REJOICING AND DECREASING - One Bread, One Body, 1/10/2009

Read through the whole Bible in 2009. See our reading schedules at:
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/ThroughBible.asp
and
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/FrAlPlanReadingBible.asp
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Saturday, January 10, 2009

1 John 5:14-21, Psalm 149, John 3:22-30
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/011009.shtml

REJOICING AND DECREASING

"He must increase, while I must decrease." —John 3:30

As we come to the last two days of the Christmas season, we are filled
with joy. During Advent, we have waited, listening for the Lord (Jn 3:29).
In the Christmas season, we have been "overjoyed to hear His voice" (Jn
3:29). With John the Baptizer, we can say: "That is my joy, and it is
complete" (Jn 3:29). John's joy at hearing Jesus' voice led him to make
the resolution: "He [Jesus] must increase, while I must decrease" (Jn
3:30).

We should make the same resolution. After being filled with joy this
Christmas season, we should decrease and resolve to devote this year and
this life to increase Jesus in our world. If we decrease in wealth and
power, all that matters is that Jesus increase as His body the Church
increases in holiness, numbers, and outreach. If we decrease in
popularity, we rejoice as long as Jesus is praised. If we decrease in
strength by spending ourselves in God's service, we're happy to be able to
help increase Christ's kingdom.

Eventually Jesus will increase so much that He with the Father and the
Spirit will "be all in all" (1 Cor 15:28), and we will decrease and become
"like a little child" (Mk 10:15). Then we'll be small enough to come into
God's kingdom through the narrow door (see Lk 13:24).

Prayer: Father, may I joyfully die to myself (see Lk 9:23).

Promise: "We have this confidence in God: that He hears us whenever we ask
for anything according to His will." —1 Jn 5:14

Praise: Martin prayed to be free of the bonds of what others thought or
said of him and he thereby allowed Jesus to be magnified in his life.

(For a related teaching, order our tape "Meeting the Risen Christ" on
audio AV 4A-1 or video V-4A.)

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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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