stronger than the strong man (lk 11:22)
“He gives strength to the fainting; for the weak He makes vigor abound. Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall, they that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings.” —Isaiah 40:29-31
Samson was so strong that he pushed over two structural columns of a Philistine temple, thereby killing several thousand of His enemies (Jgs 16:27ff). St. Paul was so strong that he survived five scourgings of thirty-nine lashes each time (2 Cor 11:24). Many men have died before the thirty-ninth lash of just one scourging. Paul and Samson had supernatural strength.
We also need this kind of strength. It takes supernatural strength to care for the needs of all the children God wills to give a married couple. Without expecting supernatural strength, a couple may give in to the temptation to plan their own family, rebel against God’s will, and refuse to cooperate with God in creating a human person. In the same way, unless we plan to receive supernatural strength, we will unnecessarily turn down many opportunities to love, evangelize, and serve. However, when we know God promises us humanly impossible strength, we will be open to answering humanly impossible calls.
For a true Christmas, we need supernatural strength. Look at Mary traveling to Bethlehem while about to have a baby. Look at the wise men following the star and undergoing, for many months, the rigors of travel in ancient times. “Look to the Lord in His strength” (Ps 105:4). Ask the Lord for supernatural strength. “Do whatever He tells you” (Jn 2:5). Have a true Christmas.
Prayer: Jesus, in You I have strength for everything (Phil 4:13).
Promise: “Take My yoke upon your shoulders and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart.” —Mt 11:29
Praise: Pope St. John Paul II said, “Loreto is the first church on which shone the light of the maternity of the Mother of God.”
Reference:
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, 2025, through January 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 7, 2025"
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.