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Memorial of Saint Ambrose

Readings of the Day 
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As we continue our Advent journey, we sometimes need to stop and
remember why we are doing what we are doing. Advent helps us prepare
our hearts and minds for the second coming of Christ and the
celebration of Christ's birth on Christmas. Advent devotions
remind us of the season's meaning.

Today's reading from Isaiah reminds us to be strong. God is
coming to save us, no matter how bad things look, if we are willing to
follow His way. This is a powerful statement. We have collectively
been through hard times: changes in our family and work routines, and
most critically in our church routines. Church closures help remind us
of why we are Catholic, and what we most appreciate about the
Eucharist. Watching Mass on television is not the same as celebrating
in person with our church families. The Gospel reading focuses us on
keeping the faith. Believers are rewarded either here on earth or in
the next life.

On the work front, we've all become accustomed to
"zooming." We miss those with whom we work, both
co-workers and clients. And speaking of clients, these months have
been critical for so many of them, depending upon which of our
programs they were served by. Those needing emergency services still
need emergency services.

Although we could rearrange staff and hours and locations to provide
our services, we had no control over outside circumstances. Our free
volunteer income tax assistance was paused mid- March. Not just
because we couldn't work with clients, but the IRS was not
available to accept the returns. Our "client choice" food
pantry quickly became a regular food pantry for all in need. 
And, hurricanes impacted parts of our nine-county area. We had to
continually remind ourselves that we would get through everything with
God's help, and we have. As the psalm says, "Our God will
come to save us!"

Today's saint, St. Ambrose, lived in a time of major social
divisions. He was once called to mediate a division in one city over
the naming of a new bishop. His calm demeanor led both sides to call
him as their new bishop. He ultimately devoted his life to helping the
poor and the people of God. Peace and harmony were his priorities. He
affirmed the independence of spiritual power. May we remember this as
we live and work within today's world.

This Advent, 2020, we might need to focus more on preparing ourselves
for Christmas. It has been a long year. We have generally been living
a new normal, while trying to maintain some semblance of our lives
before COVID-19. I hope that you have daily activities and prayer
resources that will prepare you spiritually for the birth of Jesus
Christ.

Coquese L. Williams is Director of Parish Social Ministry for Catholic
Charities of Southeast Texas, Beaumont.




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