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Monday of the Third Week of Advent

Readings of the Day
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"By what authority are you
doing these things?"

There are many that speak with
"authority" in our world. Some build on experience and
acquired wisdom.  Some have charisma and magnetism. And more
frequently these days, others embrace the "bully pulpit"
and try to run us
over. With 24/7 communication and no alignment on what's real
and what's fake
news, there's no lack of noise in the world. Each of us must
decide which
"authority" we wish to embrace.

We look for authenticity. We
look for truth. We look for messages that call us to a higher
standard, to something
bigger than ourselves. God so loved the world that he sent his only
Son (Jn. 3:16)
to show us how to live - to set the standard for abundant life.
People were
astounded at his teaching because he spoke with authority (Lk 4:32).
He was not
afraid to speak out for justice and challenge the status quo. 
But when one challenges the status quo, it
draws quick response and criticism. "By what authority are you
doing these
things?" And in the end, it cost Jesus his life.

We're blessed to know the
end of the story. As the only man who has ever risen from the dead,
he
conquered death and was given ultimate authority in heaven and on
earth. (Mt
28:18). Our faith exposes to us the fact that God in his infinite
goodness and
love is seen and heard in the person of Jesus Christ.

In our work at Catholic
Charities, we're called to surrender to this authority and bring
God's love to
the street -- to serve people in need, advocate for justice in social
structures, and call the entire church and others of goodwill to do
the same. As
we reflect on the awesome blessing of Emmanuel - God among us
- let us realize
our role in the kingdom, summarized so well by Pope Francis,
"Catholic
Charities is the engine of the Church that organizes love -
Caritas -for all believers to work
together, to respond." May we continue to be a voice for the
voiceless and a
catalyst for love in the world.

 

Deacon Scott Haner is a permanent deacon assigned to
St. Patrick Parish, Louisville, KY, and a board member of Catholic
Charities of
Louisville.

 




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