Advent Daily Reflections Header

 

 




Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Readings of the Day 
[link removed]

We see Ahaz seek security through human counsel, not Yahweh, and this
becomes his downfall; he forms alliances with his enemy in the hope he
will not be killed. He will not even ask God for a sign or direct
intervention. Ahaz places his faith in what he has gathered through
human experience, what he knows is possible. He closes his eyes and
ears to the pure goodness and love of God.

By contrast, in the annunciation Gospel, the world is changed forever
by the "yes" of one young girl. Through any confusion,
fear or angst over the unknown, Mary powerfully announces to the Angel
that she is the handmaiden of the Lord, and let it be done as God
wishes. She puts her faith into action with love and trust in the
providence of God. She is a perfect model for us in living a life of
complete surrender to God.

It takes an enormous amount of faith, hope and love to say
"Yes" to God's call when there are questions left
unanswered: when we don't know how we will find housing and
employment for Afghan arrivals; when we have no resources to help
those whose lives have been devasted by a tornado or hurricane; when
families, impacted by addiction and/or violence are left broken and
homeless come to us for assistance; and yet, time and time again,
staff and volunteers across the Catholic Charities network say
"Yes" and trust in God's goodness and His power to
lead the way.  And because of that, countless lives are changed
forever: "Yours are the hands with which He blesses all the
world" (St Teresa of Avila)

During this advent season, may all your "Yesses" fill you
with enormous gladness and bring you closer to Him as we wait for His
coming. 

Jennifer Dyer has worked in the Catholic Charities network for almost
twenty years, serving in the Dioceses of Camden, NJ and Gary, IN
before joining CCUSA as the Director for Capacity Building in Disaster
Operations. 




View this message in your browser. 
[link removed]

Forward this message.
Update your email preferences.
[link removed]
[link removed]