2014-15 ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SEASONS REFLECTIONS

January 11, 2015

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
Isaiah 55: 1-11; 1 John 5: 1-9; Mark 1: 7-11
"Remember Francis of Assisi, Listen to Francis of Rome, and Accompany Jesus of Nazareth"
This is a day for great celebration. It is the Baptism of the Lord. We can put our troubles aside
and joyfully proclaim the good news. Our thirst and hunger for peace, love and justice will
surely be satisfied with the promises in todays readings.
In the first reading, Isaiah sends out a call for hope and invites us all. Come here, all you who
are thirsty, come to the water. All who have no money, come (Isaiah 55:1). Who says that
there are no free lunches! Isaiah counsels us not to spend our money on that which will not
satisfy. He promises, Listen to me and you shall enjoy the richest of fare (Isaiah 55: 2).
In the second reading from the First Letter of John, the theme of hope continues flowing through
us. John shares three important elements of our faith in these images--water, blood and the Spirit.
All three witness to Jesus and our understanding of Him. Water is the symbol of cleanliness and
of new life. Blood signifies Jesus sacrifice for us. The Spirit witnesses to the truth. Collectively,
they represent all that gives us life. They correspond to the sacraments we have received
Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
The opening of Marks Gospel is brief but powerful. The good news continues to flow. As
Mark reports, John the Baptist announces the beginning of Jesus public ministry. The long
awaited moment has come. John tells us that, After me comes one more powerful than I am. I
have baptized you with water, but He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit. Jesus emerges from
the water of the river Jordan and the heavens respond rejoicing. A voice cries out, You are my
Son, the Beloved, the One I have chosen Mark 1: 7-8).
We now have new life and a new year to joyfully preach the Gospel through our ministries to
those who are poor and marginalized. It is our turn to be chosen. We have been baptized by the
Spirit. This empowers us to invite those who thirst and hunger to come to the water. By our

actions, we can share the richest fare with those who are in need, and who have not heard the
news about Jesus of Nazareth. We cannot reject this invitation. Too many people are waiting for
us and we cannot disappoint. Now is the time for us to begin our journey for 2015. We will not
be traveling alone.
For reflection:
1. Spend a moment with Lori Trues song Come to the Waters.
2. Do you have memories of your confirmation, when you received the sacrament of the Holy
Spirit? How can you remain faithful to this mature putting on of Christ?
Stan Fitzgerald
Member of the CCUSA Parish Social Ministry Section; St. Francis of Assisi Church, San Jose,
Calif.
January 4, 2015
Epiphany of the Lord
Isaiah 60: 1-6; Psalm 72: 1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13; Ephesians 3: 2-3a, 5-6; Matthew 2: 1-12
To many of those for whom we dedicate our lives of care and direction, the world is one where
darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples (Isaiah 60: 2). They have not
seen the star that is there to guide them, or glimpsing it they often do not know what it is, or how
to follow it.
Blinded by poverty, pain, and the complexities of survival, their search can be hopeless without
the wisdom provided by modern day Magi. The Easts Wise Men were wisdom people who had
the information to follow the Star to Bethlehem and had the benefits of education, resources, and
collaborators to guide them toward their Goal.
For many of the suffering persons we serve, darkness rules the world. They often need someone
to help them even glimpse the light within themselves. Their internal star of light often must be
pointed out to them by someone elseby each of us who dare to reveal to others that the hope
deep within their hearts is real. By someone who believes that they are coheirs, members of the
same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ (Ephesians 3: 6). To the suffering persons
we servewe can be Magi. We can fulfill the role of the one who reveals an epiphany in their
struggles, an epiphany, which according to Wikipedia, is an experience of sudden and striking
realization.
The Epiphany we bring to others is the sudden realization that they do not have to stay in the
darkness of despair; that they can be guided by light into the hope of a new day in their lives; that
they can walk by the lights pointed out to them by their Magi and find their new way through
life. When the light of that epiphany bursts through someones eyes, it is a miracle to behold and
a joy beyond words.
But this light will only be revealed in them if we are daring enough to be Magi. The Magi who
came to the child Jesus did not stay to guide every step of His growth; they gave him the best

