Numbers 6:22-27, Galatians 4:4-7, Psalm 67, Luke 2:16-21
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/010109.shtml
THE BEGINNINGS
"When the eighth day arrived for His circumcision, the name Jesus was
given the Child, the name the angel had given Him before He was
conceived." —Luke 2:21
When we become Christians, we start out as babies, "infants in Christ" (1
Cor 3:1). Just as babies must be taught to talk, walk, eat, clothe
themselves, etc., so also baby Christians must be taught to talk, walk,
think, feel, and act like Christ. We don't know how to live, or even to
start the day or the year. We must be taught every little thing. The world
has programmed us to begin the new year by staying up late, altering our
consciousness with alcohol, being preoccupied with petty pleasures, and
amusing ourselves with the TV-hype of parades and bowl games.
However, Jesus begins His days and years differently. He promised the
incredible sign of His birth to a virgin centuries before (Is 7:14). He
made her immaculately conceived a generation before. He began His life in
the obscurity of a teenager's womb in the country village of Nazareth (Lk
1:35). He began His public life as just one of the crowd waiting in line
to be baptized by John (Mt 3:13). Then He fasted for forty days in the
desert (Mt 4:2). Jesus began His days praying very early in the morning in
a deserted place (Mk 1:35).
Jesus' beginnings were hidden, quiet, humble, and prayerful. How will you
begin this year?
Prayer: Jesus, may I let Your mother Mary teach me to live as You did. May
this be a day of prayer for peace and justice in our world.
Promise: "Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her
heart." —Lk 2:19
Praise: "God Who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is His name"
(Lk 1:49).
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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, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, June 17, 2008
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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