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Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Readings of the Day 
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In today's Gospel we witness Elizabeth, through the Holy Spirit,
recognizing Jesus in Mary's womb. We also hear Elizabeth affirm
to Mary that she is blessed because she believed that what was spoken
to her by the Lord would be fulfilled. The lessons contained in this
Gospel passage are profound and provide special insight into the
calling that we who are privileged to work for Catholic Charities
agencies have.

Each and every day we encounter, as St. Teresa of Calcutta often said,
"Jesus in distressing disguise." St. Teresa saw Jesus in
every person she encountered, especially in the poor, the sick and the
dying. She saw the Creator in the created. Each and every day we at
Catholic Charities encounter the poor, the sick and those dying
mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. Our ability to help
them begins with our recognition that Jesus is in each of them.

In Matthew 25 Jesus tells us that we serve Him when we feed the
hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, house the
homeless, care for the sick and visit the imprisoned. We at Catholic
Charities believe that we are the hands and feet of Jesus and these
actions, done to the least of these, shape the Corporal Works of Mercy
that guide our ministries today. In other words, we believe what Jesus
has revealed to us about caring for our brothers and sisters.

As the end of our Advent season draws near and we anticipate the
celebration of the Lord's birth, we are called to continue
bringing the light of Jesus Christ to the men, women and children we
are truly privileged to serve. I pray that we can, through the
guidance of the Holy Spirit, see Jesus in each person we encounter and
believe that what was revealed to us in Matthew 25 will be fulfilled.

Gary Tester is President of Catholic Charities of Central Florida.




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