Sunday, December 8, 2013, Second Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-9, Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17, Matthew 3:1-12
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120813.cfm
PROPHET-SHARING
"John the Baptizer made his appearance as a preacher in the desert of Judea." -Matthew 3:1
Today the Church introduces us to a crusty character named John. He dressed in a garment of camel's hair (Mt 3:4). If you know anything about the revolting habits of camels, you understand why you wouldn't want to cut their hair. John not only dressed funny but also ate funny. He'd snatch up a grasshopper and dip it in some honey as we would dip a potato chip or a chicken nugget. Then he'd munch on the grasshopper (Mt 3:4).
St. John the Baptizer talked as you'd expect someone to talk who eats grasshoppers. He roared at the religious leaders: "You brood of vipers! Who told you to flee from the wrath to come?" (Mt 3:7) Of course, John was the one who told them to flee from the wrath to come. John was a prophet, and more than a prophet (Mt 11:9). We need to listen to him. Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, and Rudolph will not call us to repentance, but John will. The sales clerks, TV announcers, and celebrities won't tell us the truth, but John will.
John still roars: "Reform your lives! The reign of God is at hand" (Mt 3:2). "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths" (Mt 3:3). "Give some evidence that you mean to reform" (Mt 3:8).
Prayer: Father, send someone into my life to call me to repentance. May I go to Confession as soon as possible.
Promise: "The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him." -Is 11:2
Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Emmanuel, "God with us." All glory to the risen King of kings and Lord of lords (Rv 19:16).
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2013 Presentation Ministries
To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp
To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r
No comments:
Post a Comment