"SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE" - One Bread, One Body, 1/1/2008

Read through the whole Bible in 2008. See our reading schedules at:
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/ThroughBible.asp
and
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/FrAlPlanReadingBible.asp
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Tuesday, January 1, 2008, Mary, Mother of God

Numbers 6:22-27, Galatians 4:4-7, Psalm 67, Luke 2:16-21
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/010108.shtml

"SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE"

"The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!" —Numbers 6:26

When the Jewish people came to the Temple, the priests blessed them with
peace. At the birth of Jesus, the angels sang: "Glory to God in the
highest and peace on earth" (Lk 2:14, our translation). Before His death,
Jesus bequeathed peace to the apostles (Jn 14:27). Paul claimed that Jesus
is our Peace (Eph 2:14; Mi 5:4). At Fatima in 1917, Mary exhorted and
prophesied that we must pray for peace. We hear of Mary at Medjugorje
identifying herself as the Queen of Peace. Over thirty years ago, Pope
Paul VI set aside this first day of the year as a special day of prayer
for peace and justice.

For centuries, and now more than ever, the Lord has emphasized that we
need the fruit of the Spirit, that is, peace (Gal 5:22). We can be racked
with pain and close to death, but if we have peace, somehow life's still
worth living. We can be rejected, divorced, and abused, but even in such a
state, there can be an overshadowing peace "beyond all understanding"
(Phil 4:7).

Without peace, however, even minor aches, pains, and problems seem
insurmountable. If we have peace, 2008 will be a great year, no matter
what. Without peace, this year will be an exercise in futility. Come, Holy
Spirit of peace. Queen of peace, pray for us.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, cry out in my heart "Abba" (Gal 4:6). May I know I'm
a beloved child of God. May I let go of all unforgiveness, resentment,
jealousy, and bitterness.

Promise: "Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her
heart." —Lk 2:19

Praise: The greeting the risen Jesus gave His disciples was "Peace be with
you" (Jn 20:19). Alleluia to the Prince of Peace (Is 9:5).

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
December 1, 2008 through January 31, 2008
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July
30, 2007

The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

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