Psalms" has a reading schedule.
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/ChristmasPsalms.asp
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Thursday, December 24, 2009
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16, Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29, Luke 1:67-79
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/122409.shtml
THE WORST FOR LAST
"Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, uttered this
prophecy." —Luke 1:67
Throughout Advent, we have met some of history's greatest people: Elijah,
John the Baptizer, Joseph, and Mary. On the last two days of Advent, the
Church introduces us to Zechariah. The Church saves one of the worst for
last. Now, Zechariah was "just in the eyes of God, blamelessly following
all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord" (Lk 1:6). So he's not the
worst person in the world. However, he is known for his doubt rather than
his faith. This lack of faith resulted in Zechariah becoming deaf and dumb
for nine months. Finally, Zechariah did believe and obey. At that point,
his tongue was loosed (Lk 1:64); he was filled with the Holy Spirit; he
prophesied and praised the Lord.
The Church may save Zechariah for last because we can relate to him better
than to the fiery Elijah, the fearless John the Baptizer, the faith-filled
and faithful Joseph, and the immaculate Mary. We can relate to Zechariah's
doubt, weakness, deafness, and dumbness. We believe, but we have a lack of
faith (see Mk 9:24). However, we can also relate to the later Zechariah
who prophesied and praised in the power of the Spirit.
May we begin to celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas by
experiencing the Holy Spirit as Zechariah did at the birth of John.
Prayer: Father, thank You for Advent. Complete Your work in my life. Do
anything necessary to prepare me for Christmas.
Promise: "He, the Dayspring, shall visit us in His mercy to shine on those
who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the
way of peace." —Lk 1:78-79
Praise: "The favors of the Lord I will sing forever; through all
generations my mouth shall proclaim Your faithfulness" (Ps 89:2).
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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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