"When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, 'No. He will be called John.'" Luke 1:59-60 (full readings)
Bobby’s Reflections: In today’s reading, just two days away from the celebration of Christmas, we hear the Word or God proclaiming the birth of John the Baptist. The prophet Malachi tells us of John’s purpose to be a messenger to prepare the way of the Lord. This good news should fill our hearts with joy in anticipation of the arrival of the infant child. What struck me most though was the subtlety of Luke’s reference to the eighth day. While the importance of presenting John for circumcision would have been of normal practice to the Jewish people according to the law, this reference to the eighth day has an even greater significance to us as Christians. The Catechism of the Catholic Church in paragraph 349 refers to the “eighth day” as the day of the new creation. With the birth of Christ the “eighth day” dawns the new creation which culminates in the greater work of redemption (cf. CCC 349). It is on this day that Christ’s reign begins in the lowliest of places, a manger.
Faith Challenge: Let’s us look model to the humility of God who comes to us in the form of a child. While deserving of all glory and praise, He chose to become like us in all things but sin. What areas in our lives is the Lord challenging us to grow in greater humility?
Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). View, add, update Prayers on our website. Let’s pray now.
Feast Day: St. John of Kanty
Faith Quote: “The heavenly babe suffers and cries in the crib so that for us suffering would be sweet, meritorious and accepted. He deprives himself of everything, in order that we may learn from him the renunciation of worldly goods and comforts” - St. Padre Pio
Through Christ Our Lord,
Bobby Aborn
John 16:33
Bobby Aborn
John 16:33
* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!
* Save Unborn (& family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (23% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & Jer 1:5. “A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish.” Mother Teresa
* Evangelize:Make room for unbelievers & re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.
Comments? To subscribe/unsubscribe to the emails, go to LIFE Group Devotions or LIFE Runners Updates.
No comments:
Post a Comment