let me see your i. d.
“No one who denies the Son has the Father, but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well.” —1 John 2:23
When John the Baptist was asked: “Who are you?” (Jn 1:19), he identified himself according to his relationship to Christ (see Jn 1:23ff). We too are frequently questioned concerning our identity. People say or at least think: “Who do you think you are?” or “Who are you to tell me what to do?” Like John, we should identify ourselves according to our relationship to Christ. We should see ourselves first of all as “Christians,” disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our heritage, marriage, occupation, wealth, or fame are not nearly so important as the fact that we as Christians have been baptized into Christ.
Therefore:
- Live always and fully your Baptism into Christ.
- Fix your eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:2).
- “Know nothing...except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Cor 2:2).
- Speak clearly, unequivocally, and increasingly of Jesus Christ (Church in America, Pope St. John Paul II, 66-67).
- Acknowledge Jesus publicly (Mt 10:32) and never give Jesus the “silent treatment” (see Lk 22:57ff).
Fill your life, family, church, neighborhood, and city with the proclamation of the name Jesus.
Prayer: Father, make this the year of Jesus in my life.
Promise: “This is the promise that He made us: eternal life.” —1 Jn 2:25, RNAB
Praise: Would you like to learn about St. Gregory Nazianzen’s family tree? St. Gregory the Elder (father), St. Nonna (mother), St. Caesarius (brother) and St. Gorgonia (sister) are all canonized saints!
Reference:
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from December 1, 2020 through January 31, 2021. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 14, 2020"
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.