God is with us, God is in charge, God’s vision still has its time. Do not be afraid.
[The angel of the Lord said, “Mary] will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 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 1:21-23
As my paycheck seems to leave less and less for extras, my belongings are becoming more and more shabby. I fantasize about the shame of having my baggy, well-worn wool sweater chosen as the ugliest in a competition.
Jesus reminds me that fine clothing doesn’t make a prophet. Nor do power, riches, and fame. A prophet is shaped by hearing the Word of God and practicing the Way of love, peace, nonviolence, forgiveness, compassion, acceptance, and respect. A prophet stands firmly grounded in the truth of God’s love for all of humankind.
Today I will look for opportunities to love my neighbor. I will do my best to be a prophet by sharing God’s gifts of joy and kindness.
Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.”
Matthew 11:7-9
Listen, welcome, encourage. Show respect, courtesy, attention. Practice patience, nonjudgment, nonviolence. Give time, energy, goods. Seek wisdom, peace, the will of God. Be love.
[Jesus said to his disciples,] “So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” Matthew 24:44
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Gary might not have been a saint, but he was most assuredly a prophet. He vigorously and decisively pointed the way to more dignified and respectful treatment of those under a doctor’s care, those living in nursing homes, those with terminal illnesses.
I mourn the passing of his forthright energy from our world so in need of advocates for the vulnerable, but not the passing of his Spirit from a body that could no longer contain it.
[Jesus began to teach them, saying,] “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
Lucia Wiley (1906-1998)
Trinidad
When I wonder if my life has meaning and purpose, I remember Jesus is with me always. How can my life lack meaning if I am at all times in the presence of the Lord?
[Jesus said to them,] “I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b
Mary Ann McSweeny 