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Tuesday, February 2, 2010, Presentation of the Lord
Malachi 3:1-4, Hebrews 2:14-18, Psalm 24:7-10, Luke 2:22-40
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/020210.shtml
YOUR PRESENT TO GOD
"Be presented to the Lord." —Luke 2:22
I recently saw an advertisement for a bride's camp. This was a service for
brides who had only a few months left before their wedding day. The "camp"
involved a feverish workout, nutrition, and beauty regimen designed to put
the bride in the best possible shape for her wedding day. The idea is to
make her "presentable" in the best possible way.
Our presentation of ourselves to God involves much more than the above
example. It's true that God loves us "just as we are." We don't need to
make ourselves presentable since He never rejects anyone who comes to Him
(Jn 6:37). Jesus says: "Come to Me" (Mt 11:28). Even if we come to Him at
the most disgusting low point of our life (see Lk 15:16ff), Jesus loves us
completely.
Yet, out of sheer love for the Lord, we want to look our best for Him "to
present to [Him] a glorious church, holy and immaculate" (Eph 5:27). He
Himself helps us by making us holy and beautiful through His abundant
grace. Catholic families teach their children this concept by dressing up
in their Sunday best for Mass. We want to love the Lord so much more than
a bride loves her husband. We will fast, pray, read and obey His word,
sacrifice, evangelize, and bear fruit — simply to bring joy to the Lord.
We want Him to rejoice because of us (Zep 3:17). We want to present
ourselves to Him "beautiful as a bride prepared to meet her husband" (Rv
21:2). Give Jesus the present of your presentation to Him today.
Prayer: Jesus, I present to You my body as a living sacrifice (Rm 12:1)
and a weapon for justice (Rm 6:13).
Promise: "Since He was Himself tested through what He suffered, He is able
to help those who are tempted." —Heb 2:18
Praise: Praise the Infant Jesus, Whose perfections in love cause us to
respond in kind.
(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
February 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, August 11, 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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