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We are living in a world that is absolutely transparent and God is shining through it all the time. God manifests Himself everywhere, in everything - in people and in things and in nature and in events ... The only thing is we don't see it ... I have no program for this seeing. It is only given. But the gate of heaven is everywhere.
- Thomas Merton
(Pray that you may become more open to this "seeing," beginning today.)
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1 Jn 2:3-11; Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6
Lk 2:22-35
When the days were completed for their purification
according to the law of Moses,
the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem
to present him to the Lord,
just as it is written in the law of the Lord,
Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,
and to offer the sacrifice of
a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,
in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.
This man was righteous and devout,
awaiting the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he should not see death
before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
He came in the Spirit into the temple;
and when the parents brought in the child Jesus
to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,
he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
“Lord, now let your servant go in peace;
your word has been fulfilled:
my own eyes have seen the salvation
which you prepared in the sight of every people,
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;
and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,
“Behold, this child is destined
for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be contradicted
(and you yourself a sword will pierce)
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
USCCB lectionary
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Reflection on the Scripture
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“Now, Master, You can dismiss Your servant in peace; You have fulfilled Your word. For my eyes have witnessed Your saving deed.” —Luke 2:29-30
Most people associate Christmas with love. All of us like to think of ourselves as being loving. Most people even say that love is the meaning of life. But what is love?
Love is not necessarily a feeling. It is not usually expressed in sexual attraction or sexual relations. It is not merely being nice to people or doing good deeds for others.
Love is the nature of God, for God is Love (1 Jn 4:8, 16). Love is a share in the divine nature (see 2 Pt 1:4). It is a theological virtue. It is both a gift and a commandment (see 1 Jn 4:19-21). Love is a way of life. We must abide in it (1 Jn 4:16). Love is usually expressed in actions, but not in random, miscellaneous actions. Love is primarily concerned about others’ greatest need: to be saved and sanctified.
Therefore, if we don’t share our faith in Jesus, it would be difficult to maintain that we are loving. For example, if we have food but don’t give it to a starving person, how can we be loving? (Jas 2:15-16) If we have faith but don’t share it with a person away from God, how can we be loving? Most practically, love means caring enough to share our faith in Jesus with as many people as possible.
Prayer: Father, this Christmas time, send the Holy Spirit to make me a loving person by Your standards.
Promise: “The man who continues in the light is the one who loves his brother; there is nothing in him to cause a fall.” —1 Jn 2:10
Presentation Ministries
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Growing in Inner Freedom: A Guide for Today
- by Philip St. Romain. Liguori Publ., 1986.
21. Enjoy Yourself
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his kindness
and his wondrous deeds to the children of humanity.
Let them make thank offerings and declare his works
with shouts of joy (Psalm 107:21-22).
There once was a mother who spent weeks preparing to throw a surprise party for her young son. She invited his friends over, decorated the house, and fixed his favorite dish. When the son appeared and everyone shouted “Surprise!” the mother watched his face for signs of gratitude and joy. She was crushed when she observed only irritation and later discovered that it was because the party caused
him to miss his favorite TV show.
I believe God is very much like that mother. God spent millions of years nurturing creation to the point where we humans could prosper and share responsibility with Him in bringing creation along. Additional thousands of years in cultural evolution have brought us to a time in history when a multitude of possibilities for work and enjoyment surround us. God’s greatest joy is that we enjoy our lives and receive the many gifts showered upon us in gratitude and generosity.
How disappointed God must be when we only complain about what we think we lack.
Jesus enjoyed life! Unlike many spiritual leaders of his day, he seemed never to pass up an opportunity to have a good time. His first miracle was to keep a wedding reception going strong. Indeed, people called him a glutton and a drunkard (see Matthew 11:19)! How, then, did so many people ever get the idea that human fun negates spiritual growth? To the contrary, those who enjoy life are more likely to feel compassion for the unfortunate and disadvantaged.
Suggested Practices
- In the name of Jesus, give yourself permission to enjoy life.
- Don’t forget, however, that you are also called to exercise a responsible stewardship over his gifts.
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