December 15, 2019

December 14, 2019

Reflections from Today’s Gospel to Last the Week
On this Gaudete Sunday, we rejoice for the Lord’s coming is ever near. Perhaps the following questions may serve as a meaningful way to prepare for the Lord’s coming.
The messages are from John the Baptist (Matthew 11:2-11)
“Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” (Matt 11.3)

This question that John’s disciples ask might remind us of children asking, “Is that the real Santa?” What makes YOU believe that Jesus is real? Do you recognize belief as a gift? Have you thanked God (frequently) for the gift of faith?
Is there someone who you know is as uncertain as John’s disciple? Do you recognize the need to talk with them?
Are you unintentionally “looking for another” in the ways you live your life? What things do you seek more than God? Do you recognize the need to realign your priorities?

“Go and tell John what you hear and see; the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them” (Matt 11.4-5)

Are your eyes open to see the miracles that are taking place around you? What miracles have you received in your life this year? Have you shown gratitude to God for His goodness to you?
The Lord’s physical healings are signs of the Lord’s great spiritual healings in our lives that Jesus offers to all. What needs to be healed in your life right now? Have you approached Jesus about this? Are you praying for healing in our diocese, the Church worldwide, our nation?
Our world continues to hunger for miracles, but it is each of us that must help the blind to see, the lame to walk.
Is there a donation you can make this Christmas that could help someone to be healed? Ask God what miracle He is calling you to be a part of this Christmas.

“And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me” (Matt 11.6)

Jesus seems frustrated that he just can’t please people. Are you difficult to please in your relationship with Jesus, his Church, and our diocese engaging in the realignments taking place as a part of “On Mission for the Church Alive!” initiative? How are you demonstrating and sharing trust in God and in the guidance of the Holy Spirit?
Have you taken offense of Jesus this year? Do you need to improve your trust in him or you love for him? Have you asked him for help in doing that?
Do you need to discuss (not gossip) your concerns or criticism about the Church with someone in a productive way?
In humility - truth - do you need to educate yourself more about the teachings and the works of the Church

Avail Yourself to the Beauty of Transformation…

A Prayer Before Advent Spiritual Reading
Thank you dear Lord, for these few quiet moments to be with you this day.
May my prayer and reflection be fruitful.
Please sit with me as I read your word.
Point out to me the places where I need to pay special attention.
Help my mind to stay focused on what you are saying to me.
Please open my heart to the message you want me to hear.
Open my eyes to the new insights it is time for me to see.
Give me the grace and courage to do one good thing
because you have inspired me to do it.
May I see the star you have placed in the sky for me alone,
and may I follow it faithfully to you in the manger
this Christmas morning.
May this time of spiritual preparation lead me to a Christmas that is good and holy,
Full of peace and joy, generosity and gratitude,
awe and simplicity, beauty and love.
Grant me a Christmas that is overflowing with the grace and wonder
of the first Christmas.
Amen!