Friday, December 14, 2018

Day 5 - Friday, December 14


Busy Catholic's 2018 Online Advent Retreat
Fifth Day • Friday, December 14
Scripture (Matthew 11. 7, 16-19)
As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds: “To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by her works.
> How does this reading add to our understanding or appreciation for the Christmas event?

The Pope's Reflection
This is how God is among us. If you want to find God, seek him in humility, seek him in poverty, seek him where he is hidden: in the neediest, in the sick, in the hungry, in the imprisoned. (Homily, December 18, 2015)
> How do the pope's words add to our understanding or appreciation for the Christmas event?

Our Reflection
Choose a question to ponder this day:
-- Where and when have you discovered God present in the needy, the sick, the poor?
-- Who among the needy, sick or poor do you need to recognize and accept right now?
-- With whom among the needy, sick or poor will you celebrate at Christmas?

Prayer
Dear Jesus, you challenged the social mores of your time by associating with sinners, with the undesirables, with those who had been cast aside. You came to call everyone to follow you, especially those in most need of your mercy. You call me to do the same, sharing your message of mercy and love with everyone. Help me, I pray, to have the courage to follow your example, even when I am scared, even when others are scoffing at me. May I, with your aid, dear Jesus, reach out to others and come to better understand that we are all sinners in need of your forgiveness. Amen.

Published by special arrangement with Creative Publications for the Parish.
All Rights Reserved.  Used With Permission

No comments:

Post a Comment