Network has many great programs geared to Catholic male spirituality that
you can listen to and download.
http://www.catholicmediaonline.org
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, December 9, 2008, St. Juan Diego
Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 96, Matthew 18:12-14
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/120908.shtml
GOD'S COMFORT ZONE
"Comfort, give comfort to My people, says your God." —Isaiah 40:1
We modern citizens often think of comfort as a nice physical feeling. The
word carries connotations of relaxation and pleasure. God's definition of
comfort far exceeds our physical expectations. God brings a total package
of comfort to our body, mind, soul, and spirit. He brings Himself as the
Comforter (Is 51:12).
This Advent, the Lord is speaking a new word of comfort. He comforts our
afflicted bodies by healing us. He comforts all who mourn (Is 61:2). Like
the exiled Israelites, we may have suffered great afflictions for many
long years. However, God's living word spoken in power (Is 40:10) gives us
comfort (see Ps 119:50).
He comforts our minds by shepherding us personally (Is 40:11). God our
Shepherd is always by our side giving us comfort through peace of mind.
The psalmist says: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me (see Ps 23:4, RSV-CE).
God knows that we have sinned and even have paid the price in suffering
for our sins (see Is 40:2). He comforts our souls by bringing restoration.
He declares: "I saw their ways, but I will heal them and lead them; I will
give full comfort to them" (Is 57:18).
God comforts our spirits by personally, tenderly feeding us His word. "As
a mother comforts her son, so I will comfort you; in Jerusalem you shall
find your comfort" (Is 66:13). "Oh, that you may suck fully of the milk of
her comfort" (Is 66:11), the "pure milk of the Spirit to make you grow
unto salvation" (1 Pt 2:2).
Prayer: Father, "when cares abound within me, Your comfort gladdens my
soul" (Ps 94:19).
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: St. Juan Diego went to comfort his sick uncle and saw God heal his
uncle completely.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB
eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 1999 Presentation Ministries
To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp
To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r
No comments:
Post a Comment