Psalms" has a reading schedule.
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/ChristmasPsalms.asp
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Wednesday, December 23, 2009, St. John of Kanty
Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24, Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14, Luke 1:57-66
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/122309.shtml
CHRISTMAS FEAR
"Fear descended." —Luke 1:65
"Fear descended on all in the neighborhood" because of the miraculous
events surrounding the birth of John the Baptizer. How much more so will
the fear of the Lord come upon us when we celebrate Jesus' birth this
Christmas! "Who will endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when
He appears?" (Mal 3:2)
When the Holy Spirit gave birth to the Church, "a reverent fear overtook
them all, for many wonders and signs were performed by the apostles" (Acts
2:43). If fear overtook them all when the Church, the body of Christ, was
born, how much more so will the fear of the Lord overtake us when we
celebrate the birthday of Christ, the Head of the body! (Eph 1:22-23)
At Christmas, we have reason to fear the Lord. This awe in God's presence
is a most important gift of the Holy Spirit (Is 11:2). At our
Confirmation, we were prayed for specifically to receive this gift. The
fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Ps 111:10). "Fear of the Lord
is glory and splendor, gladness and a festive crown. Fear of the Lord
warms the heart, giving gladness and joy and length of days. He who fears
the Lord will have a happy end; even on the day of his death he will be
blessed" (Sir 1:9-11; see also Ps 128:1). "Those who fear the Lord prepare
their hearts and humble themselves before Him" (Sir 2:17). We are called
to make "steady progress in the fear of the Lord" (Acts 9:31), for the
fear of the Lord is not only the beginning of wisdom but also of
Christmas.
Prayer: Father, this Christmas may my delight be the fear of the Lord (Is
11:3).
Promise: "What will this child be?" —Lk 1:66
Praise: "O Emmanuel, King and Lawgiver, Desire of the nations, Savior of
all people, come and set us free, Lord our God."
(Use the gifts God has given you by volunteering for Presentation
Ministries. Call 937-587-5464 or 513-373-2397 for information.)
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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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