5 Jan
Sat
Weekday of Christmas
Saint John Neumann, Bishop
1 Jn. 3:11-21
Ps. 99(100): 2,3,4,5
Jn. 1:43-51
(Ps Wk II)
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John was correct - the commandment that we have received from God for as long as humans have been on earth is to love one another. Love does not mean romance, warm feelings, or preference for one over another, but a willingness to lay down our life for others. The greatest example of this sort of love was the life and death of Jesus. When we love others in practical and concrete ways - tending to their needs, shouldering their burdens, and offering encouragement - we have already passed from death to life and we walk with God. Love is the only law that we are given from God and it must never be broken. Each day presents us with countless simple and quiet ways of expressing love in action.

Nathaniel was not easily impressed and he could not believe that the Messiah could come from Nazareth. He soon changed his mind and proclaimed Jesus with many titles, but it was Jesus' turn not to be impressed. Basically, he said, 'This is nothing - the best is yet to come!' The angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man signifies that heaven and earth have been joined. Just as Jesus has access to heaven and the realm of God the Father, so do we. Jesus shares all that he has received with those who believe and walk in his ways. We need not feel that God is distant; God walks with us and dwells within us - we are never alone.



Lord, teach me to love.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Elaboration

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