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Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

Readings of the Day
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Friends: We are in the middle of the
third week of Advent, and there are only seven shopping days left
until
Christmas.  In our scurrying around, we might be tempted to get
stressed
out right now to make sure that we have planned all our parties and
bought
presents for everyone on our shopping list.  But do not fret, do
not
worry: there is still time. It is never too late to prepare for an
encounter
with Christ, our Savior. 

In preparing for Christ,
consider going to Mass today. If you do, you might notice that
"justice" is a thread that
connects the scripture readings for today's Mass. 
Jeremiah
names the promised one "the LORD our justice" because he
shall reign and govern
wisely and do what is right and just. The psalmist specifically calls
out the poor and the afflicted, and the
response promises that "Justice shall flourish in our time, and
fullness of
peace for ever." And the gospel reading recounts how Joseph
planned to divorce
Mary quietly when he learned of her pregnancy, because "he was a
righteous man,
yet unwilling to expose her to shame."  Jesus' foster
father was a man of
justice and mercy, too.

Consider "justice" in light of
Advent, our Christmas preparation. Who does not want to know and love
justice?  We are attracted to justice because in our consciences,
we know
what is right and good and just, even in our blindness.  Do you
not know
that as much as we long for mercy and justice, the 'Lord our
justice' longs
even more to meet us, to show us mercy and justice?  With only a
week to
go, it is not too late.  Let us not be distracted by worry or
fear by
trying to measure up. Let us slow down, catch a breath, and prepare
our hearts
to meet the just and merciful Savior.  When our hearts our ready
to
receive, we will be better prepared to serve.

 

Alan Pickett is Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of
Covington (KY).

 




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