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All of us have experienced times of trial, periods of testing when we were plunged into sadness. But God always rescues us and leads us into a dawn of dancing.
Franciscan prayer, lived to its full, is to set the human heart on fire.
The more we recognize our abundance, the more we want everyone to have that experience of grace and giftedness.
Joseph’s love for Mary and Jesus began in his obedience to God. When angels told him to take Mary into his home, flee Bethlehem for Egypt, and then leave for Nazareth, Joseph did so without questioning.
As we near the end of Advent, in this week’s Gospel, we hear the story of Mary–very pregnant with Jesus–visiting her cousin Elizabeth, who is also with child.
Scripture
Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news brought to them.”
— Luke 7:22
Reflection
Blessed Mary Frances Schervier founded the Sisters of the Poor of Saint Francis, devoted to caring for the poor of this world. To this day they run hospitals and homes for the aged in the United States and around the world. Blessed Mary Frances died in 1876.
God’s promise to shepherd his flock spans both the old and the new covenants. The birth of the shepherd-Messiah from the line of David will fulfill ancient promises and usher in an age of peace.
Today’s psalm refrain has become the theme song for the liturgical season of Advent. In it we acknowledge God’s plans for us and pray for the coming of the Savior.
The mystery of being human lies in the mystery of desire, which shapes our lives and can change us.
