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Sunday, December 4, 2016

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Second Sunday of Advent


Isaiah 11:1-10
Romans 15:4-9
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
Matthew 3:1-12

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the advent of the holy spirit

"The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him." —Isaiah 11:2

Imagine a world without violence, injustice, tragedy, "harm or ruin" (Is 11:9). Imagine a world where everyone knows the Lord deeply and lives and loves accordingly (see Is 11:9). This is the kind of world that the Holy Spirit is re-creating at this very moment (Ps 104:30).

Get out of the "culture of death" (Pope St. John Paul II). Be a part of the "new civilization of love" (Blessed Pope Paul VI). Renew your Baptism and Confirmation. Be immersed in the Holy Spirit and fire (Mt 3:11). May the Spirit of the Lord rest upon you: "a Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a Spirit of counsel and of strength, a Spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord" (Is 11:2).

Therefore, receive the Holy Spirit as never before. Receive a new and greatest Pentecost. Receive the only true Christmas Spirit: the Holy Spirit. This Advent, go into the upper room and remain there until you are immersed in the Holy Spirit and in fire (see Acts 1:13). Come, Holy Spirit!

Prayer:  "May God, the Source of all patience and encouragement, enable you to live in perfect harmony with one another according to the Spirit of Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and voice you may glorify God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rm 15:5-6).

Promise:  "Justice shall flower in His days, and profound peace." —Ps 72:7

Praise:  Alleluia! Praise the risen Jesus, Who baptizes us in the Holy Spirit!

Reference:  (For a related teaching on Seek the Gifts of the Spirit, order, view or download our leaflet or order, listen to, or download our CD 3A-1 or DVD 3A on our website or order our tape on audio AV 3A-1 or video V 3A.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 10, 2016

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