Tue 10 Dec 2013
Jesus came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. - Eph 2:17
Reflection. Peace is offered to those close to God and those far away. He loves all His children even those who do not love Him. Let the Lord into your heart and relax in His love. The gift of peace is the fruit of obedience to God’s law of love.
Prayer. Lord, I do welcome You. I bathe in the wonder of Your loving presence. I am at peace.
Mon 9 Dec 2013
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom. - Prov 1:7
Reflection. Everyone who has suffered from scrupulosity knows that an excessive fear of God’s judgment can have devastating effects on one’s emotional life. Scruples are more related to one’s nervous symptoms than to morality. God is not offended by trifles. When you make a sensible effort to be good, God is pleased. Perfectionism is not Christianity.
Prayer. Father, help me to trust in Your mercy. I know You love me.
Sun 8 Dec 2013
The Kingdom of God is close at hand. - Mt 1:15
Reflection. Today is the great feast of the Immaculate Conception. Mary was conceived in a state of perfect purity. This event signals the beginning of God’s magnificent plan to make all things new. In this mystery, we see how well God plans ahead. He is already planning your entry into heaven.
Prayer. Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you. We pray for those most in need of God’s mercy.
Sat 7 Dec 2013
May the Father grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit … and to have Christ dwelling in you through faith. - Eph 3:16-17
Reflection. St. Paul prays that you will be strengthened with the power of the Holy Spirit. His prayers for you are ongoing. You will be made strong. The fear and timidity you once knew are receding. You will be given courage and fortitude to cope with life and all its problems. Believe it.
Prayer. Jesus, in You I live and breathe and have my being. Let me enjoy Your company.
Fri 6 Dec 2013
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled. - Jn 14:27
Reflection. Loneliness can be a big obstacle to peace of mind. But it can also be a spur for us to become more creative. Once we accept the fact that we will always have a certain amount of loneliness in our lives, we can live with it, and stop looking for false solutions. God is the only One Who will ultimately fill that void.
Prayer. Dear Jesus, You offer me Your peace, and I accept it. I also accept my loneliness as a reminder that I am never really alone, for You are with me always.
Thu 5 Dec 2013
The Lord is good to all, showing compassion to every creature. – Ps 145:9
Reflection. All of us will be judged one day, not so much on what we dreamed, as on what we did. Even then it is not so much on what we did, but on how much love we put into the doing. No matter what our shortcomings may be, we still will be facing a merciful Judge. The Lord has great compassion on us all. Be at peace.
Prayer. Father, teach me how to put my good intentions into action. In other words, teach me how to love.
Wed 4 Dec 2013
Because of the tender mercy of our God … the dawn from on high will break upon us to shine on those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet along the path of peace. - Lk 1:78-79
Reflection. Those who are united to Christ are living in the Light. They are protected and shored up by His strength. On the other hand, how heavy the burden of life is when it is carried without Christ.
Prayer. Holy Spirit, I turn today’s troubles over to You. Please carry them for me. Help me to toss out all my needless worries, for You are my joy and my strength.
Tue 3 Dec 2013
In an acceptable time I have heard you. Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation! - 2 Cor 6:2
Reflection. Living in the present moment means that we turn over the sins and sorrows of the past to God’s mercy, and we entrust all our worries about the future to God’s Divine Providence. In this way, we do not foul up the present moment with feelings of fear and self-pity. Laugh at your fears, and carry on with joy.
Prayer. Dear Lord, I rejoice in the coming of the Kingdom. The day of salvation is here. Thank You for Your mercy. Thank You for Your Divine Providence.
Mon 2 Dec 2013
I keep the Lord always before me, for with Him at my right hand I will never fall. Therefore, my heart is glad and my soul rejoices; my body too is filled with confidence. - Ps 16:8-9
Reflection. To be close to the Lord by means of faith is to realize that feelings do not matter. By faith we know that He is always present, loving us, whether we feel it or not. Bless the Lord on good days and bad. When troubles come, search for reasons to give thanks, for this is what the Saints before you did.
Prayer. Dear God, I have it in my heart to give thanks to You in all circumstances. Let me have the strength and courage to carry out these good intentions.
Sun 1 Dec 2013
Can a mother forget her infant …? Even if she should forget, I will never forget you. - Isa 49:15
Reflection. Comparing God’s love to a mother’s love for her child helps us understand the mystery of Christmas. We anticipate the celebration of the birth of Jesus with gladness. Advent is the season of subdued but joyful expectation. God’s great tenderness is revealed in Jesus and we are filled with hope.
Prayer. O Lord, the Prophet told us that even if a mother were to forget her child, You would never forget us. May I ever experience that maternal love with which You love Your beloved children.