"Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature" (Mk
16:15).
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Tuesday, December 29, 2009, St. Thomas Becket
1 John 2:3-11, Psalm 96:1-3, 5-6, Luke 2:22-35
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/122909.shtml
CHRISTMAS CAROLS, A LULLABY,AND A FUNERAL SONG
"Now, Master, You can dismiss Your servant in peace." —Luke 2:29
The first two chapters of Luke's Gospel record what may be called the
first four Christmas carols. The traditional Latin names for these four
songs are Mary's "Magnificat," Zechariah's "Benedictus," the angels'
"Gloria," and Simeon's "Nunc Dimittis." This last "carol" is part of
today's Gospel reading.
Over the centuries, the Church has used Simeon's song as a lullaby, a
bedtime song. Before we put our heads on our pillows, the Church calls us
to make our peace with God. We are to be so totally committed to Him, so
totally repentant, and so totally trusting in Him that we are content to
die during the night (see Lk 2:29). Because we have accepted the Lord's
"saving Deed," His "revealing Light," and the glory of the Spirit (Lk
2:30-32), we are ready to go home to heaven. We have been doing what we
were created to do on earth, and we are ready to die and begin our new,
everlasting life in heaven.
The Christmas season is a special time for deepening our relationship with
the Lord. Is the Lord so real to you, is your love for Jesus so deep that
you will let Him take your hand and lead you through "the valley of the
shadow of death" (see Ps 23:4, RSV-CE) into heaven? Sing Simeon's song and
learn to trust Jesus this Christmas season.
Prayer: Father, may I trust You completely "now and at the hour" of my
death. Amen.
Promise: "Whoever keeps His word, truly has the love of God been made
perfect in him." —1 Jn 2:5
Praise: St. Thomas, an archbishop, courageously defended the Church and
the faith, refusing to yield to the threats of a hostile king. He paid the
ultimate price for his faith, as he was martyred in his cathedral.
(Our Co-workers retreat occurs Jan. 29/30. Renew your resolve to work for
the Lord! Call 937-587-5464 for details.)
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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, 2009 through January 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, June 4, 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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