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Thursday, December 15, 2022

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Isaiah 54:1-10
Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13
Luke 7:24-30

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looking for love

“What did you go out to see?” —Luke 7:24

Jesus asks the crowds and us: “What, really, did you go out to see — someone dressed luxuriously? Remember, those who dress in luxury and eat in splendor are to be found in” shopping malls, sleighs, and endless TV Christmas specials (see Lk 7:25). The crowds flock to see Santa, searching for glad tidings, good cheer, and perhaps, somehow, a measure of love.

Today, the Church proclaims to the searching crowds that good news and love are available in Jesus. He loves you “with enduring love” (Is 54:8). He has “sworn not to be angry with you, or to rebuke you” (Is 54:9). He assures you: “Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken, My love shall never leave you nor My covenant of peace be shaken, says the Lord, Who has mercy on you” (Is 54:10).

Be like the wise men (Mt 2:11). They traveled a long distance, at great inconvenience and expense, until they found the Lord. They went out to see the Christ Child, and they found Love beyond all telling. Be like the bride in the Song of Songs. She spent her days and nights searching for the One Whom she loved (Sg 3:1-3). Seek the Lord and He will be found (Jer 29:13-14; Is 55:6). Look for Love, and He will find you.

Prayer:  Father, may I look to You for love, not to the world.

Promise:  “I assure you, there is no man born of woman greater than John. Yet the least born into the kingdom of God is greater than he.” —Lk 7:28

Praise:  Out of love for the Good Shepherd, Jacob, a veterinarian, frequently performs services for little or no charge for ranchers and farmers who are struggling financially.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(As the New Year approaches, don’t forget the Lord in your resolutions. Plan to spend time at our retreat center in beautiful Adams County, Ohio. Visit our website www.presentationministries.com for upcoming retreats or consider a silent retreat.)

Rescript:  In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1, 2022, through January 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.