gifts they had which would allow the Holy Family to take their next steps; then they left
rejoicing, trusting God would continue to walk with the Family. It is the same with us as we help
people come to their Epiphany by lighting up the night in their hearts. We bring our best gifts,
give them freely, and continue down our path, rejoicing.
For reflection:
1. Are we willing to accept the responsibility of being a Magi for someone who is struggling in
darkness?
2. What changes do we need to make in our life to help us share our best gifts freely and with
joy?
Sr. Mary Louise Stubbs, D.C.
Executive Director, Daughters of Charity International Project Services; Farmington Hills,
Mich.; formerly of Catholic Charities in St. Louis, Mo.; Austin, Texas; Little Rock, Ark; and
Ogdensburg, N. Y.
January 1, 2015
Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
Numbers 6: 22-27; Galatians 4: 4-7; Luke 2: 16-21
In the liturgical tradition of the Catholic Church, all important celebrations have octave
celebrations eight days following an important celebration. On the 4th Sunday of Advent, the
Sunday before Christmas, the scripture readings focused on the person of Mary who through her
yes made the incarnation of God possible. Today our Church continues to honor Mary as the
Holy Mother of God in celebrating the Octave Day.
In the gospel for today, Luke 2:16-21, we read the story of the shepherds discovery of Mary,
Joseph, and the child Jesus lying in the manger. When the shepherds saw this, they made
known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by
what had been told them by the shepherds. Then Luke, with special emphasis notes, And Mary
kept these things, reflecting on them in her heart.
Mary was obviously a woman of deep faith and contemplation who took time to reflect on the
meaning and implications of what was happening within her life. God was not a stranger in her
life. Earlier, she decided with God her role in the future. In the words of Ann Johnsons Miryam
of Nazareth:
The place in my heart that I had filled
With thoughts of fear and inadequacy
Has been emptied and I am quiet within.

Mary was at peace in being the Christ Bearer. While the incarnation is a mystery, it assures us
that God continues to be present in our world and in our lives as well as in the lives of those
among whom we minister at Catholic Charities and in our congregations. We are all Christ
Bearers.
January 1 is also World Day of Peace. In keeping with the tradition started by Pope Paul VI in
1968, Pope Francis has published Slaves No More, But Brothers and Sisters. In this
document, he explores the many faces of slavery within todays society and names situations,
including labor regulations that fail to protect the rights and dignity of women, men and children;
settings in which the legal status of a migrant is dependent upon an employer; and locations in
which people are trafficked locally and globally. Francis calls us to a commitment to join with
others in the spirit of solidarity to end the evil of human trafficking.
January 1 is also commonly observed as New Years Day. In our culture, we tend to make
resolutions for the New Year. Perhaps in the spirit of Marys practice of reflection and
contemplation and Pope Francis World Peace Day message, we could resolve to take time
together with our colleagues, and when possible, with clients, to reflect on ways to overcome
forms of subjugation that we see locally as well as globally. Perhaps in the spirit of the first
reading from the Book of Numbers 6:22-27, we could resolve to be people of blessing to all we
meet no matter how busy we may be:
...The Lord bless you and keep you!
The Lord let his face shine upon you
And be gracious to you!
The Lord look upon you kindly and
Give you peace!
Happy New Year!
Sister Frances Cunningham, O.S.F.
Parish Relations Coordinator for Catholic Charities
Archdiocese of Milwaukee

December 31, 2014

The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas
I John 2: 18-21; Psalm 96: 1-2, 11-12, 13; John 1: 1-18
The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.
To those who accepted him
he gave power to become the children of God (John 1: 14).

