Both St. Paul and St. Joseph respond to God’s call, but they do it in very different ways. Their examples reveal that the Lord offers many ways that we can offer our lives, based on our ability and talent. There is nothing to stop us…except ourselves.
Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Advent
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Elizabeth was aware of God’s presence through both the baby in her womb and the woman at her door. May we actively seek the Lord’s presence in our lives…so that we are ready when we returns!
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Mary’s response to the Angel Gabriel offers us a powerful example of discipleship as she says “May it be done!” Her words inspire us to accept the Lord’s invitation today as we carry out our tasks in service of Jesus.
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As Zechariah hears the message of hope from the Angel Gabriel, he expresses his doubts. May his example help us to honestly confront our own struggles of faith as we turn toward the Lord.
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St. Joseph responds to the Angel Gabriel with swift and silent action. His response to God’s call inspires us to look for opportunities to put our faith into daily practice.
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The Gospel of Matthew recounts the genealogy of Jesus, showing us the times of blessing and sin within the Lord’s extended family. This list gives us hope, as God continues to work in our own families today.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent
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Study: Consider a time when you received great news. How did it change you?
Pray: Is there some way that you can share your life? Ask God for guidance and strength.
Serve: Do you see an opportunity to make a difference with your life? Act on it!
Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Advent
“God is with us!” The name Emmanuel signifies to Joseph that the child of Mary will bring the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation. We are not alone…God is with us.
How do we live that great message? Does it shape our lives? Redefine our words and actions? Fill us with hope, life, peace, and joy? Does it inspire us to love one another, forgive one another, and dedicate our lives to healing the woundedness and division that are present in our world?
God is with us. Rejoice! God is with us. Repent! God is with us. Live each day as the precious and sacred gift that it is – given to us by God.
Joseph took the words of the angel to heart and cooperated with God’s plan of grace. May we live this day, aware of what God has done for us, and ready to make the most of this wondrous gift of life.
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Note: This post was first published on December 12, 2016.
