< <  

Monday, January 6, 1997

  > >

Bl. André Bessette


1 John 3:22—4:6
Psalm 2
Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

View Readings
Similar Reflections

open all your presents

"Ask of Me and I will give you the nations for an inheritance and the ends of the earth for your possession." —Psalm 2:8

Today, much of the world celebrates the highlight of the Christmas season, the solemn feast of the Epiphany. Even those who celebrated Epiphany yesterday will continue to be graced in a special way today. "Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on man what God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Cor 2:9). "This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it" (Ps 118:24). The Lord will express His love for us in amazing ways today:

  • Today, "a people living in darkness" will see "a great light" (Mt 4:16).
  • Today, "on those who inhabit a land overshadowed by death, light" will arise (Mt 4:16).
  • Today, Jesus will cure "the people of every disease and illness" (Mt 4:23).
  • Today, "those afflicted with various diseases and racked with pain: the possessed, the lunatics, the paralyzed" will be cured by Jesus (Mt 4:24).

Although we join the wise men at the first Epiphany in giving everything to Jesus, we will never out- give God. Today, Jesus gives us Christmas presents that only He can give. Do you believe this? Will you open your presents, all of them, including the ones so great you don't understand them? "Reform your lives" (Mt 4:17), and accept God's love today.

Prayer:  Father, give me expectant, repentant, and crucified faith.

Promise:  "For there is One greater in you than there is in the world." —1 Jn 4:4

Praise:  André turned his healing ministry over to St. Joseph. People came from all over the world to be healed by the "Miracle Man of Montreal."

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