Whoever thought of putting the phrase "In God we trust" on our money was very smart because "a nation of firm purpose" God keeps "in peace; in peace, for its trust" in Him (Is 26:3). A nation which trusts in God is promised peace if it is a nation of firm purpose, that is, if it is "a nation that is just, one that keeps faith" (Is 26:2).
Will the United States ever be ravaged in a military war or other kind of conflict? Will we ever be tumbled "to the ground" and leveled "with the dust"? (Is 26:5) The United States has a bright future if the words on our money are truth rather than hypocrisy. Otherwise, our country, like hundreds of other nations in history, will collapse and be "completely ruined" (Mt 7:27).
Why does the Church bring this up as we begin Advent? As Advent goes, so goes Christmas. As Christmas goes, so goes the new year. As years go, so go our lives. As our lives go, so go our nations and the world. After we have prepared the way of the Lord this Advent, we can meet the Christ of Christmas. Our love for Him and trust in Him will change our lives, families, countries, and the world. This Advent will either be a great opportunity or one that is missed. Prepare the way of the Lord! (Lk 3:4)
| PRAYER: | Father, depose "the mighty from their thrones" and raise "the lowly to high places" (Lk 1:52). |
| PROMISE: | "Anyone who hears My words and puts them into practice is like the wise man who built his house on rock." –Mt 7:24 |
| PRAISE: | John was healed of back pain on St. Nicholas Day. |
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