification and praise are high on God's Christmas list.


Prayer: Father, I surrender my Christmas plans to You. Use me any way You will so that many will glorify You this Christmas.

Promise: "Suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord Whom you seek." -Mal 3:1

Praise: "O Emmanuel, King and Lawgiver, Desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God."

SILENT NIGHT

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 7:10-14, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 24:1-6, Matthew 1:18-24
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122213.cfm

"Joseph, son of David, have no fear about taking Mary as your wife." -Matthew 1:20

With all the noise and hype of Christmas, Jesus the Christ has a hard time being noticed. A baby, however, usually can attract some attention, even if overshadowed by Madison Avenue and Santa Claus. Even Mary having a baby in a stable will at least get an honorable mention. Additionally, the shepherds and the kings quaintly fit our desire for fantasy.

However, Joseph just doesn't rate. For one thing, he's quiet. In fact, we don't have even one word of Joseph recorded in Scriptures. He's described as "an upright man" (Mt 1:19). That's certainly not a newsworthy story. He just doesn't fit into a commercialized Christmas. That's just the person we need: someone to quiet us down and make us realize we've been chosen out of this world (Jn 15:19).

Therefore we too shouldn't fit so easily into the world's commercialized Christmas. We live in a culture which has everything but quiet peace and uncompromised commitment. Jesus wants to give us a "Joseph-Christmas" present. "For when peaceful stillness compassed everything and the night in its swift course was half spent, Your all-powerful Word from heaven's royal throne bounded" (Wis 18:14-15). Maybe if Christmas became more of a "silent night," it might become a more holy one.

Prayer: Lord, quiet my soul like a weaned child on its mother's lap (Ps 131:2).

Promise: "...the gospel concerning His Son, Who was descended from David according to the flesh but was made Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness, by His resurrection from the dead." -Rm 1:3-4

Praise: "O King of all the nations, the only Joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature You fashioned from the dust."

I WANT YOU (see 2 Cor 12:14)

December 20, 2013

Isaiah 7:10-14, Psalm 24:1-6, Luke 1:26-38
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122013.cfm

"The virgin shall be with Child, and bear a Son, and shall name Him Immanuel." -Isaiah 7:14

Christmas is Jesus' birthday, and the only birthday present He needs is the gift of our lives. The Lord owns everything, but He's given us a free will. We can choose or refuse to belong to Him.

This Christmas Jesus wants us to present ourselves to Him, not as defective merchandise but as "holy and immaculate, without stain or wrinkle or anything of that sort" (Eph 5:27). He calls us to present our "bodies as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable" (Rm 12:1). He wants us to wish Him a "Mary" Christmas.

We will be an acceptable gift to Jesus if we do not fear (Lk 1:30), let the Holy Spirit come upon us and the power of the Most High overshadow us (Lk 1:35), and let it be done to us according to God's Word (Lk 1:38). The Lord can make us holy as He is holy (1 Pt 1:16), "for nothing is impossible with God" (Lk 1:37).

Jesus needs no gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Mt 2:11). Nonetheless, He does desire what these gifts ultimately represent: a life laid down for Him out of love. Give Him His birthday present this Christmas. He wants you.

Prayer: Jesus, I belong to You. I love You. I live for You. I am Yours.

Promise: "You shall conceive and bear a Son and give Him the name Jesus. Great will be His dignity and He will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of David His father. He will rule over the house of Jacob forever and His reign will be without end."  -Lk 1:31-33

Praise: "O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel controlling at Your will the gate of heaven: come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead Your captive people into freedom."

SKEPTICAL OR WELL-DISPOSED?

Judges 13:2-7, 24-25, Psalm 71:3-6, 16-17, Luke 1:5-25

Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121913.cfm

"Zechariah...your prayer has been heard." -Luke 1:13

When God finally answers your deepest prayer after a long period of silence, do you believe it or are you skeptical? Are you a person who is "well-disposed" to the Lord? (Lk 1:17) Or have you just "disposed" of your long-time prayer request, figuring that God said "No" (rather than "Not yet"). When the Lord is silent for years, even decades, do you grow bitter or grow better?

