Sr. Betsy Van Deusen, CEO of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of
Albany, reflects on the readings for Monday of the Third Week of Advent.
 â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â
****Monday of the Third Week of Advent****
Today's Lectionary Readings
The first time I heard these readings in my preparation, the Jeremiah
reading took my breath away, given the reality in the Middle East. "In
his days Judah shall be saved, Israel shall dwell in security...they
shall again live in their own land."Â Â I do not have nor would I
express anything political, but how profoundly do the words still touch
me.
This impression is gentled by today's O Antiphon
- "O Leader of
the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue
us with your mighty power!"Â Â There is hope in our God; there is a
path; there is possibility in the seemingly impossible!
And dear Joseph, in this first chapter of Matthew's Gospel, faithful
follower: how must he have felt?  How do people who come through our
doors at Catholic Charities feel?  Without a path, without an
"out," without clarity about the next step.  I am guessing that
most of our guests do not encounter a heavenly angel as Joseph did, but
I would wager that they are met with kindness, compassion, a listening
ear, and a companion to help them on their path.  Joseph was
instructed, "Do not be afraid." Our "Josephs" probably
frequently speak similar words, or offer similar assurances.Â
This Gospel encounter is a lovely example of a faithful follower heeding
the leading of God.  How blessed we are to observe our sisters and
brothers do the same throughout the Catholic Charities network!  O
Come, O Come Emmanuel!
**Sr. Betsy Van Deusen is a Sister of Saint Joseph of Carondelet from
Albany, NY.  She serves as CEO of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of
Albany and loves spending time with her family - especially her little
"grands!"**
Forward this message.
[link removed]
Catholic Charities USA
2050 Ballenger Ave., #400
Alexandria, VA 22314
United States
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
Sent to:
[email protected]
Click here to unsubscribe
