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Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent

Readings of the Day
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Today we begin the Octave before Christmas (i.e. the 8
days before the Nativity). It is marked by what is called the O
Antiphons,
raising our consciousness to the wonder of God's love who sent
His own son,
that all who believe in Him might not perish but may have eternal
life. Our
journey through the next eight days begins with a genealogy of Jesus
- spanning 42
generations. If you reflect carefully on those mentioned, most were
great but
some, not so much. All were part of the lineage of Joseph but some did
not live
up to the call to keep the covenant. I'm reminded of our own
failures and
foibles and the fact that our own lineage may be marked by those who
are far
from perfect but are still part of our family tradition.

When people look at us, those who work and volunteer for Catholic
Charities,
they see goodness, kindness, and care with lives guided by the mission
of
always trying to say YES to others. We are also on the journey and,
like our
ancestors, we are far from perfect. But when people look at our lives,
they are
and will be inspired by our desire to live fully Matthew 25 - by
meeting Jesus
in the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the ill, and those in prison.
We serve
each and every day whether in the office or on the streets. We
challenge others
to join us as volunteers and staff. We consciously seek out those who
have
special needs and serve each of them with hearts full of love.

As we begin this last week before Christmas, may we
reflect on the blessing of service to others. We have been chosen by
God to do
this work/ministry. May we do it well and lift up those in need
through our
gift of help that empowers and hope that lasts.

 

Msgr. John Enzler is President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the
Archdiocese of Washington.

 

 




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