“The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to announce a year of favor from the Lord.”
(Isaiah 61:1-2)
It’s already the third Sunday of Advent, and we are almost home. Yet I like to think of December 25 as less of a fixed date than a “continuum of the spirit”—a gift that is meant to help us build the Kingdom of God on earth, every day, all of the time.
We know that God is constantly at work in our lives if we just let the spirit of the Christ Child in. With the strength of his divine presence, we are called by God to do things as Isaiah says: to heal the brokenhearted, to comfort the sick and dying, and to celebrate all that is good and life-giving in one another. This is the heart and soul of mission: sharing the joy of our faith through acts of kindness, and inviting others to join us in the celebration of our faith.
Is there someone you can reach out to now as you prepare for Christmas Day? We have all had a difficult year. Why not be the one to fulfill the promise of the prophet who brings good tidings. I promise you that when you release someone’s pain or anxiety you will find peace, too.
Friend, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” As Christmas Day approaches, let’s remember that light always pierces the darkness. The third candle of Advent reminds us convincingly that we can overcome adversity and loss by placing our trust in God and our faith in one another. Think of the light we share this day as a symbol of goodness, grace, and hope. I don’t know of a better way to approach Christmas Day and the arrival of our Christ Child. Be hopeful.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Raymond J. Finch, M.M.
Prayer for 2nd Sunday
Come, Lord Jesus,
into our hearts purified by
Your grace and love.
Make straight the paths
of righteousness and peace
that You might enter our hearts,
our homes, and our world
with Your saving power.
May we share the joy of Your coming
by comforting those who mourn,
healing the broken hearted,
proclaiming Your Good News to the poor
by sharing our goods, our faith,
and our time.
Let Your light shine in our darkness
and lead all to Your manger bed
where God is found in human form,
in weakness, small, and humble.
Give all people hope
as our guiding light
that we might walk in truth
and peace all the days of our life.
Amen.
Prayer by Maryknoll Missioner, Father Joseph Veneroso
