Like Samson and John, every Christian has had a miraculous birth. We have been born again of water and the Spirit and have entered the kingdom of God (Jn 3:5). After "the baptism of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" (Ti 3:5), are we "to end in the flesh?" (Gal 3:3) We must "put to death" whatever in our nature "is rooted in earth" (Col 3:5). Both Samson and John the Baptizer were nazarites, "consecrated to God from the womb" (Jgs 13:5). Neither they nor their mothers took wine or strong drink, and they ate nothing unclean (Jgs 13:4).
As we prepare for Christ's coming, we too must consecrate ourselves to the Lord. This should not be superficial but expressed through the practical details of our everyday lives. The Lord commands: "Become holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, after the likeness of the holy One Who called you" (1 Pt 1:15).
We have only six more repenting days till Christmas. We must repent of anything in our lives not in accord with total consecration to the Lord. Let's go to Confession one more time before Christmas. At the consecration of Mass on Christmas day, we must know in our hearts that we are totally consecrated to the Lord.
| PRAYER: | Jesus, I give You myself as my birthday present to You. |
| PROMISE: | "In these days the Lord is acting on my behalf; He has seen fit to remove my reproach among men." –Lk 1:25 |
| PRAISE: | "O Flower of Jesse's stem, You have been raised up as a Sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in Your presence; the nations bow down in worship before You. Come, let nothing keep You from coming to our aid." |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College