Tagged: verse for the day

“Love, then, consists in this: not that we have loved God, but that He has loved us and has sent His Son as an offering for our sins.” –1 John 4:10 God loved the world so much (see Jn 3:16) that He: created us, became a man, died on the cross for us, rose from the dead for us, offers us a share in His divine nature through Baptism (2 Pt 1:4), forgives all our sins, makes it possible for us to be His sons and daughters, invites us to be members of His Body, the Church, wants us to...

“A people living in darkness has seen a great light.” –Matthew 4:16 Throughout much of the world, the highlight of the Christmas season is the feast of the Epiphany. The purpose of each person’s life is to follow the star, find Jesus, give Him the gift of our life, worship Him, and manifest the light of Christ to the ends of the earth (see Mt 2:10ff). Then the prophecy will be fulfilled: “A people living in darkness has seen a great light. On those who inhabit a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen” (Mt 4:16). Therefore, let us follow:...

“They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house, found the Child with Mary His mother.” –Matthew 2:10-11 The wise men found the infant Jesus in a house some days after Jesus had been born in a stable. Their coming may have occurred around the days of Jesus’ Presentation in the Temple forty days after His birth when Simeon prophesied that Jesus was both “a revealing Light to the Gentiles” and “a Sign of contradiction” (Lk 2:32, 34, our transl). Possibly the wise men were wise because they did not contradict Jesus, a Sign of contradiction. Because...

“That we have passed from death to life we know because we love the brothers. The man who does not love is among the living dead.” –1 John 3:14 The Christmas scene is a picture of utter rejection. Why is this Baby being born in a stable? Doesn’t anyone care? Even if there’s no room in the inn, there must be room in someone’s heart. Mary was obviously pregnant and going into labor. Didn’t anyone care? From the very beginning, the Christ Child is a sign of contradiction (Lk 2:34). “To His own He came, yet His own did not...

“Where do You stay?” –John 1:38 Two disciples of St. John the Baptist were following Jesus, but at a distance. This is often the way Christians follow Jesus. We try to do God’s will for the most part, but intentionally keep Jesus more than “arm’s length” away. We don’t let Him get close to us. However, Jesus will turn around and challenge us by asking: “What are you looking for?” (Jn 1:38) If we truthfully answer Jesus’ question, we may have to say that we’re looking for blessings, security, or peace of mind, although we should say we’re looking for...