1 John 5:14-21, Psalm 149:1-6, 9, John 3:22-30
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/010910.shtml
ON THE THRESHOLD
"That is my joy, and it is complete." —John 3:29
Tomorrow, we will celebrate the grand finale of the Christmas season, the
feast of the Baptism of Jesus. This day can be a turning point in our
lives. "Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned
on man what God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Cor 2:9).
Because we stand on the threshold of such amazing grace, the evil one will
try to rob us. Some controversy may arise (see Jn 3:25), or we may be
tempted to envy someone's success (see Jn 3:26). We must refuse to let the
evil one use our pride to manipulate and rob us. With John the Baptizer,
we should proclaim: "[Jesus] must increase, while I must decrease" (Jn
3:30).
In these last hours of the Christmas season, we probably will enter into
spiritual warfare and amazing grace. We need to pray for each other and
for the whole body of Christ, the Church. "Anyone who sees his brother
sinning, if the sin is not deadly, should petition God, and thus life will
be given to the sinner" (1 Jn 5:16). "We have this confidence in God: that
He hears us whenever we ask for anything according to His will" (1 Jn
5:14).
We are about to receive in an even deeper way the very life of God —
"grace upon grace" (Jn 1:16, RSV-CE). "My little children, be on your
guard against idols" (1 Jn 5:21).
Prayer: Father, do a new thing in my life (see Is 43:19).
Promise: "We are in the One Who is true, for we are in His Son Jesus
Christ. He is the true God and eternal life." —1 Jn 5:20
Praise: Sarah has found it easy to pray always since she stopped
complaining and started praising God.
(For a related teaching, order our leaflet, "Spiritual Warfare", or on
audio AV 57-3 or video V-57.)
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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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