Simeon and Anna waited for the Lord for decades, and when the day came that their long-desired prayers were answered, they were ready (Lk 2:27ff, 38). The Blessed Virgin Mary was ready and well-disposed in docility to the Lord when her moment came (Lk 1:38). Manoah and his wife were likewise ready (Jgs 13:2ff). When God called Abraham, his first response was "Ready!" (Gn 22:1) The Pharisees, Sadducees, and Zechariah were not ready when their prayers were answered even though, as lifetime religious, they were in a prime position to be ready for God.

The way to be ready for God's answered prayer is to be ready every moment of every day. Years of practice of becoming like a little child before God helps us to be ready when He answers, never doubting His saving power and His loving-kindness. That's why God sends babies as answers to prayer (Jgs 13:3; 1 Sm 1:19ff; Lk 1:13). The Lord makes all things new and fresh, and babies make that clear to all.

Each day, "acquire a fresh, spiritual way of thinking" (Eph 4:23). Resist developing a hard, skeptical heart. Let the Infant Jesus "open wide your" heart (2 Cor 6:13).

Prayer: "You are my hope, O Lord; my trust, O God, from my youth" (Ps 71:5).

Promise: "Joy and gladness will be yours." -Lk 1:14

Praise: "O Flower of Jesse's stem, You have been raised up as a Sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in Your presence; the nations bow down in worship before You. Come, let nothing keep You from coming to our aid."

PEACE IN THE STORMS OF CHRISTMAS

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Jeremiah 23:5-8, Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19, Matthew 1:18-25
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121813.cfm


"The angel of the Lord appeared in a dream and said to him: 'Joseph, son of David, have no fear about taking Mary as your wife.' " -Matthew 1:20

The Christmas carol, "Silent Night," pictures Christmas as "silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright." However, this is the exception rather than the rule, for Christmas by God's standards is rarely calm. In today's first reading, the Church intimates that Christmas is better than the whole Israelite nation being freed from slavery in one night and from exile after a generation of captivity (Jer 23:7-8). In other words, Christmas is better than two of the most amazing events in salvation history. Christmas may not only be better but even more earth-shaking. The Church uses John the Baptizer's words to describe Christmas as the after-effect of mountains being uprooted and valleys filled (Lk 3:5).
The first Christmas for Joseph was certainly a complete upheaval of his plans to take Mary as his wife and raise a family. The first Christmas for Mary was anything but calm, forced as she was to give birth to God in a barn (see Lk 2:7). Any calm associated with Christmas is usually the lull before the storm. For example, after Mary and Joseph were beginning to get over the trauma of the circumstances of Jesus' birth, they had to flee to Egypt (Mt 2:13).
At the first Christmas, the angels sang of peace on earth (Lk 2:14). This was peace in the most upsetting of circumstances, peace "beyond all understanding" (Phil 4:7). This is the peace of Christmas.


Prayer: Father, thank You for shaking me up. I trust You.

Promise: " 'The virgin shall be with Child and give birth to a Son, and they shall call Him Emmanuel,' a name which means 'God is with us.' " -Mt 1:23

Praise: "O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, Who showed Yourself to Moses in the burning bush, Who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out Your mighty hand to set us free."

THE $64,000 QUESTION

December 16, 2013

Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17, Psalm 25:4-9, Matthew 21:23-27

Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121613.cfm

"Jesus answered: 'I too will ask a question. If you answer it for Me, then I will tell you on what authority I do the things I do. What was the origin of John's baptism?' " -Matthew 21:24-25

The religious leaders of Jesus' time refused to accept John the Baptizer's invitation to repent. About three years later, Jesus challenged them. He would not answer their question until they answered His question about John's baptism.

