December 21, 2025 - One Bread, One Body
December 21, Fourth Sunday of Advent
Cycle A Readings:
1) Isaiah 7:10-14
Psalm 24:1-6
2) Romans 1:1-7
Matthew 1:18-24
Knock, knock
“Let the Lord enter; He is King of glory.” —Psalm response for today’s Mass (see Ps 24:9)
God attempted to enter into the lives of four people in today’s Mass readings. The first, King Ahaz of Judah, did not let the Lord enter into his life (Is 7:12). The other three, St. Paul, St. Joseph, and the Blessed Virgin Mary, let the Lord enter their lives and take charge of all their plans (see Rm 1:1; Mt 1:20-24).
Today’s psalm response urges us to “let the Lord enter” (see Ps 24:9). The Lord stands at the door of your life, knocking (Rv 3:20). He has a plan for your life (Heb 11:40; Jer 29:11), and He wants to enter in. His plan will change your life and turn it around.
The innkeepers of Bethlehem did not let the Lord enter (Lk 2:7). Many people in the secular culture refuse to let the Lord enter. None of us is “worthy to have [the Lord] enter” into our lives (Lk 7:6). Yet the Lord stands knocking at your door (Rv 3:20). Will you open the door and “let the Lord enter” into your life?
Prayer: “Lord, I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed” (see Mt 8:8).
Promise: “The Lord Himself will give you this sign: the Virgin shall be with Child, and bear a Son, and shall name Him Immanuel.” —Is 7:14
Praise: “O Radiant Dawn, Splendor of eternal light, Sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.”
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from December 1, 2025, through January 30, 2026. †Most Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 2025."
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.