"Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature" (Mk
16:15).
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Thursday, December 31, 2009, Pope St. Sylvester
1 John 2:18-21, Psalm 96:1-2, 11-13, John 1:1-18
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/123109.shtml
THE END
"Children, it is the final hour." —1 John 2:18
As this year ends, ask yourself: "How is my relationship with God?" The
phrase "All's well that ends well" is certainly true biblically, for it's
the state of our relationship with Him at the end that counts.
God tells us in His word that the final state of our relationship with Him
is what He judges us on. "If the virtuous man turns from the path of
virtue to do evil...can he do this and still live? None of his virtuous
deeds shall be remembered, because he has broken faith" (Ez 18:24). "If
the wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed, if he keeps all
My statutes and does what is right and just, he shall surely live, he
shall not die. None of the crimes he committed shall be remembered against
him; he shall live because of the virtue he has practiced" (Ez 18:21-22).
Consider the good thief (Lk 23:40-43). Despite a wasted life, he turned to
Jesus in his "last hour." Now he's in heaven with Jesus. Conversely, you
can guess how your spouse would evaluate your relationship if you said: "I
gave you thirty years, but now I'm tired of you. I'm leaving you for
someone else." We must become faithful, and then remain faithful to the
end (see Mk 13:13).
Since we know this is the last hour (1 Jn 2:18), let us recommit our lives
to Jesus. The Lord can do great miracles and fulfill wondrous promises in
the last hour. The one who perseveres to the end will be saved (Mt 24:13).
Prayer: Father, may I live each day as if it were my last day on earth.
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Promise: "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." —Jn 1:14
Praise: Pope St. Sylvester used many gifts of the Holy Spirit as he led
the Church into an era featuring the beginning of greater religious
tolerance by the government.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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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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