Perhaps three (or thirty-three) Christmases ago, we may have refused the invitation to repent. We thought Jesus would eventually go on to another subject, but He didn't. We can try to change the subject, but it won't do any good. Jesus insists we repent. He does not want us to live in sin and go to hell. He does not want His blood shed in vain.

Repent. Go to Confession. If we don't do it now, Jesus will bring it up again and again, even on our deathbeds. If we answer His question on repentance, then Jesus will answer our questions. We'll experience His authority and power (Mt 21:23). We'll enter a new dimension of faith and life. If we only knew what we were missing by not repenting...

Prayer: Jesus, may I make one of the best confessions of my life in the next few days.

Promise: "A star shall advance from Jacob, and a staff shall rise from Israel." -Nm 24:17

Praise: Anna's doctor said she couldn't have children. She prayed through each pregnancy and has three healthy children.

Fwd: COME ON - One Bread, One Body, 12/15/2013

Third Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 35:1-6, 10, James 5:7-10, Psalm 146:6-10, Matthew 11:2-11
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121513.cfm


"The Judge stands at the gate." -James 5:9

You're ready for any of Christ's comings or for none of them. For example, if you're ready for His final coming, you're ready for His Christmas coming and for His coming at your death. If you say you're ready for Christmas, but aren't ready for death and judgment, you're deceiving yourself. You're not ready for the real Christmas. You're either ready for Jesus in every way, or you're not ready.
"Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, He comes with vindication; with divine recompense He comes to save you" (Is 35:4). Jesus is coming not to condemn but to save (Jn 3:17). If you're looking forward to His Christmas coming, you can be joyfully anticipating His coming in death and judgment. It will be so good that it's hard to wait for it, but be patient "until the coming of the Lord" (Jas 5:7).
At least you can speed Jesus' Second Coming up by repentance, evangelization, and intercession (2 Pt 3:12). "He Who is to come" is coming (Mt 11:3). Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus. Come, Christmas. Come, death. Come, judgment. Come, Jesus. "The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come!' Let him who hears answer, 'Come!' " (Rv 22:17)


Prayer: Jesus, may I yearn for Your coming because I love You.

Promise: "The blind recover their sight, cripples walk, lepers are cured, the deaf hear, dead men are raised to life, and the poor have the good news preached to them. Blest is the man who finds no stumbling block in Me." -Mt 11:5-6

Praise: Praise Jesus, risen Lord and only Way to the Father! (Jn 14:6)

ELIJAH, JOHN, ?, AND CHRIST

St. John of the Cross

Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11, Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19, Matthew 17:9-13
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121413.cfm

"The disciples put this question to Him: 'Why do the scribes claim that Elijah must come first?' " -Matthew 17:10

Before Jesus comes this Christmas, at death, or at the end of the world, Elijah must come. Elijah has come through the ministry of John the Baptizer (Mt 17:12-13). Elijah will come through someone who will prophetically call us to repentance, reconciliation (especially in our families) (Sir 48:10), and to making disciples (Sir 48:8; 1 Kgs 19:19).

The new Elijah and John the Baptizer will say just what we need to hear, but not what we want to hear. We will be tempted to do as we please with him or her (Mt 17:12). We will feel like ignoring, arguing with, or even attacking this person sent by the Lord to prepare His way this Christmas time (see Mt 21:34ff). If we repent rather than doing what we want, if we take up our daily cross and follow the Lord as His disciples (Lk 9:23), we will have accepted the ministry of Elijah. Then Jesus will have a straight way into our lives this Christmas.

Come, Elijah! Come, repentance, reconciliation, and the daily cross of discipleship! Come, Emmanuel! Come, Lord Jesus! Come, O Christ of Christmas!

Prayer: Father, do whatever it takes to lay low the mountain of sin in my life (Is 40:4).

Promise: "How awesome are you, Elijah! Whose glory is equal to yours? You brought a dead man back to life from the nether world, by the will of the Lord." -Sir 48:4-5

Praise: St. John of the Cross was especially devoted to Jesus as the Suffering Servant.

