wanted: stretcher-bearers and roofers
“They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus; but they found no way of getting him through because of the crowd, so they went up on the roof.” —Luke 5:18-19
Many people, even Christians, have been so brainwashed, manipulated, and overwhelmed by the consumerist hype of Christmas that they can’t see the Christ of Christmas because of the crowd of obstructions. Nevertheless, some of these people have not been so enslaved that they are helpless. These people, like Zacchaeus, can climb a tree, see Jesus, and hope for His mercy (see Lk 19:3-4). Others are so trapped that they need special help to see Jesus. Like the paralytic, they need four good friends who have enough love and faith to carry them to Jesus and even to disassemble the roof if necessary (see Lk 5:19).
Ask the Lord whom He wants you to carry to Christmas. Pray for these people daily, repeatedly, for days. After having talked to God about these people, talk to these people about God. Ask the Lord to give you the prophetic words that will remove the roof standing between them and Jesus. After all this prayer and prophecy, lower them to Jesus. Jesus will announce to them: “My friend, your sins are forgiven you” (Lk 5:20). By God’s grace and by your faith, those you’ve been carrying may repent, receive forgiveness, and give their lives to Jesus. Then we will have a real Christmas — new life and the birth of Jesus in our lives.
Prayer: Father, allow me to carry others in my heart until Christ is formed in them.
Promise: “A highway will be there, called the holy way.” —Is 35:8
Praise: James was invited to Christmas Mass by his sister-in-law and he came to believe in Jesus.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Leading Your Loved Ones to Christ, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 42-3 or DVD 42 on our website.)
Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1, 2022, through January 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022
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.