1 John 2:3-11, Psalm 96, Luke 2:22-35
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/122908.shtml
HIS BIRTH AND OUR DEATHS
"Now, Master, You can dismiss Your servant in peace." —Luke 2:29
Simeon told the Lord, His Master, that he was ready to die now that he had
seen Jesus alive. This points out the connection between our deaths and
Jesus' birth. The Church emphasizes this connection by celebrating the
deaths of Thomas Becket today, the Holy Innocents yesterday, and Stephen
on the second day of Christmas.
Jesus' birth and our deaths go together because Jesus has revealed to us
that our deaths are births into the eternal life of heaven. Death is not
the end of life, but the end of earthly limitations on life. "Now we see
indistinctly, as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. My knowledge
is imperfect now; then I shall know even as I am known" (1 Cor 13:12).
Death in Jesus is the birth into perfect life — a life greater than we can
ever see, hear, or conceptualize (1 Cor 2:9). Our earthly life is
comparable to being in the womb. In the womb, we are truly human beings;
we can experience God (see Lk 1:41); we can know love, be nourished, and
grow. However, when we are born, a whole new world opens up for us. Death
is the birth by which we are transferred from the womb of earthly life to
the light of heavenly life. We know this because we know Life itself,
Jesus Christ, the Baby born at Bethlehem.
Prayer: Father, may I not abort myself by sin.
Promise: "The darkness is over and the real light begins to shine." —1 Jn
2:8
Praise: For love of God, St. Thomas endured exile, many trials, and
ultimately death at the foot of the same altar at which he had offered
Mass for years.
(For a related teaching, order our tape "Am I Going to Heaven?" on audio
AV 54-3 or video B-54.)
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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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