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Wednesday, December 20, 2000

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Isaiah 7:10-14
Psalm 24
Luke 1:26-38

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"rejoice" the lord always

"Is it not enough for you to weary men, must you also weary my God?" —Isaiah 7:13

Before writing this, I sat at two airports for several hours as my flights were canceled and/or delayed. I was very weary. Then I read Isaiah 7:13. In a manner of speaking, I weary God when I:

  • complain and whine about my own weariness,
  • refuse to "walk by faith" (see 2 Cor 5:7),
  • sin,
  • disobey the Lord,
  • do my own thing,
  • refuse to forgive,
  • refuse to repent,
  • gossip,
  • waste the time the Lord has given me, and
  • live in selfishness.

Those who sin like Ahaz and Zechariah (see Lk 1:20) weary the Lord. Those who have faith like that of Mary give the Lord reason to rejoice over them with gladness and to sing joyfully because of them (Zep 3:17).

Men and women of faith, "rejoice" the Lord always. "I say it again. Rejoice!" (Phil 4:4)

Prayer:  Jesus, You are my Joy. May I always be Your joy.

Promise:  "I am the slave of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word." —Lk 1:38, our transl.

Praise:  "O Key of David, lead Your captive people into freedom."

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, July 15, 2000


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 17, 2000