Page 7 - Nihil Obstat News Today

dying to live “He named twelve as His companions whom He would send to preach the good news; they were likewise to have authority to expel demons.” —Mark 3:14-15 This week we are involved in a series of celebrations of those who suffered bloody martyrdoms for Jesus. Saints Fabian, Sebastian, Agnes, and Vincent followed in Jesus’ footsteps, choosing to be killed rather than kill. Today we also recall the most disastrous judicial decision in American history, the legalizing of abortion in...

anniversary of shame “Jesus has obtained a more excellent ministry now, just as He is Mediator of a better covenant, founded on better promises.” —Hebrews 8:6 Tomorrow marks the 48th anniversary of the tragic Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in the U.S. On this day a law was enacted that turned our nation into a cemetery, that turned the wombs of mothers into the tombs of babies. However, we have hope. Jesus “is always able to save those who approach God through Him, since He ...

sleepy head “Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the Lord where the ark of God was.” —1 Samuel 3:3 Will you sleep through 2021 or will you wake up and answer God’s call? Many people, even religious people, will tell you to “go back to sleep” (1 Sm 3:5, 6). Instead, you should turn to God and say: “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening” (1 Sm 3:9). 2021 can be the greatest year of your life. “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on man what G...

the approachable for the untouchable “A leper approached Him with a request.” —Mark 1:40 Lepers were obliged by the law to stay away from people so as not to spread leprosy. Lepers had to live in isolated places and warn anyone who unknowingly got near them that they were unclean (Lv 13:45). The leper of today’s Gospel does just the opposite; he approaches Jesus. Jesus also does the unthinkable by stretching out His hand and touching the leper (Mk 1:41). Jesus is approachable no matter ...

the human sponge “Jesus likewise had a full share in ours.” —Hebrews 2:14 Jesus had a full share in our human condition. This is a shocking reality. As St. Paul writes, Jesus, Who did not know sin, was made to be sin (2 Cor 5:21). He did not sin, but He took on our sinful condition. Jesus “was tempted in every way that we are, yet never sinned” (Heb 4:15), which teaches that He was tempted to murder, commit sexual sin, gossip, hold a grudge, curse, hate, etc. Although Jesus never sinn...

“complete in christ” (col 1:28) “In subjecting all things to Him, God left nothing unsubjected. At present we do not see all things thus subject, but we do see Jesus crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death.” —Hebrews 2:8-9 The more complete our relationship with Jesus, the better our lives. If we don’t believe in Jesus as God, we have missed out on life (1 Jn 5:12). If we haven’t let ourselves experience Jesus as man, we lose out on love. If we know Jesus as Healer ...

the gift of self “Then they opened their coffers and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” —Matthew 2:11 For most of the world, today’s feast of Epiphany is the most important day of the Christmas season. It’s the day when many people exchange gifts and imitate the wise men who gave gifts to Jesus. Today the Lord is calling us to give Jesus the present of ourselves, to prostrate ourselves before Him and do Him homage (Mt 2:11). Like the wise men, we should expres...

the end “Children, it is the final hour.” —1 John 2:18 On this last day of the year, you may look back on 2020 and see that many antichrists have appeared (1 Jn 2:18). It may have been a very difficult year. However, tough years need not be bad years. Even the most “impossible” year can be good. Even the most sinful year can be turned to the good by repentance, forgiveness, and total commitment to Jesus. “All’s well that ends well.” End this year by accepting God’s grace. Even...

innocence of the innocents “A cry was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation: Rachel bewailing her children; no comfort for her, since they are no more.” ––Matthew 2:18 As I sit writing, a glorious spring day beckons from outside my window. Earlier, a cardinal pierced the sun-drenched day with his distinctive song. New life is in the air. This scene contrasts starkly with today’s winter feast day honoring the Holy Innocents. We just celebrated the glorious Nativity.  God became...

the time of fulfillment “Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, uttered this prophecy...” —Luke 1:67 On this Christmas Eve, we stand at the threshold of the fulfillment of amazing prophecies. We may have been waiting for months or years for this, and this Christmas season will be the awaited time. Most of these prophetic promises of God may seem no closer to being fulfilled now than they have been for years. Some of these revelations you can hardly remember. It’s been so lon...