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Wednesday, December 4, 1996

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St. John Damascene


Isaiah 25:6-10
Psalm 23
Matthew 15:29-37

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not much, but all

Jesus "took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks He broke them and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. All ate until they were full." —Matthew 15:36-37

Because Jesus is the same today as yesterday (Heb 13:8), this Christmas season will be a mountain-top experience. "The Lord of hosts will provide for all peoples" a great feast (Is 25:6). The result of this Christmas season will be "great astonishment" as we behold "the mute speaking, the deformed made sound, cripples walking about, and the blind seeing" (Mt 15:31). "The Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces; the reproach of His people He will remove from the whole earth" (Is 25:8).

During this Advent, we must decide to give our "all" to the Lord. We must love Him with all our hearts (Mt 22:37) and for our entire lives into eternity. Even if we don't have much to offer, we do have all to offer, and the Lord doesn't want our much but our all. The Lord Jesus will take our little acts of love this Advent and multiply them to feed the masses during this Christmas season, in the new year, and beyond.

Beginning this Advent, give your "all" to Jesus. You will be astonished what He will do with it this Christmas, as He makes much out of our little all.

Prayer:  Father, thank You for accepting my little "all."

Promise:  "On this mountain He will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web that is woven over all nations; He will destroy death forever." —Is 25:7-8

Praise:  John encouraged the display of religious artwork such as icons. He recognized the prophetic power in these icons to change men's hearts.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, June 20, 1996


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 26, 1996