Monday, December 9, 2013, Immaculate Conception
Genesis 3:9-15, 20, Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12, Psalm 98:1-4, Luke 1:26-38
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120913.cfm
"M" FOR VICTORY
"Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has bestowed on us in Christ every spiritual blessing in the heavens!" -Ephesians 1:3
After the first sin, God promised that no matter how bad things are, we still have a great advantage. We crush the devil's head, but he can only snap at our heels (Gn 3:15; Rm 16:20). No matter how defiled and dirty we become through sin, we are still called to be "holy and blameless in His sight" (Eph 1:4), "without stain or wrinkle or anything of that sort" (Eph 5:27). We can be "more than conquerors because of Him Who has loved us" (Rm 8:37), "for nothing is impossible with God" (Lk 1:37).
However, we find God's glorious promises of victory difficult to believe. Often our everyday experiences are long losing streaks instead of an unstoppable string of victories. In a world of death, starvation, abortion, racism, war, divorce, alcoholism, broken families and exploitation, we see ourselves as losers, not winners. We are tempted to walk by the sight of our experiences rather than by faith in God's promises. We need encouragement.
Mary is a sign and glorious example of God's victory. She was undefeated and immaculate from beginning to end, from her immaculate conception to her glorious assumption. She was always on the winning team because she always let Jesus fight her battles. Look at Mary. Look what Jesus did for her. Believe and receive total victory in Christ.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for giving us Mary and other victorious Christians who inspire us to hold on.
Promise: "Mary said: 'I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say.' " -Lk 1:38
Praise: Sally loved the Blessed Mother fervently. After a life of faithful love, Jesus took Sally from this life on the feast of Mary's Immaculate Conception.
(For a related teaching, order our tape on "Immaculate Heart of Mary" on audio AV 19-1 or video V-19.)
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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, 2013 through January 31, 2014
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 17, 2013
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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