"THE LIFE OF THE PARTY" - One Bread, One Body, 1/7/2008

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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Monday, January 7, 2008, St. Raymond of Penyafort

1 John 3:22—4:6, Psalm 2, Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/010708.shtml

"THE LIFE OF THE PARTY"

"A people living in darkness has seen a great light. On those who inhabit
a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen." —Matthew 4:16

Today most Christians celebrate the feast of Epiphany, the climax of the
Christmas season. Although most of the USA celebrated Epiphany yesterday,
we can in our hearts continue celebrating Epiphany today. Repentance is a
prerequisite for a great celebration in the Lord. There is "more joy in
heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine righteous people
who have no need to repent" (Lk 15:7). When the prodigal son repented, he
was showered with gifts (Lk 15:22). His father killed the fatted calf and
had the greatest celebration of the year (Lk 15:23). If we reform our
lives (see Mt 4:17), we too can be "the life of the party."

Because the Lord gives us so many presents and loves us so affectionately,
we can forget that the Christmas/Epiphany celebration is not focused on us
but on Jesus. After all, we're celebrating His birthday. Only when we lose
our lives (Lk 9:24), deny our very selves (Lk 9:23), humble ourselves (Mt
23:12), and give our lives to Him do we live the abundant life (see Jn
10:10). Only when we celebrate Jesus do we really celebrate. To fully
share in the celebration of Epiphany and of life, we must repent of our
sins and give our lives to Jesus.

Prayer: Father, give me the joy that the world cannot take away (Jn
16:22).

Promise: "We are keeping His commandments and doing what is pleasing in
His sight." —1 Jn 3:22

Praise: St. Raymond, along with St. Thomas Aquinas, wrote a booklet to
explain the truths of the faith in a way nonbelievers could readily
comprehend.

(For a related teaching, order our tape "Reconciliation" on audio AV 1A-1
or video V-1A.)

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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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