Sunday, January 8, 2017, 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/010817.cfm
ONLY THE FOOLS ARE WISE
"We observed His star at its rising and have come to pay Him homage." -Matthew 2:2
The wise men looked like fools. They traveled for months or even longer in following a star. How foolish to give "gold, frankincense, and myrrh" to a Baby! (Mt 2:11) How foolish and even strange to give myrrh, an anointing balm for the dead, to anyone except to someone about to die!
The wise men looked foolish. This is the only way to be wise in a foolish world. Only fools for Christ are wise (see 1 Cor 3:18; 4:10). Therefore, to be wise, we must not care about looking wise, being popular, being accepted, making money, and being successful. To be wise, we must be willing to suffer ridicule, rejection, persecution, and pain.
Christ crucified is the Wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:24). Consequently, no one wants to be wise except those who love Jesus our Wisdom (1 Cor 1:30) so much they give Him everything, prostrate themselves before Him in adoration, and suffer in the pattern of His death (Phil 3:10). Wisdom is available for the asking (Jas 1:5). But who will love Him enough to ask for it?
Prayer: Father, I choose to take up my crosses each day (Lk 9:23) and become wise.
Promise: "See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears His glory. Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance." -Is 60:2-3
Praise: Praise You, Jesus, Word-Made-Flesh, the Light to the nations. All glory, honor, and power be Yours forever. Alleluia!
(For a related teaching on Living in Reality", order, view, or download our booklet or order, listen to, or download our series starting with CD 38-1 or DVD 38 on our website or order our tape series starting with audio AV 38-1 or video V 38.)
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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, 2016 through January 31, 2017
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 10, 2016
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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