All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” Matthew 1:22-23
Whether I’m having an easy day or a hard day, God is with me. Whether I’m feeling peaceful or angry, God is with me. Whether I believe or don’t believe, God is with me.
When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Matthew 11:2-3
I imagine John the Baptist had some moments of stress in prison, wondering what would happen to the work he’d begun. To know that Jesus was busy healing those who were blind, lame, deaf, lepers, or poor opened his eyes to recognize the Christ, and meant he could let go and surrender everything to Jesus.
My own worries – big and small, world-centered and self-centered – take up a lot of time and energy. Maybe this Advent I will have the courage to surrender everything to Jesus.
Second Sunday of Advent
It was of [John the Baptist] that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said:
A voice of one crying out in the desert,
Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths. Matthew 3:3
John the Baptist points the way to Jesus, the Compassion of God, the Prince of Peace. How have I pointed the way to compassion and peace today? Will I make the effort to point the way to compassion and peace tomorrow?
By Vaikoovery (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons
[Jesus said,] “Therefore, stay awake!
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” Matthew 24:42
Today the Lord is here. In this moment, God is with me. With each breath, I express God’s Spirit within me.
Lord, help me to stay awake and aware of your presence in and around me.
The Transfiguration
http://cruzblanca.org/hermanoleon/
My dear friend Jerry has exhorted me to let it be known that the Church needs leaders who are more simple, down to earth, and directly connected to the people.
Jesus said, “So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” John 13:14-15
Humility is the watchword of the follower of Jesus. Humility allows me to admit my dependence on God, to surrender my life and will to God’s care, to take responsibility for my actions, to reconcile with those I have harmed, to love my neighbor as myself, and to love and forgive my enemies.
Humility allows me to be a trusted servant who does not govern. Humility allows me to welcome the knowledge and wisdom of people from all walks of life. Humility allows me to hear and respond to the cries of the poor, marginalized, abandoned, and abused.
Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” Matthew 18:3-5
Mary Ann McSweeny 