Good News Reflection
FOR NEXT SUNDAY: November 29, 2009
First Sunday of Advent, Cycle C
Parish bulletins, faith-sharing groups, RCIA:
For professionally published, printable copies of this reflection,
please go to Catholic Digital Resources:
http://catholicdr.com/calendar/November/Advent1.htm - Preview a sample
Next Sunday's Readings:
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Ps 25:4-5, 8-10, 14
1 Thes 3:12-4:2
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
http://www.usccb.org/nab/112909.shtml
USCCB Podcast of the Readings:
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_11_29.mp3
What's been stealing your joy? This Advent, let's prepare for Christmas by asking Jesus to restore our joy. Today's world needs Christians who know that following Christ truly gives us hope in the midst of financial worries, comfort in the midst of hardships, and joy despite all difficulties.
Taking this even further, today's world needs Catholics who truly understand that going to Mass is a good thing. Are you changed by the presence of Christ in the Word and in the Eucharist? If so, then when you exit the church, you are filled with joy – right? And others see this joy – right?
There's a difference between "knowing" the truths of our faith and authentically living these truths. And our authenticity is what others need from us.
Think of the prayer requests you've made in which you're still waiting for Jesus to provide his help. When you offer them to Jesus during the prayers of Mass, do you feel hopeful? There is no joy without first experiencing hope.
During the consecration of the Eucharist, the priest asks Jesus to free us from all anxieties. We cannot feel hopeful when anxiety prevents us from recognizing that Jesus is coming to us in the Eucharist.
In next Sunday's Gospel reading, Jesus speaks of his Second Coming, but we can also relate it to our daily lives today. Think of the possibility of new tribulations looming just ahead, unknown and unpredictable. Jesus wants to help you prepare for this. However, when our focus is on our troubles instead of on Christ, we're ruled by anxiety, not hope, and certainly not joy.
When our hearts become spiritually drowsy, we forget to remain centered in Christ. We neglect to listen for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. But when we ask Jesus to restore our joy, we become vigilant, expectant, and aware that we have to rely on him for the strength to endure whatever comes our way.
What the world fears is a reason for anxiety is in reality – for true Christians – a reason to hope in Jesus and to live in the joy that comes from trusting him. It's not easy! It takes conscious effort. But spiritual drowsiness is a miserable way to live.
Questions for Personal Reflection:
What are you waiting for from Jesus? How will you use the Season of Advent to overcome anxiety by noticing the loving, generous, merciful activities of God?
Questions for Community Faith Sharing:
What are your favorite ways to prepare for Christmas? How do you make Advent a season of hope and a time of growing closer to God? Share your ideas with the other community members and listen for new ideas that you can adopt.
STARTING ON MONDAY, if you're a member of the "Emmaus Journey" e-group, share your answers by writing to EmmausJourney@gnm.org
* To join and become a member, go to:
http://gogoodnews.net/GNMcommunities/EmmausJourney/
© 2009 by Terry A. Modica
This work is NOT in Public Domain, and should NOT be copied without permission. For PERMISSION and info on how to copy this reflection, go to:
http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?
To sign up for your own subscription, go to:
http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?
Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Join the cause on facebook and help spread the message!
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is Terry Modica's publishing house providing professional writing services; the income from this will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________
This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.
MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:
Change your address
Unsubscribe
No comments:
Post a Comment