Daily Reading & Meditation
Friday (12/26) "The one who endures to the end will be saved"
Scripture: Matthew 10:17-22
17 Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; 22 and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.
Meditation: What is the connection between Bethlehem and Calvary – the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and his passion and death on a cross? The very reason the Son of God took on flesh and became a man for our sake was to redeem us from slavery to sin and death and to give us new life as the adopted children of God. The way to glory in the kingdom of God is through the cross. If we want to share in Jesus' glory, then we, too, must take up our cross each day and follow in his footsteps. Jesus never hesitated to tell his disciples what they might expect if they followed him. Here Jesus says to his disciples: This is my task for you at its grimmest and worst; do you accept it? This is not the world's way of offering a job. After the defeat at Dunkirk, Churchill offered his country blood, toil, sweat, and tears. This is not the message we prefer to hear when the Lord commissions us in his service. Nonetheless, our privilege is to follow in the footsteps of the Master who laid down his life for us. The Lord gives us sufficient grace to follow him and to bear our cross with courage and hope. Do you know the joy and victory of the cross of Jesus Christ?
"Lord Jesus, your coming in the flesh to ransom us from slavery to sin gives us cause for great rejoicing even in the midst of trials and pain. Help me to patiently and joyfully accept the hardships, adversities, and persecution which come my way in serving you. Strengthen my faith and give me courage that I may not shrink back from doing your will".
Psalm 31:3-8,17-21
3 Yea, thou art my rock and my fortress; for thy name's sake lead me and guide me,
4 take me out of the net which is hidden for me, for thou art my refuge.
5 Into thy hand I commit my spirit; thou hast redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.
6 Thou hatest those who pay regard to vain idols; but I trust in the LORD.
7 I will rejoice and be glad for thy steadfast love, because thou hast seen my affliction, thou hast taken heed of my adversities,
8 and hast not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; thou hast set my feet in a broad place.
17 Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I call on thee; let the wicked be put to shame, let them go dumbfounded to Sheol.
18 Let the lying lips be dumb, which speak insolently against the righteous in pride and contempt.
19 O how abundant is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for those who fear thee, and wrought for those who take refuge in thee, in the sight of the sons of men!
20 In the covert of thy presence thou hidest them from the plots of men; thou holdest them safe under thy shelter from the strife of tongues.
21 Blessed be the LORD, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was beset as in a besieged city.
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(c) 2008 Don Schwager
Advent Prayer & Christmas Blessing
Written by: Rev. Leo E. Patalinghug STL - 2008
Our season of waiting can bring a true change
that kings cannot do despite a lofty plan.
For God’s plans are different and to us it seems strange
that He will save us from within – our God became man.
His Word will take flesh and dwell in our being,
and His Body will change into bread beyond words.
All His efforts are seen when from sins He is freeing
and His plea to conversion is the cry unborn – have you heard?
He, our God, is the only source of hope.
Others cannot promise what belongs to God alone.
It is God’s strength that provides when life is hard to cope.
His Laws can change our broken hearts turned to stone.
So welcome this season of joyful waiting,
for He graces us with Himself – the gift beyond price.
His laws bring peace to nations in fear and hating.
Only He is our leader: Mary’s Son, Jesus Christ!
When Christmas is seen as an expression of faith
that cannot be wrapped or paid with a debt,
Then we shall see how invisible grace
can be touched and received as the Three Kings humbly met.
May Mary’s prayers and the songs of angels bring
a joy beyond words and change of heart in you.
The dark nights become brighter. Alleluia we can sing!
For our days are blessed in God, and His promise is true.
Will our life of holiness and grace be ours to come?
Why wait for tomorrow what we can receive today?
As long as we know where Hope really comes from:
The Babe in Bethlehem points to Truth, Life and the Way!
In this most Holy season, I pray that you and your family experience the prayers of the Blessed Mother, the fellowship of the Saints, and the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ! May you have a prayerful Advent, a Holy Christmas, and a blessed New Year to come! Please stay in touch through my website and especially through prayers.
Rev. Leo E. Patalinghug, STL
www.gracebeforemeals.com
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