STARRY-EYED - One Bread, One Body, 1/4/2015

Sunday, January 4, 2015, Epiphany

Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6, Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13, Matthew 2:1-12
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/010415.cfm

STARRY-EYED

"They were overjoyed at seeing the star." -Matthew 2:10

For centuries, astronomers have tried to determine which celestial body was the star of Bethlehem. In the book of Numbers, it was prophesied that the star not only led the wise men to Jesus, but that the star was Jesus (Nm 24:17). Jesus is "the Morning Star shining bright" (Rv 22:16). Paul taught that not only was Jesus like a star, but also we, Jesus' disciples, are "like the stars in the sky while holding fast to the word of life" "in the midst of a twisted and depraved generation" (Phil 2:15, 16).
We are either Herods or stars, either in the kingdom of darkness or the kingdom of light (see Col 1:13). In the physical world there is twilight, but not in the spiritual world. The light is either on or off. There is no in-between.
Therefore, "rise up in splendor! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears His glory" (Is 60:1-2). "Awake, O sleeper, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light" (Eph 5:14). "There was a time when you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Well, then, live as children of light" (Eph 5:8). "You are the light of the world" (Mt 5:14).


Prayer: Father, may I be wise enough to give Your Son the gift of my life.

Promise: "In Christ Jesus the Gentiles are now co-heirs with the Jews, members of the same body and sharers of the promise through the preaching of the gospel." -Eph 3:6

Praise: Jesus "was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit; seen by the angels; preached among the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up into glory" (1 Tm 3:16).


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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, 2014 through January 31, 2015
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 30, 2014

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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