O MY! O NO! O.K. O BOY! O-BEY!

St. Lucy

Isaiah 48:17-19, Psalm 1:1-4, 6, Matthew 11:16-19
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121313.cfm

"If you would hearken to My commandments, your prosperity would be like a river, and your vindication like the waves of the sea." -Isaiah 48:18

At Vespers (Evening Prayer) on the last eight days of Advent, the Church traditionally prays the "O Antiphons." We cry out to Jesus: "O Wisdom," "O Rod of Jesse," "O Emmanuel," etc. I suggest another "O Antiphon," that is, "O-bedience," the theme of today's Scripture readings. The Lord is commanding us to obey Him (Is 48:18) and not be selfish, disobedient brats (Mt 11:16ff).
The Christian life is "a life of obedience" (1 Pt 1:2). If we don't obey God, we don't have life in the Spirit (Acts 5:32). If we don't obey Him, we don't love Him (Jn 15:10; 1 Jn 5:3; see 1 Pt 1:22). If we don't obey God, we don't believe in Him (Jn 3:36; Rm 1:5). If we don't obey Him, we will not have life but must endure God's wrath (Jn 3:36).
If Mary had not obeyed, she would not have been the mother of God. If Jesus had not obeyed, He would not have become a human being and died on the cross to save us (Phil 2:8). Jesus' obedience destroyed the reign of sin (see Rm 5:21) and brought justification to all people (Rm 5:19).
As we near Christ's Christmas coming, the Lord is calling us to obey Him as never before, to break new ground in obedience, and to be pioneers in obedience. The Lord wants us to be the first in our city, parish, family, business, or neighborhood to obey in all areas of His plan for us. Obey now; obey for the first time; obey first; obey all His commands. Live a life of obedience.


Prayer: Father, everyone obeys some of Your commandments. However, may I decide to live a life of complete obedience.

Promise: "I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go." -Is 48:17

Praise: St. Lucy's life was miraculously spared several times before the Lord gave her the crown of martyrdom.

THREE ADVENT PEOPLE

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Zechariah 2:14-17, Judith 13:18-19, Luke 1:39-47
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121213.cfm


"My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my Savior." -Luke 1:46

Mary and Elijah both were taken up into heaven (see Sir 48:9). They both were used by God to bring about the conversion of a whole nation (see 1 Kgs 18:39). Furthermore, Mary and Elijah both prepared the way of the Lord - Mary as God's mother and Elijah as His prophet (Mt 17:10ff). To be prepared for Christ's Christmas-coming, we need Mary to mother and nurture us. When she visits us, we will feel new life quicken within us and be filled with the Holy Spirit, the only authentic Christmas Spirit (see Lk 1:41).
To be prepared for Christmas, we also need Elijah and John the Baptizer, the new Elijah (Mt 17:13). He will deepen our faith by proclaiming God's Word to us. We will be convicted of our sins. The hearts of fathers will turn back to their sons (Sir 48:10) and all will be reconciled, forgiving, and forgiven. Thus mountains of doubt, unforgiveness, and resentment will be moved and the way of the Lord made straight.
Mary, Elijah, and John the Baptizer are the heart of Advent. Because there can be no true Christmas without Advent, we need to meet these three Advent people soon.


Prayer: Father, may I meet Our Lady of Guadalupe, Elijah, and John this Advent.

Promise: "See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the Lord." -Zec 2:14

Praise: Our Lady of Guadalupe used a peasant and his bishop to convert a continent.

"HOW LONG, O LORD?"

Pope St. Damasus I

Isaiah 40:25-31, Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, Matthew 11:28-30
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121113.cfm

"They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength." -Isaiah 40:31, RSV-CE

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick" (Prv 13:12). Sometimes it is very difficult to have to wait so long for God's plan to unfold. Did you ever feel that you might die before the situation improves? Yet "the Lord does not delay in keeping His promise - though some consider it 'delay' " (2 Pt 3:9). "If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late" (Hab 2:3).

