The Scriptures today reveal Zephaniah, the Psalmist, St. Paul and John the Baptist as God’s messengers who communicate to the people. They remind us that we are all messengers for Jesus Christ, called to proclaim and receive a message of joy.
Mass Readings – 3rd Sunday of Advent’
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The Lord speaks of a sober reality in the Gospel today: both he and John the Baptist will suffer. It’s a powerful reminder that Christ came for us…our sins, our weaknesses, our wounds…and he offers his life that we might be reunited with God.
Saturday of the 2nd Week of Advent
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Photo credit: Jesus of Nazareth, 1977.
The Lord reveals how the people complained about him and John the Baptist. Their “glass is half empty” thinking demonstrates the tremendous influence we have in shaping and determining our attitude…especially in difficult moments in our lives.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent (St. John of the Cross)
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The Lord speaks to the people about John the Baptist as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. He is Elijah, who points out the Lamb of God, and from this foundation of faith we take our part in God’s great story of salvation history.
Mass Readings – Thursday of 2nd Advent (St. Lucy)
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On this feast day it is good to reflect on the history of Mary’s apparition to Juan Diego in 1531. Through the miracles that followed Mary’s presence transformed a people, offering us a clear reminder that God continues to work through his angels and saints.
Mass Readings – The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
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Jesus reveals how God looks at us in our wounded and vulnerable state. Seeking what is lost and rejoicing when found, the Lord thus teaches us how to relate to one another.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Advent
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Catholic Inspiration Archives
Study: Who are the messengers in my life? Who are the people who have alerted me to blessings and burdens in my life?
Pray: Ask the Lord for the openness to hear these messengers and take their words to heart.
Serve: Who in my life and I called to offer a message? What do I need to say…and what do they need to hear?
Mass Readings – 3rd Sunday of Advent
A Christmas Carol
Part III: The Spirits of Christmas
The Spirits of Christmas play a crucial role in Scrooge’s conversion. Their task is to show images of Christmas throughout time, revealing how the holiday is filled with blessings. In the images they reveal Scrooge learns the error of his ways, as feelings of guilt, remorse, anger, and sadness wash over him as he watches the effects of his life choices.
It is important to note that the three Spirits of Christmas are messengers. They are the heralds who reveal to Scrooge the meaning of Christmas. Yet they are not the holiday itself. Their presence in the story points to the power of our choices – where our words and actions over time make tremendous effects upon our life. As Scrooge discovers how his life might have been, he begins to yearn for a better and happier one.
In the Gospel this week we discover another messenger. John the Baptist arrives, baptizing people and proclaiming God’s wonderful deeds. People flock around him, inspired by his words and longing for hope.
As the crowds come to John they ask him, “What should we do?” as they pursue their lives. To each John answers with justice and fairness. He speaks with power and might, filling the people with expectation.
Many begin to wonder if he is the Christ. John answers immediately: NO! There is one coming who is mightier. John is merely the messenger, pointing the way to Jesus.
Like the crowds, we may often find ourselves looking for those who bring hope. We may discover in life an unhappiness, a dissatisfaction with ourselves and the choices we have made. We look to many remedies, yet we know in our hearts that our longing will only be satisfied by God alone.
Perhaps their are people in our lives that have a message for us to hear; may we be open to their words and take them to heart – trusting that their insights can help us on the journey of life.
Perhaps their are people in our lives that we are called to offer a message; may we have the courage to speak up – offering and directing others to insights that can help them embrace the power and beauty of life.
During these last few days of Advent, may we recognize in our lives the messengers sent by God to announce the Good News of Christ. As we prepare our hearts for the Lord’s coming, we have the opportunity to look within and discern the path we have taken through life. We can ask “What should we do?” as the challenges of life appear. May we trust that the Lord will make His will known to us, inviting us to follow with full and open hearts.
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Catholic Inspiration Archives
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Note: This post was first published on December 8, 2014.
