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Thursday, December 5, 1996

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Isaiah 26:1-6
Psalm 118
Matthew 7:21, 24-27

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in god we trust?

"Trust in the Lord forever! For the Lord is an eternal Rock." —Isaiah 26:4

Whoever thought of putting the phrase "In God we trust" on our money was very smart because "a nation of firm purpose" God keeps "in peace; in peace, for its trust" in Him (Is 26:3). A nation which trusts in God is promised peace if it is a nation of firm purpose, that is, if it is "a nation that is just, one that keeps faith" (Is 26:2).

Will the United States ever be ravaged in a military or other kind of war? Will we ever be tumbled "to the ground" and leveled "with the dust"? (Is 26:5) The United States has a bright future if the words on our money are truth rather than hypocrisy. Otherwise, our country, like hundreds of other countries in history, will collapse and be "completely ruined" (Mt 7:27).

Why does the Church bring this up as we begin Advent? As Advent goes, so goes Christmas. As Christmas goes, so goes the new year. As years go, so go our lives. As our lives go, so go our countries and the world. After we have prepared the way of the Lord this Advent, we can meet the Christ of Christmas. Our love for Him and trust in Him will change our lives, families, countries, and the world. This Advent will either be a great or a missed opportunity. Prepare the way of the Lord! (Lk 3:4)

Prayer:  Father, depose "the mighty from their thrones" and raise "the lowly to high places" (Lk 1:52).

Promise:  "Anyone who hears My words and puts them into practice is like the wise man who built his house on rock." —Mt 7:24

Praise:  Robert campaigned as 100% pro-life and won against the long-term incumbent.

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