Attend our upcoming event, "Annual Co-Worker and Home-Based Community Retreat", Jan 11. For more information visit http://www.presentationministries.com/general/event.asp?eventID=368
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Monday, December 30, 2019
1 John 2:12-17, Psalm 96:7-10, Luke 2:36-40
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/123019.cfm
THE FIRST DETACHMENT?
"Have no love for the world, nor the things that the world affords." -1 John 2:15
In traditional Catholic spirituality, we emphasize the virtue of detachment from the world's prideful desires, for "the world with its seductions is passing away but the man who does God's will endures forever" (1 Jn 2:17). Those called to the consecrated life are to be exceptional examples of the detachment from the world which all Christians should have. For example, Anna "was constantly in the temple, worshiping day and night in fasting and prayer" (Lk 2:37).
In traditional Western materialism, we tend to emphasize attachment. Many of us want to possess a lot of "stuff" to the point that we are often possessed by our possessions. We can even put our possessions ahead of Jesus and walk away from Him in our sad possessiveness (Mk 10:22).
Contrary to popular opinion - we cannot serve God and mammon, that is, the things of the world (Mt 6:24), for, "if anyone loves the world, the Father's love has no place in him" (1 Jn 2:15). Tomorrow in the Western world is New Year's Eve. Traditionally in our society, many people give the first hours and the first fruits of the new year to worldly celebrations. What will you do? Will you start the new year attached to the world and detached from God or attached to God and detached from the world?
Prayer: Father, teach me to relate to the world as does Jesus (see 1 Jn 2:6; Jn 17:16).
Promise: "I address you, young men, for you are strong, and the word of God remains in you, and you have conquered the evil one." -1 Jn 2:14
Praise: Juan gave up a successful business career to answer the call to the priesthood.
(For a related teaching on "Living Our Vocations", order, listen to, or download our CD 113-3 or DVD 113 on our website.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from December 1, 2019 through January 31, 2020
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 2, 2019
The "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") 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 the "Nihil Obstat" agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
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