Reflect: “From the fear of being asked to give more than I have, Deliver me Jesus.”In our hearts this prayer evokes a longing for freedom and yet also expresses the doubt that trusting in Jesus might leave us wanting. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI says, “If we let Christ into our lives, we lose nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing of what makes life free, beautiful and great. No! Only in this friendship are the doors of life opened wide.” How do we value this ‘friendship with God’? This Advent may we dare to enter into this friendship and therein discover the freedom of loving and being loved.
Share: As you buy Christmas presents offer up prayers to God for that loved one that they may receive in a new way the love of God this Advent.
Pray: Pray the Litany of Trust in the morning and at night. Download it here.
God bless,
Sr. Avelina Joseph, SV
Reflect: Jesus tells us in Scripture, “I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) Abundance. Fullness. This is why He came. Somehow, though, we often find ourselves doubting this promised providence. The antidote? Trust. The opening of our hands and our hearts to let Him prove this promise true. In the prologue of the Gospel of John read at Christmas, we hear how “from His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.” This Advent, trust that He will fill every emptiness with the fullness of His love.
Reflect: When was the last time you asked for help? Asking another for help – and especially turning to God for help – exposes our dependence. This can be a frightening realization in a world that fosters a spirit of independence. Yet it is precisely our dependence on God that disposes us to recognize everything as a gift of his grace. Asking for help can also make us face our hidden motives: for example, am I unwilling to ask for help because I want to look competent or be commended for my own accomplishments? In all that we are asked to do, may we follow Saint Paul’s advice to the Colossians, “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others” (3:23).
Reflect: What does Love demand of us? Oftentimes we are called to discern situations that can be complicated, or even convoluted. We must ask ourselves, “is this loving?” in every situation. Sometimes love demands our commitment, our long-suffering, our steadfastness, our overcoming of our fears for the sake of another. And sometimes it is loving for us to let go of the things we are holding on to in order to make way for Love. Ask God what His love demands of you today, and you may be surprised by His gentleness and patience with you.
Reflect: Children allow themselves to be held, to be led by the hand. They are aware they cannot provide for themselves and are willing to ask for what they need and want. So often, as we grow older, dependence is seen as a limitation, a limp, a sign of incapacity or even laziness. We are taught to muscle through things, to get it done- and if you want it done right, by yourself. Jesus tells us we need to become like children to enter the Kingdom- not childish- but utterly and happily dependent on the Father who gives good gifts to His children.