"Even the holy Name of God is being dragged into discourses of death. A world with one heavenly Father vanishes, as in a nightmare. We are met by threats, rather than the invitation to listen and come together. Those who pray are aware of their own limitations; they do not kill or threaten with death. Death enslaves those who have turned their backs on the God, turning themselves and their power into an idol to which they sacrifice every value, demanding that the world bends its knee." Leo XIV
15 December 2019
Christmas: Do Not Be Afraid
“Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy for all. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be the sign— you will find an infant, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those of good will.”
Luke 2:10-14
"Fear not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness."
Let us pray for those whose hearts are hardened against His grace and loving kindness by greed, fear, and pride, and the seductive illusion and crushing isolation of evil.
We pray that we all may experience the three great gifts of our Lord's suffering and triumph: repentance, forgiveness, and thankfulness. And in so doing, may we obtain abundant life, and with it the peace that surpasses all understanding.
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