1 John 3:22—4:6, Psalm 2:7-8, 10-12, Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/010410.shtml
TEST THE SPIRITS (1 Jn 4:1)
"Such is the spirit of the antichrist which, as you have heard, is to
come; in fact, it is in the world already." —1 John 4:3
Many people have missed out on Christmas again. They mistakenly thought
the true Christmas spirit was pleasure, selfishness, lust, or greed.
"Beloved, do not trust" every Christmas spirit, "but put the spirits to a
test to see if they belong to God, because many false prophets have
appeared in the world" (1 Jn 4:1). "This is how you can recognize" the
true Christmas Spirit, the Holy Spirit (1 Jn 4:2):
* "Every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ come in the flesh
belongs to God, while every spirit that fails to acknowledge Him does not
belong to God" (1 Jn 4:2-3).
* "Those others belong to the world; that is why theirs is the language
of the world and why the world listens to them" (1 Jn 4:5).
* "We belong to God and anyone who has knowledge of God gives us a
hearing, while anyone who is not of God refuses to hear us" (1 Jn 4:6).
Test the spirits by their relationship to Jesus, their kind of involvement
in the world, and their obedient hearing of the Church. "Thus do we
distinguish the Spirit of truth from the spirit of deception" (1 Jn 4:6).
We don't have to miss out on Christmas and life anymore. Test the spirits,
and recognize the true Christmas Spirit.
Prayer: Father, as we begin this year, give me the charism of discerning
spirits or lead me to someone with this gift (see 1 Cor 12:10).
Promise: "On those who inhabit a land overshadowed by death, light has
arisen." —Mt 4:16
Praise: St. Elizabeth dedicated her all to her heavenly Father as she
founded a sisterhood that spread its goodness to relieving the poor and
teaching the young.
(Do you know your true identity as a Christian? Attend our retreat, "Who
Am I in Christ?" Feb 26/27. Call 937-587-5464 for details.)
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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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