Jeremiah 23:5-8, Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19, Matthew 1:18-25
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/121809.shtml
JUST CHRISTMAS
"I will raise up a righteous Shoot to David." —Jeremiah 23:5
Jeremiah prophesied the coming of a King in the line of David. "This is
the name they give Him: 'The Lord our Justice' " (Jer 23:6). This King
named Justice would set His people free from exile in Babylon as He had
previously set them free from slavery in Egypt (Jer 23:7-8).
At first, Jesus' coming seemed to contradict rather than fulfill
Jeremiah's prophecy. It is a severe injustice that Jesus had nowhere to be
born but in a stable. Herod added further injustice and oppression by
forcing the holy family to flee to Egypt. The circumstances surrounding
Jesus' coming were not justice and freedom, but injustice and oppression.
The situation grew worse because the greatest injustice ever committed was
Jesus' crucifixion and death on Calvary. Paradoxically, by accepting that
injustice, Jesus made it possible for all people to be justified.
We also may feel that gross injustices in our world contradict Christ's
promises for Christmas. Even in our personal lives, we may have been
expecting justice, freedom, peace, and love. Instead, we suffered
injustice and other evils. However, if we can be like Joseph and Mary by
trusting the Lord, He will make all things work together for the good (Rm
8:28), and we will see the glory of Christ this Christmas season. No
matter how bad things are, believe the Lord will have the final word this
Christmas season. He proclaims: "I, the Lord, have called you for the
victory of justice" (Is 42:6). "Justice shall flower in His days" (Ps
72:7).
Prayer: Father, may I trust You especially when I don't understand what's
happening in my life.
Promise: " 'The virgin shall be with Child and give birth to a Son, and
they shall call Him Emmanuel,' a name which means 'God is with us' " —Mt
1:23
Praise: "O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, You showed Yourself to Moses in
the burning bush and gave him the holy law on Sinai Mountain."
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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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