How do we wait for something we need so badly, something we know for certain is God's will, and something that we just can't live another day without? We must wait patiently and confidently, not complaining. To do otherwise would be to insult God by displaying a lack of faith in His ability to deliver. We renew our strength by "waiting" for the Lord (Is 40:31, RSV-CE).

The Hebrew word translated as "wait" or "hope" in Isaiah 40:31 can mean to twist together, as cords of a rope are intertwined. In our waiting, then, we wrap ourselves around the Lord and He wraps Himself around us. When discouraging forces pull at us, we are not pulled apart. Instead, like strands of a rope, we and the Lord are pulled more tightly together and grow in strength. We never "come to the end of our rope" because the Lord has roped us tightly into His presence.

"Hence do not grow despondent or abandon the struggle" (Heb 12:3). Stay focused on Jesus (Heb 12:2) and confident in Him. Don't even move an inch out of your position of hope. "Look out that you yourselves do not lose what you have worked for; you must receive your reward in full" (2 Jn 8).

Prayer: Father, I will be still and know that You are God (Ps 46:11). I will hope in silence for Your saving help (Lam 3:26).

Promise: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you." -Mt 11:28

Praise: Pope St. Damasus worked for the reconciliation of schismatics and heretics so that the Church might be one.

COMFORT

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 96:1-3, 10-13, Matthew 18:12-14
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121013.cfm


"Comfort, give comfort to My people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem." -Isaiah 40:1-2

The Lord wants to comfort His people. This comforting is brought about by three cries. The first cry is: "In the desert prepare the way of the Lord!" (Is 40:3) Mammoth changes in the terrain of our lives must be made before the Lord will come (see Is 40:4). This is hardly a comforting thought.
The second cry is: "All mankind is grass, and all their glory like the flower of the field" (Is 40:6). In other words, all human beings are fragile and close to death. The Lord has a strange way of comforting us, doesn't He?
The third cry is: "Here is your God! Here comes with power the Lord God" (Is 40:9-10). Finally, we get the comfort promised. The facts are: "We have major problems and don't have the power to do much about them." The comforting good news is: "God is here!" Emmanuel, "God is with us," has come to us with His saving power (Mt 1:23). We have no further misfortunes to fear (Zep 3:15). He has saved us. The Lord is here!
"Go up onto a high mountain, Zion, herald of glad tidings; cry out at the top of your voice, Jerusalem, herald of good news! Fear not to cry out and say to the cities of Judah: Here is your God!" (Is 40:9)


Prayer: Father, may we "comfort those who are in trouble, with the same consolation we have received from [Jesus]" (2 Cor 1:4).

Promise: "It is no part of your heavenly Father's plan that a single one of these little ones shall ever come to grief." -Mt 18:14

Praise: As he suffered in bed with cancer, Clint drank liquor and watched pornographic movies. A caring neighbor called a priest. Clint had not practiced his faith for over thirty years. The priest talked to Clint and encouraged him to make a full Confession. After celebrating the Sacrament of Confession, the priest gave him Holy Communion and administered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. A few hours later, Clint suddenly died, fully reconciled with God.

BLIND MAN'S BLUFF

St. Nicholas

Isaiah 29:17-24, Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14, Matthew 9:27-31
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120613.cfm

"Two blind men came after [Jesus]." -Matthew 9:27

The Church repeatedly reads to us from the Bible about being blind and being healed from blindness by Jesus. Our first reaction to this may be that of the Pharisees: "You are not calling us blind, are You?" (Jn 9:40) Jesus' response to that question is: "Yes, I'm calling you blind, blinded by sin, and I'm commanding you to repent both of blinding yourself (see Is 29:9) and of denying your spiritual blindness."

Jesus doesn't "beat around the bush." He bluntly calls sin "sin" and acts like God in demanding we repent. We can react to Jesus' candor as did the Pharisees. We can blindly try to kill the only One Who can heal blindness, or we can confess our denial, see our blindness, and cry out to Jesus: "Son of David, have pity on us!" (Mt 9:27) Then Jesus will touch our eyes, and we will be healed.

