December 22 - One Bread, One Body
December 22, 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
"The best laid plans of mice and men"
''When Joseph awoke he did as the angel of the lord had directed him. '' — Matthew 1:24
Many of you have Christmas planned. You're going to go to certain parties, see certain family members and friends, and give specific presents. You expect to receive a few presents yourself along with some Christmas goodies. The Christmas you have planned is about the same as last year's Christmas, with a few minor variations.
What if Jesus decided to change your Christmas plans dramatically? Would you let Him be Lord of your Christmas? Ahaz had plans about how to avoid destruction by the Assyrians. Just when Ahaz had his plans all set, Isaiah told Ahaz to forget his plans and trust in God alone. The Lord even promised a dramatic sign to prove Isaiah's message (Is 7:11). Ahaz refused to ask for the sign, would not even consider changing his plans, and "proved utterly faithless to the Lord" (2 Chr 28:19).
Joseph planned to quietly divorce Mary because she was pregnant and the baby was not his (Mt 1:19). An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him to change his plans. He changed his plans and became the foster-father of Jesus, the husband of Mary, and head of the Holy Family.
The best Christmases are not when we get our way, but when we change our plans so that Jesus gets His way.
Prayer: Father, ruin any plans of mine that are not Yours.
Promise: " 'The virgin shall be with Child and give birth to a Son, and they shall call Him Emmanuel,' a name which means 'God is with us.' " —Mt 1:23
Praise: "O King of all the nations, the only Joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature You fashioned from the dust."
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, 2019 through January 31, 2020.
†Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 2, 2019.
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.