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Monday, January 5, 2015

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St. John Neumann


1 John 3:22—4:6
Psalm 2:7-8, 10-12
Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

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open all your presents

"Ask of Me and I will give you the nations for an inheritance and the ends of the earth for your possession." —Psalm 2:8

"Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on man what God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Cor 2:9). "This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it" (Ps 118:24). The Lord will express His love for us in amazing ways today:

  • Today, "a people living in darkness" will see "a great light" (Mt 4:16).
  • Today, "on those who inhabit a land overshadowed by death, light" will arise (Mt 4:16).
  • Today, Jesus will cure "the people of every disease and illness" (Mt 4:23).
  • Today, "those afflicted with various diseases and racked with pain: the possessed, the lunatics, the paralyzed" will be cured by Jesus (Mt 4:24).

Although we join the wise men this Christmas season in giving everything to Jesus, we will never outgive God. Today, Jesus gives us Christmas presents that only He can give. Do you believe this? Will you open your presents, all of them, including the ones so great you don't understand them? "Reform your lives" (Mt 4:17) and accept God's love today.

Prayer:  Father, give me expectant, repentant, and crucified faith.

Promise:  "For there is One greater in you than there is in the world." —1 Jn 4:4

Praise:  In his eight years as Bishop of Philadelphia, St. John Neumann increased the attendance at diocesan Catholic Schools twenty-fold.

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our tape on Divine Love on audio AV 52-3 or video V-52.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 30, 2014

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