There are Christmas presents, and then there are Christmas presents. We can receive presents worth $5 or $5,000, or ones which are priceless. Healing from spiritual blindness is one of the greatest gifts a person can receive. This healing is even more valuable than a healing from physical blindness, as great as that is. Repent, open your Christmas present, and open your spiritual eyes.

Prayer: Jesus, "I want to see" (Mk 10:51).

Promise: "Out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see." -Is 29:18

Praise: St. Nicholas was a saintly monk before God raised him to abbot, archbishop, and saint. He set a standard for giving gifts of generosity and freedom.

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

St. Francis Xavier

Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17, Luke 10:21-24
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120313.cfm


"The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him." -Isaiah 11:2

As we begin Advent, the Church directs our attention to the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon Jesus, and He "rejoiced in the Holy Spirit" (Lk 10:21). Jesus calls us also to be "Spirit-filled." Those of us who have received Baptism and Confirmation have received the Spirit. However, all of us have stifled, quenched, saddened, and grieved the Spirit by our sins (1 Thes 5:19; Eph 4:30).
As we begin this new Church year, we must let the Spirit be stirred into flame in our lives (2 Tm 1:6). We do this by repenting of sin and asking for a renewal of our life in the Spirit. After we have stopped stifling the Spirit and have been renewed, we should ask the Lord for a completely new movement of the Spirit in our lives. We have only begun to receive the Spirit's infinite graces. There's always so much more, always something new.
Pray with the Apostles: "Grant to Your servants, even as they speak Your words, complete assurance by stretching forth Your hand in cures and signs and wonders to be worked in the name of Jesus, Your holy Servant" (Acts 4:29-30). After that prayer, like Jesus' early disciples, we will be filled in a new way with the Holy Spirit (see Acts 4:31). Receive the Holy Spirit again, now, and anew.


Prayer: Father, stir up in me wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, and fear of the Lord. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit.

Promise: "Blest are the eyes that see what you see." -Lk 10:23

Praise: St. Francis allowed himself to be a messenger of God's love by constantly and sacrificially ministering to the poorest of the poor in India, Sri Lanka, and Japan.

IT'S TIME

First Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Psalm 122:1-9, Matthew 24:37-44
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120113.cfm

"You know the time in which we are living." -Romans 13:11

Do you know what time it is? It's the first day of the Church year, the beginning of Advent, a time to prepare for Christ's coming. "It is now the hour for you to wake from sleep, for our salvation is closer than when we first accepted the faith. The night is far spent; the day draws near" (Rm 13:11-12). "Stay awake, therefore! You cannot know the day your Lord is coming" (Mt 24:42).

When Jesus came the first time almost everyone missed Him. They were expecting a Messiah, but not one like Him. The same thing will occur when Jesus comes the last time. "The coming of the Son of Man will repeat what happened in Noah's time. In the days before the flood people were eating and drinking, marrying and being married, right up to the day Noah entered the ark. They were totally unconcerned until the flood came and destroyed them. So will it be at the coming of the Son of Man" (Mt 24:37-39).

Jesus is coming to us this Christmas - not in His physical body but nonetheless in a very real way. If we are awake and open to His coming this Christmas, we will have reason to believe we will be prepared for His final coming. "You must be prepared in the same way. The Son of Man is coming at the time you least expect" (Mt 24:44).

It's time to wake up and open up to Jesus. It's time to meet the Savior before we meet the Judge. It's time to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the desires of the flesh" (Rm 13:14). It's time.

Prayer: Lord, as we begin a new Church year, begin something new in my relationship with You. I give my life to You.

Promise: "In days to come, the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills." -Is 2:2

Praise: Praise You, risen Jesus. You gave Your all so that You could be our All. "I will extol You, O Lord, for You drew me clear and did not let my enemies rejoice over me" (Ps 30:2).