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Monday, January 7, 2002

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St. Raymond of Penyafort


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

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christmas prayers are seeds

"We will receive at His hands whatever we ask." —1 John 3:22

The great events at the end of this year will be prepared for by the simple prayers of faith at the beginning of this year. So let us begin the year walking by faith and prayer, and not by sight (see 2 Cor 5:7). The prayers of the Christmas season are seeds that will result in a great harvest later in the year. Therefore, let us sow bountifully so as to reap bountifully (see 2 Cor 9:6).

"The fervent petition of a holy man is powerful indeed" (Jas 5:16). Jesus promised: "I solemnly assure you, the man who has faith in Me will do the works I do, and greater far than these. Why? Because I go to the Father, and whatever you ask in My name I will do" (Jn 14:12-13). Therefore, let us pray always and not lose heart (Lk 18:1). St. John Chrysostom exclaimed: "Nothing is equal to prayer; for what is impossible it makes possible, what is difficult, easy" (Catechism, 2744). It is a privilege, power, and joy to pray. In the Holy Spirit, let us devote ourselves to prayer (Acts 2:42; Jude 20) to the Father, with Jesus, the great Intercessor (Heb 7:25). Pray!

Prayer:  Father, in this Christmas season, may I pray as never before.

Promise:  "A people living in darkness has seen a great light. On those who inhabit a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen." —Mt 4:16

Praise:  St. Raymond had such a charism of goodness and kindness that many sinners were drawn to Christ and to repentance through his love.

Reference:  (For related teaching, order our leaflet, Ten Commandments of Intercession, or our tape on Intercession, on video, a two-tape series starting with V15-A.)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, May 30, 2001


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 4, 2001