include:
United Effort Required to Meet Food Crisis
Pius XII: A Mon Of Peace And Courage
In Defense of Life: Unleashing Love
Catholics, Muslims Dialogue
Light to the Nations: A Christian Perspective on World News
New Church Groups Are a Precious Resource
http://www.presentationministries.com/mypeople/latestMyPeople.asp
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Sunday, December 21, 2008, Fourth Sunday of Advent
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29, Luke
1:26-38
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/122108.shtml
THE PEACE OF CHRISTMAS
"I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place without further
disturbance." —2 Samuel 7:10
The Lord promised David rest from his enemies (2 Sm 7:11). This promise of
peace was surprising since violence was David's "claim to fame" (see 1 Sm
18:7). From cutting off Goliath's head to setting up Uriah's murder, David
lived an extremely violent life. People must have laughed when they heard
David was promised peace. Nevertheless, the promise at first seemed
fulfilled because David's son Solomon (Solomon means "peace") had a
peaceful reign. But David's grandson Rehoboam started a civil war. One war
led to more wars. Israel had no peace. It seemed as if God's promise of
peace to David's house was not kept.
After almost a thousand years, the archangel Gabriel announced to Mary:
"You shall conceive and bear a Son and give Him the name Jesus. Great will
be His dignity and He will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God
will give Him the throne of David His father" (Lk 1:31-32). When this
Child was born on the first Christmas, the angels sang: "Glory to God in
high heaven, peace on earth" (Lk 2:14). It seemed as if God's ancient
promise of peace was finally fulfilled, for Jesus talked about loving
enemies, turning the other cheek, making peace (Mt 5:44, 39, 9) and giving
peace (Jn 14:27). However, we eventually killed Jesus, our Peace (Eph
2:14), and continue warring to the present day.
God's promise of peace to David's house has been fulfilled in Jesus. All
who live totally for Jesus have peace beyond understanding (Phil 4:7).
This peace is not something imposed on us, but Someone proposing to us.
Accept Jesus our Peace.
Prayer: Father, may we beat our missiles into plowshares and our bombs
into pruning hooks (Is 2:4).
Promise: "Let it be done to me as you say." —Lk 1:38
Praise: "O Radiant Dawn, Splendor of eternal light, Sun of justice: come,
shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death."
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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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