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Tuesday, December 4, 2007

St. John Damascus & Icons



St. John was born in Damascus, Syria in the 7th century. He was educated by a captured Italian monk and by Muslim schools. He later became a monk and a priest in a monastery near Jerusalem. He successfully defended the use of icons! That is why I am using this icon of Our Lady of Advent today in my blog. John died in 740 and was made a doctor of the Church in 1890.

In today's Gospel, Luke has Jesus rejoicing in the Holy Spirit. He praises his Father. Is this the way I am to rejoice in the Holy Spirit? By thanking and praising God? The Gospel today has some deep theology: "No one knows who the Son is except the Father and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the son wishes to reveal him."

Jesus came to reveal the Father to us; he revealed a God of love, a merciful, forgiving God. He sent his only Son to save us. Jesus is made flesh and dwells among us! Let us rejoice!

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