19 Dec
Fri
3rd Weed of Advent
Jdg. 13:2-7,24-25a
Ps. 71(70):3-4a,5-6ab,16-17
Lk. 1:5-25
(Ps Wk III)
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Psalm 71, like quite a number of other Old Testament passages affirms that God is our rock of refuge, a stronghold, a fortress, and then, further on, the Psalmist affirms that the Lord is his hope. Images of strongholds and fortresses are a reminder that our human life is a warfare (Job 7:1): we must fight against the evil of the world, especially when it touches us personally and threatens the integrity and well-being of our spiritual lives. Hence it is not uncommon in spiritual writings to come across the concept of "spiritual warfare". At the same time we are encouraged that we are fighting for God and it is he who gives us victory, just as he keeps us safe by being our stronghold and so is our hope. If by chance we have to run from our enemy the devil, in God we find our refuge. We fight our spiritual battles with the arms of faith, hope and love.




Father in heaven, the birth of your Son, Jesus our Lord, is the beginning of our victory over evil, for he has struggled with us unto death and the victory of the Resurrection. In Your love for us, we are blessed in being able to face our struggles with hope and to be faithful in all things.




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 the birth of the Redeemer may bring peace and hope to all people of good will.
Elaboration

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