Devyn Buschow, Parish Relations Program Manager at Catholic Charities
Dallas, reflects on the readings for Monday of the Second Week of
Advent.
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****Monday of the Second Week of Advent****
Today's Lectionary Readings

**"The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice
and bloom.**

**They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful
song."**

**-Isaiah 35:1-2**

In times of struggle in our work it can be reassuring to imagine
ourselves "planting seeds."  Sometimes we see the fruit of our
work and sometimes things remain dormant for a long, long time.  How
many of our clients are walking through a desert right now?  They
struggle with hunger, housing insecurity, loneliness, chronic illnesses,
and family separation.    It can be easy to feel discouraged when we
think our food isn't enough, or when we realize we can't cure or
solve every problem.  

However, we can find hope in today's readings.   There is a promise
of blooms, abundance, and growth in the desert.  For the steppe to
bloom with abundant flowers there must be seeds under the sand.  Seeds
that were sown by hands strengthened by God.   Our cans of food, our
visits with seniors, our prescriptions filled may seem small day to day,
but together can change the life of those we serve.  Our acts of
service can bring joyful songs to kitchens, clinics, and homes of
refugees. 

In the Gospel reading today we hear the famous story of the healing of
the paralyzed man.  Last year, when teaching this story to a group of
fourth graders, we focused on the viewpoint of the men who lowered him
through the roof.  What friends he had!  How important it is to work
together to advocate for those in need.  We cannot sow seeds alone,
but we must collaborate and work with others.

Today, let us give thanks to those who serve with us.  Let us look
around and recognize who is clawing through a straw roof to give a
chance to someone in need!  Let us also recognize when it is us who
need to be lowered in front of Jesus, to hear the words "your sins are
forgiven." 

For reflection:

What seeds are we sowing right now?

What blooms am I hoping to see?

Who walks with us through the desert?

**Devyn Buschow is Parish Relations Program Manager at Catholic
Charities Dallas. **

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