Third Sunday of Advent

Readings of the Day

The readings today tire me out just thinking about them.  Our compassionate Lord is a God of action.  God opens the eyes of the blind, clears the ears of the deaf, makes the lame leap, releases the tongue of the mute to sing.  He secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry, sets captives free, raises up those who were bowed down, loves the just, protects strangers, and sustains the fatherless and the widow.  He cleansed the lepers, raised the dead, and proclaimed the good news to the poor.  My goodness --- our God is awesome… and busy!

In the world of social ministry, Advent is a very busy time.  Advent challenges us to be busy doing God’s work while maintaining our own spiritual balance.  As busy as Jesus was curing, freeing, proclaiming, and raising up, he always had time to pray.  He turned to his heavenly Father in prayer before, during, and after everything.

God sent His only son Jesus into the world, to teach us by word and deed (lots of deeds!) the importance of social ministry. The life and ministry of Jesus show us God’s plan concerning social ministry and it is crystal clear: do as I do.  We need to do our part to help prepare the way for others.  Being in awe of the work that is accomplished through the entire Catholic Charities network, and being touched by the dedication of my volunteers, I can see the way is busily being prepared.

So, following the example of Jesus, stay busy doing your part to love your neighbor but, also following the example of Jesus, stay busy wrapping your days in prayer.

Chris Austgen is the Coordinator of Parish Social Ministry at Mary Queen Catholic Church in Friendswood, Texas. She is also a member of the Catholic Charities USA Parish Social Ministry Team.

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