In the gospel for today we hear of Jesus going to all the towns and villages proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom. Further, he commissioned and sent out his disciples to continue his work brining the good news of the Gospel, and to bring healing to all they encounter.
With this gospel in mind, let us pray for all bishops, priests and deacons who are called, like the apostles, to bring the good news of the Gospel to a world that needs to hear of the love and forgiveness of God through Jesus Christ. Let us also pray for those discerning a call to the priesthood that they may have the courage to answer that call to serve the people of God.
The church commemorates today, St. Ambrose, bishop and doctor. He was elected bishop in 374.In his writings he reminds those called to be bishops, "You have entered upon the office of bishop. Sitting at the helm of the Church, you pilot the ship against the waves. Take firm hold of the rudder of faith so that the severe storms of this world cannot disturb you." St. Ambrose took seriously the call to follow Christ and to lead others into the Church to bring salvation to all.
As we journey through Advent towards the celebration of the birth of Christ on Christmas day pray for all our bishops, priests and deacons to be faithful to their call in following Jesus Christ.
From Arlene B. Muller
ReplyDeleteYES, we need to be reminded to pray for the Pope, cardinals & bishops in their leadership roles in the Church. We also need to pray for bishops, priests & deacons in their preaching, teaching & sacramental ministries. We also need to pray that our Pope, cardinals, bishops, priests & deacons will receive the graces & help they need to inspire those of us who are lay people to be more faithful & Spirit filled witnesses in our various roles in the world. St. Paul refers to their task of "equipping the saints". Without becoming self-righteous or "holier than thou" we need to avoid assimilating the sinful ways of the "world" & we need to be "in the world but not of the world" & I think too often lay people have slackened off, become lax in representing CHRIST & the Church & even fallen into the deception of living as if "times have changed" means that GOD has changed, which is a lie! The obligation to attend & participate at Mass & holy days of obligation still remains in full force & effect & needs be taken seriously (with exceptions for illness, infirmity, caregiving & a few other
legitimate exceptions). The teaching of the Bible & the Catholic Church regarding sexual morality & chastity have not changed.
We who are the laity need to draw closer to the LORD & to the Church & we need to be witnesses for the LORD & the Church primarily by the way we live our lives & secondly by being willing to speak about GOD & His ways & humbly encourage others to follow us as we follow CHRIST. We need to dare to be different from the culture but in a way that is humble & that will help point the people we encounter not to ourselves but to the LORD Who is at the center of our lives & the One Whose love & grace is the Source of our hope & strength to live as He has called us.