The message: God reveals Himself by means of His word and brings it through the servants He sends, so that people may believe in Him. Indeed, the Word of God is Word of Truth, according to what it is written: « For in him every one of God’s promises is a ‘Yes.’ For this reason it is through him that we say the
‘Amen,’ to the glory of God » 2 Cor 1:20. The work of the Word of God overflows, because of the fullness of its power; in fact, it is by It that all things exist, it is It that makes them remain, it is It that renews them, and it is It that makes them disappear. For Jesus declares: « Heaven and earth will pass away, but my
words will not pass away » Mt 24:35. This statement by the apostle John lays the true foundation for the nature and power of this Word: « In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people » Jn 1:1-4. Thus, there is nothing that the Word of God cannot do, according to the declaration of the angel Gabriel to Mary: « Every word of God will be fulfilled » Lk 1:37 (free translation), which is for us a most precious gift. In the same way, there is nothing that is not known by the divine Word, because « the word of God is living and active and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart » Heb 4:12. But the most important and amazing thing is that the Word of God brings salvation to us sinful human beings. For It offers forgiveness of sins for our redemption, and trust in God’s love for our salvation. This was accomplished through Jesus Christ, the Messiah of God, who took our human form and manifested Himself to us, as the Word made flesh who dwelt among us (Jn 1:14a). He is also the Surety of our perfection, the High Priest who intercedes for us in these words: « Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth » Jn 17:17. The Word of God testifies of Him; believe therefore in His word, the word of eternal life (Jn 5:24).
Monday, 23rd: God reveals Himself, to fulfil His word.
« I am going to bring it recovery and healing; I will heal » Jer 33:6a,b.
Reading 1: Mt 11:1-6. Reading 2: Jer 33:6-9. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Jer 33:6.
Introduction: The revelation of God is the guarantee and the sign of the fulfillment of His word. It was accomplished at the time of the coming of Jesus on earth, bringing the healing of the disabilities, the diseases, and the wounds of human lives (Mt 8:16), which are the consequences of sin and the works of darkness. He still speaks to us by saying: « What do you want me to do for you? » Mar 10:51. For « I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son » Jn 14:13.
Tuesday, 24th: Jesus reveals Himself, delivering the Word of God.
« They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority […] » Mar 1:22.
Reading 1: Acts 4:5-12. Reading 2: Mar 1:21-26. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Mar 1:21-22.
Introduction: Jesus spoke and still speaks as having real authority, because He speaks the Word of God, which comes from above (Jn 3:31), word of truth (Jn 17:17), destined to be believed and obeyed. His word has power, since He was anointed to preach it, according to His words: « The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor (Isa 61:1a) » Lk 4:18a. His words are worthy of belief, for it is the « Spirit of truth » that is in Him (Jn 16:13).
Wednesday, 25th: Jesus reveals Himself, healing by His word.
« He said to her: […] Go in peace, and be healed of your disease » Mar 5:34.
Reading 1: Isa 53:4-6. Reading 2: Mar 5:25-34. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Mar 5:34.
Introduction: As Jesus has all authority to dictate the forgiveness of sinners (Mt 9:2b ), He also has full power to heal the sick of all their ills, diseases, and sufferings. It is a « perfect » salvation that His word brings: therefore, do not keep your diseases, do not accept to be enslaved by your infirmities, nor to be bound by sin, nor to bear demonic afflictions. Jesus said: « Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest » Mt 11:28, that is to say a total healing.
Thursday, 26th: Jesus reveals Himself, raising the dead by His word.
« I say to you, get up! » Mar 5:41b.
Reading 1: Jn 11:17-27. Reading 2: Mar 5:35-43. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Mar 5:41-42.
Introduction: God is the God of the living and not of the dead (Mt 22:32). If Jesus came on earth, it is to bring and give life to men, a life in abundance (Jn 10:10), like « rivers of living water which would flow from their heart » (Jn 7:38). He is the Giver of life and loves above all to share it; that is why He says to His disciples and to all those who believe in Him: « Because I live, you also will live » Jn 14:19b. He lives forever
(Rev 1:18) and declares: « Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life » Jn 3:36a.
Friday, 27th: Jesus reveals Himself, preaching salvation for the whole world.
« For we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world » Jn 4:42b.
Reading 1: Isa 49:5-6. Reading: Jn 4:27-42. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Jn 4:40-42.
Introduction: The reason why Jesus came and revealed Himself to the world, the meaning of all His works, is to preach salvation for all men. It is also for this reason that He sent His Holy Spirit and all His servants as witnesses to reveal Him and do His work (Jn 15:26-27;14:12). Indeed, Jesus said: « When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify, because you have been with me from the beginning » Jn 15:26-27.
Saturday, 28th: Jesus speaks: it is received by faith.
« Only speak the word, and my servant will be healed » Mt 8:8b.
Reading 1: Heb 11:1-10. Reading 2: Mt 8:5-10. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Mt 8:7-8.
Introduction: « Living and effective » is the word of God (Heb 4:12); it acts powerfully when it is received by faith, because « without faith it is impossible to please him » Heb 11:6a. This is how we inherit eternal life. The apostle Peter affirmed: « You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God » 1 Pet 1:23. And Jesus to say urgently: « Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away » Mt 24:35.
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