Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent | USCCB
The gospel assigned for today's Mass, Matthew 11:28-30 is one of my favorites. I find it most comforting knowing that in whatever situation or problem that I find myself in, the Lord will give me comfort and rest.
Throughout my life, and especially when I started formation as a deacon those many years ago, there were many times I would face struggles, whether it's in the studies for the diaconate, problems in my secular job, or concerns for my wife and children. Then, as I was dealing with these issues, this reading from Matthew would somehow find its way before me, whether at Mass (like today), or just in my spiritual reading. It is the Lord's way of telling me that he's there for me. All I have to do is place my cares and concerns into his loving hands. The problems or concerns don't go away immediately, but knowing the Lord is there supporting me and giving me comfort helped give me the peace I need to respond to the issues I was facing.
This passage from Matthew reminds me of the poem, "Footprints in the Sand" where a person speaks with the Lord and expresses concern as to why the Lord appeared to not always be with him in his journey walking along the sand. It concludes, "When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you." The Lord is reminding us in this passage from Matthew that he's always there for us and carries us, even when we may not feel his presence.
During this Advent, as we prepare for the birth of the Lord, let us pray that we may always be open to the Lord's presence and always turn to Him in our cares and needs. Come Lord Jesus, come.
From Arlene B. Muller
ReplyDeleteAMEN. Isn't it wonderful how so often the LORD speaks to us when we need Him to comfort us or answer us, either through the Scripture reading at Mass, Scripture in our prayer time, a Scripture verse or passage He brings to mind, a hymn or song, a homily or teaching we hear or read, the words of a person we encounter, and/or circumstances in our lives that would seem like "coincidence" but are really "GODincidences" or recently termed GODwinks"!!
Currently I am struggling financially, which is difficult for me, especially because I like to be a giver & I can't right now, but the LORD has given me my biggest caseload of children the earliest I have ever had in the school year, a patient & understanding landlady who accepts partial payments of rent, payment plans, & help from friends, etc. A "windfall" would be nice & would make life easier, but I know that the LORD is with me & helping me step by step as I turn to Him.