Monday, January 4, 2016, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
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/bible/readings/010416.cfm
THE DOWN PAYMENT
"And this is how we know that He remains in us: from the Spirit that He gave us." -1 John 3:24
At the Christmas season, we celebrate not only Immanuel, "God with us" but also God within us. "Those who keep His commandments remain in Him and He in them" (1 Jn 3:24; see also 1 Jn 4:16; 5:20; Jn 14:20; 6:56; 17:23). Christ in us is our "hope of glory" (Col 1:27).
However, "perhaps you yourselves do not realize that Christ Jesus is in you" (2 Cor 13:5). "This is how we know that He remains in us: from the Spirit that He gave us" (1 Jn 3:24; 4:13). The Holy Spirit is "the first Payment" (2 Cor 1:22). "He is the Pledge of our inheritance, the first Payment against the full redemption of a people God has made His own, to praise His glory" (Eph 1:14). For example, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the Church, the Body of Christ, continues Christ's ministry of healing by curing "the people of every disease and illness" (Mt 4:23). When we see others healed or when we ourselves are healed, this work of the Holy Spirit gives us reason to believe that all God's promises are true - including His promise to live within us.
When we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor 5:7), we walk and believe by the light of the Holy Spirit. Come, only true Christmas Spirit! Come, Holy Spirit!
Prayer: Father, "I believe! Help my lack of faith!" (Mk 9:24, our transl.)
Promise: "A people living in darkness has seen a great light. On those who inhabit a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen." -Mt 4:16
Praise: St. Elizabeth, the first native-born American to be canonized, was a convert to Catholicism at age thirty. Though she only lived sixteen more years, she walked by faith and led many others to faith in Christ.
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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, 2015 through January 31, 2016
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 26, 2015
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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