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Friday, December 13, 1996

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St. Lucy


Isaiah 48:17-19
Psalm 1
Matthew 11:16-19

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ego-maniacs

"They are like children squatting in the town squares, calling to their playmates: 'We piped you a tune but you did not dance! We sang you a dirge but you did not wail!' " —Matthew 11:16- 17

The people of Jesus' time were not that interested in dancing or mourning, fasting or feasting (Mt 11:17-19). They were for and against all of the above. The only issue that concerned them was whether or not they would be in charge, in control. In the same way, some people aren't that interested in being liberal or conservative, as long as they are the head liberal or head conservative. As long as they are calling the shots, they don't care what shots they call. These kind of people believe religiously in obedience, but only for everyone but themselves, even for God. These people are more than selfish. They are ego-maniacs and self-idolators. They are trying to be God.

Do the sinful disobediences in your life indicate you are weak and selfish, or do they indicate something even more serious? Are your sins due to the lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh, or are they due to the worst possible cause, the pride of life? (see 1 Jn 2:16, KJV) If you are trying to be God, you are following in the footsteps of Satan and Eve (see Rv 12:7; Gn 3:5). You are on the way to hell unless you dethrone yourself. Repent now. Christmas is not for asserting our ego and controlling others. Rather, Christmas is for humbling ourselves before Christ.

Prayer:  Father, dethrone me so I can enthrone Christ in my life.

Promise:  "I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go." —Is 48:17

Praise:  Lucy refused to renounce Jesus, and was condemned to die in a house of prostitution. Jesus made her immovable, such that even a team of oxen was unable to drag her to the brothel.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, June 20, 1996


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 26, 1996