Cindy Self, Director of Volunteers at Catholic Charities Archdiocese of
New Orleans, reflects on the readings for the Fifth Day of the Christmas
Octave.
 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
****Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas****
Today's Lectionary Readings
Saint Augustine knew that deep within the human person is a restlessness
that can only be satisfied when it rests in God.  To rest in God
requires a knowing of and doing God's will. Each of us has a role to
fill within a given time, and God places us in those moments when we are
needed.  He came down from heaven in human form as an infant to bring
light into our darkness.  And through his life taught us how to
worship the Father and love one another.Â
Each of us at Catholic Charities has the unique opportunity to dispel
darkness in the lives of those struggling with poverty and
vulnerabilities with the gifts we bring to our work.  As the readings
today remind us, "Whoever says he is in the light, yet hates his
brother, is still in the darkness."Â Â Do we bring the light of
God's love to those we serve?  Do we open minds and change hearts by
sharing the importance of our work with colleagues, communities, or
volunteers?  Do we get to know and love our neighbors?  Or do we
contribute to the insensitivity surrounding any community we serve by
refusing to see them as brothers and sisters?
As we continue to celebrate this Christmas season, may we remember the
depth of the Father's love.  A love that transcended time and space
for our salvation. May we also remember that to follow Jesus means to
love all our brothers and sisters as He loved us, especially those we
are most uncomfortable loving.  May each of us experience and share
God's love, kindness, and compassion to its fullness today and every
day.
**Cindy Self is Director of Volunteers at Catholic Charities Archdiocese
of New Orleans.**
**Â **
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