Hannah lived during a time when the people of God were weak in faith, when "a revelation of the Lord was uncommon and vision infrequent" (1 Sm 3:1). She prophesied a spiritual, economic, and social revolution in which "the bows of the mighty are broken, while the tottering gird on strength. The well-fed hire themselves out for bread, while the hungry batten on spoil" (1 Sm 2:4-5). Hannah's prophecy was fulfilled in thirty years when "the whole Israelite population turned to the Lord" (1 Sm 7:2).

Mary lived during a time when the people of God were oppressed by the Roman government. She also prophesied a spiritual, economic, and social revolution in which the Lord "has deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised the lowly to high places. The hungry He has given every good thing, while the rich He has sent empty away" (Lk 1:52-53). Mary's prophecy was more than fulfilled in the death and resurrection of her Son, Jesus.

Pope St. John Paul II lived during a time when many of God's people were weak in faith and oppressed by a culture of death. He prophesied that the Lord would give us a Great Jubilee which would mark a spiritual, economic, and social revolution. His prophecy will be fulfilled if we are "docile to the action of the Holy Spirit" (Toward the Third Millennium, 18). Did that happen in your life and in the world back in the year 2000? If not, make it happen now. Receive the Holy Spirit, the only true Christmas Spirit. Join the revolution.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 10, 2016

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.