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Saturday of the Third Week of Advent

Readings of the Day 
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In today's Psalm we hear: "For he shall rescue the poor
when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help
him."

While writing this reflection, our area of the country is trying to
absorb what happened during the devastating tornadoes of December
10th. We were the lucky ones, having only to deal with tornado sirens
at midnight and power outages. Sadly, though, we woke this morning to
learn of the huge loss of lives and destroyed cities. Yet, amid the
chaos, those residents who lost everything repeatedly expressed
tremendous hope that they would rebuild again. What an Advent story!

Each year the Advent readings provide a recurring sense of hope and
history. They are a steady voice regardless of how shaky the world
might seem. When he was a little boy, my son loved Mr. Rogers. Today I
frequently think of how Fred Rogers worked to uncomplicate the world
for preschoolers. Rogers would tell them to "Look for the
helpers when the news was scary." As adults, we are called to be
those helpers. The Advent Scripture readings remind us that throughout
history God always raises up helpers in some form.

Catholic Charities agencies have a historical timeline of being those
helpers. No matter what, when, or where scary things are shaking
someone's world, Catholic Charities provides help as well as
opportunities for all to become helpers. The years I worked at
Catholic Charities I witnessed this happen time and again. This was
especially true during these long pandemic months. Even though I had
already retired, I was very proud of our local Catholic Charities
response. It quickly adapted to a COVID world and did not miss a beat
in providing needed services. And this story of hope was repeated at
agencies in the CCUSA network throughout the country.

As we light the fourth Advent candle these last days before Christmas,
it a good time to remember our history, and all the helpers who
continue to make history.

Therese Gustaitis is retired from Catholic Charities of West Tennessee
in Memphis. Currently, she serves in other ministries in the Memphis
area.




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