Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2, Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14, Luke
21:25-28, 34-36
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/112909.shtml
PREGNANT AGAIN
"In those days, in that time, I will raise up for David a just
Shoot." —Jeremiah 33:15
Happy new year! Today we celebrate the first day of the new Church year
and of Advent. Today, in a spiritual sense, we conceive new life and
prepare to give birth to that life in the Christmas season. Advent is
similar to pregnancy, in that we carry, protect, and nurture Christ's new
life within us. We must take care not to do anything which might hurt the
baby. Therefore, the Church warns us: "Be on guard lest your spirits
become bloated with indulgence and drunkenness and worldly cares" (Lk
21:34). Just as a mother's smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking drugs can
have bad effects on her baby, so our sinful preoccupation with "worldly
cares" can damage or even abort the new life of Advent.
We should begin this year and this spiritual pregnancy by going to
Confession. By repenting, we remove things which stifle the growth of
God's life within us. We should also simplify our lives, freeing up more
time to pray, read God's word, evangelize, and share fellowship. We should
be nourished and rested in our pregnancy. TV, videos, and compulsive
activities could very well smother our new life in God. Advent, like
pregnancy, is a wonderful time as long as we carefully protect and nourish
the new life within us.
Prayer: Father, increase us and make us "overflow with love for one
another" (1 Thes 3:12).
Promise: "When these things begin to happen, stand erect and hold your
heads high, for your deliverance is near at hand." —Lk 21:28
Praise: Praise Jesus, from Whom all good things flow! Alleluia!
(For a related teaching, order our leaflet, "Spiritual Warfare", or on
audio AV 57-3 or video V-57.)
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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
October 1, 2009 through November 30, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, June 3, 2009
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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