Advent Daily Reflections Header

 

 




Thursday of the Third Week of Advent

Today's Lectionary Readings
[link removed]

Today's first reading ends with a promise from God:
"Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken,
my love shall never leave you." (Isaiah 54:10)

Who among us has not felt abandoned in times of distress? We all carry
wounds from what we have done and what others have done to us. 
We may be discouraged by this hardship, struggle, and darkness. Still
Isaiah reminds us that no matter our circumstances, and no matter what
our past, we are promised God's continual gift of encouragement,
mercy, and steadfast love. Advent takes hold in my heart when I am led
to a place of hope, especially when life is hard.

This grace and mercy rarely just drop from the sky with a parachute of
love.  The ongoing mystery of the incarnation is that Christ
wants to be born in each of our hearts. We at Catholic Charities are
called to bring Christ's hope to the marginalized.  For our
neighbors who are discouraged, have lost hope, and who feel like God
has given up on them, we are called to be God's instrument and
healing balm. We are to become the channels through which others may
experience God's redeeming, restoring love. 

Our call is to become more like John the Baptist: bold, courageous
messengers of the promise of light. We provide opportunities for
life-affirming action to respond to perplexing social issues and
unjust systems. We do this systemically and personally. We prepare the
way and path of Jesus as we extend encouragement and love to our
neighbors in need.

And here is the double-edged fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy.
Through my more than thirty years with Catholic Charities, I have seen
time and time again that the gift we give to others returns again and
again to bless us.  Giving in love to others may exhaust us, but
it doesn't have to deplete us. In binding up the wounds of
others, I have found my own wounds healing. What a wondrous gift is
given!

Peggy Arizzi has spent her entire career with the Catholic Charities
network serving in four different Catholic Charities agencies in
various direct service and leadership roles. She is currently serving
as Vice President of Programs & Services with Catholic Charities
USA.




View this message in your browser. 
[link removed]

Forward this message.
Update your email preferences.
[link removed]
[link removed]