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Friday, December 20, 2024

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Isaiah 7:10-14
Psalm 24:1-6
Luke 1:26-38

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“rejoice” the lord always

“Is it not enough for you to weary men, must you also weary my God?” —Isaiah 7:13

Before writing this, I sat at two airports for several hours as my flights were canceled and/or delayed. I was very weary. Then I read Isaiah 7:13. In a manner of speaking, I weary God when I:

  • complain and whine about my own weariness,
  • refuse to “walk by faith” (see 2 Cor 5:7),
  • sin,
  • disobey the Lord,
  • refuse to forgive,
  • refuse to repent,
  • gossip,
  • waste the time the Lord has given me, and
  • live in selfishness.

Those who sin like Ahaz and St. Zechariah (see Is 7:12; Lk 1:20) weary the Lord. Those who have faith like that of the Blessed Virgin Mary give the Lord reason to rejoice over them with gladness and to sing joyfully because of them (Zep 3:17).

Men and women of faith, “rejoice” the Lord always. “I say it again. Rejoice!” (Phil 4:4)

Prayer:  Jesus, You are my Joy. May I always be Your joy.

Promise:  “I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say.” —Lk 1:38

Praise:  “O Key of David, O royal power of Israel controlling at Your will the gate of heaven: come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead Your captive people into freedom.”

Reference:  

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"

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.