a completed pass?
"He meant to pass them by." —Mark 6:48
Are you rowing against the wind in the middle of the night? (see Mk 6:48) You need Jesus to pass by. When Jesus comes by, the wind dies down (see Mk 6:51). Jesus' presence makes all the difference in the world.
The best Christmas presents are His presence: Jesus' full, substantial presence in the Eucharist. A deeper faith in Jesus' eucharistic presence at Mass is the present after which this season is named, "Christmas."
The Lord is also present in His word. The teachings of the Church, particularly the Bible, are truly the word of God expressing the presence of God.
The Lord promised His heightened presence "where two or three are gathered" together in His name (Mt 18:20). When we gather as brothers and sisters in Christian community, we are living as the body of Christ and are experiencing His bodily presence in the Church.
Jesus is passing by. His presents of presence have been given again this Christmas season. By faith, open yourself, your family, work, and problems to His presence. Open your presence in these last days of Christmas.
Prayer: Father, come by here.
Promise: "God is Love, and He who abides in Love abides in God, and God in him." —1 Jn 4:16
Praise: St. Raymond worked zealously for the conversion of Jews and Muslims.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Eucharistic Obedience on audio AV 73-1 or video V-73.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert A. Stricker, June 23, 2003
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 26, 2003