maranatha!
"The days are coming..." —Jeremiah 33:14
A new Church year begins with the season of Advent. How can we start this Church year off on the right foot?
Human ventures begin with human efforts and plans. The Church, however, is led by Jesus, the Head of the Church (Col 1:18), and so the Church is both human and divine (Catechism, 779). Therefore, God initiates and we follow Him.
Here are some keys to the success of this Church year:
- Will we vigilantly and patiently listen to the Lord each day for His "instructions"? (1 Thes 4:2)
- Will we receive God's plans in a spirit of docility and joyful submission?
- Will we cooperate with God's plans or block them through our resistance or by moving ahead without Him?
- Will we "learn to make still greater progress" in living for Jesus? (1 Thes 4:1)
- Will we "conduct [ourselves] in a way pleasing to God"? (1 Thes 4:1)
- Will we "be on guard lest [our] spirits become bloated with indulgence and drunkenness and worldly cares"? (Lk 21:34)
- Will we be "blameless and holy"? (1 Thes 3:13)
The Lord's plans for the Church and for us are far "more than we ask or imagine" (Eph 3:20). His "will be done" (Mt 6:10).
Prayer: Father, give us "the strength to escape whatever is in prospect" (Lk 21:36).
Promise: "The friendship of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and His covenant, for their instruction." —Ps 25:14
Praise: Alleluia! Jesus is risen! Jesus will come again! Come, Lord Jesus!
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 27, 2012
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