What does it mean to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ in 2015? What does it mean to be
anointed by the Holy One and to acknowledge that we will speak truth to power despite apparent
impossibilities? What does salvation look like in our neighborhoods around the world, where
poverty and violence know our names and have daunted our children? What does salvation look
like in our homes or lack thereof in a post-modern world where persons simply question the
existence of our God? When shall we rejoice with the heavens and the earth at Gods justice at
work in and amongst us?
Now, says the Psalmist! Now, says John the Disciple. For two thousand plus+ years ago, the
Word of God became flesh (took on human form) and dwelt among us (moved into our
neighborhoods). God--the beginning, the Word, the light that shines in the darkness--moved into
communities that had not yet existed. God moved into every region--to include regions that
would soon be plagued by famine, poverty, racism, sexism, gender bias, slavery, and the other
isms of life and called forth a word of hope and salvation. God spoke and continues to speak a
word of grace and truth that is able to silence every lie. And, God ever speaks to us this day in
the aftermath of senseless events in New Town, Columbine, Ferguson, New York City,
Chicago, Soweto, Australia, the Middle East, Russia, and all around the world follow me.
People in every continent of every hue follow me. Accept me and become the children of God-persons of truth, justice and righteousness who love your neighbors as you love yourself.
On this 31st day of December, the last day of 2014 the year of the Lord, the Christian Lectionary
readings offer us powerful words of hope. God ever shines in the midst of darkness. Darkness is
never allowed to have the final curtain call for daybreak is coming. God exists and has existed
since the beginning of time! God shall forever exist; and, this God (our God) offers us a new
beginning and an opportunity for a new day. God offers us an opportunity to partner in creating
a new heaven and a new earth where justice and righteousness reign. So, again I ask you- what
does it mean to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ? To whom is God sending you to bear
light? Lord, in Your mercy attend unto the prayers of Your people.
Let us pray,
Holy One, we praise Your Holy Name and we adore You whose Name is Love. Emmanuel, You
are with us and You live in and among us. Your light pierces the darkness of this world and it
animates Your creation to wholly serve You with justice and righteousness. Thank you for
allowing us to experience a new day a new season where hope lives. You have created us for
such a time as this. Teach us how to love one another as You love us and how to care for all of
creation! We embrace our new identities in You and we follow your lead into this new day.
Guide us, Great Jehovah. Let Thy will be done. Let thy Kingdom come on earth as it is in
heaven. We are Your children emboldened by Your power to serve humanity with love in Your
Name, thanks be to God. Amen.
Rev. Dr. Stacey Cole Wilson
Member of the CCUSA Parish Social Ministry Section; Lead Pastor, Good Hope Union UMC
(Silver Spring, Maryland)

December 30, 2014

The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas
I John 2: 12-17; Luke 2: 36-40
everything in the world the craving of the flesh, the greed of the eyes, and men
boasting of their superiority all this belongs not to the Father but to the world. (1
John 2: 16)
she [Anna] gave praise to God and spoke of the child to all who looked forward to
the deliverance of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:38)
The world John speaks of is not the earth and its beauty and goodness, or the goodness of people who
follow the Lord. Rather, it is the world men have created in our refusal to trust God and savor Gods
goodness. It is the world created by our desire to control and to satisfy our cravings and greed, and our
need to sustain others in poverty so our superiority is assured.
Are these the things that had come to be Annas Jerusalem, no longer the City of God, but the city of the
world? Might that be the Jerusalem that Anna thought of when she spoke to the people who wished to be
delivered from it, as she gazed on the child God had given her to see as the Deliverer? Are these the
things of the world that give rise to poverty and oppression and despair?
The things that are not of the Father are the things that have made our Jerusalem the city to be delivered
from. It is the city in which the poverty of isolation and despair and hopelessness are the currency of the
day. It is the city of marginalized people, invisible to the well off. This is the city that Anna saw
deliverance from.
In reaching out to the people who come to us for relief from the consequences of these things not of the
Father, I believe we are delivering them. We cant immediately change the system that inculcates
poverty and abuse of power, and greed of those whose lives are not of the Father. But in finding shelter
for a family, offering a meal and a warm welcome, walking with undocumented brothers and sisters to
demand immigration justice, we are journeying with them in the path of deliverance. We are answering
Pope Francis call to loving attentiveness (Joy of the Gospel, #199) to the people who are poor. When
we walk in their shoes and see the city through their eyes, we identify with them, the Deliverer with us
all the way.
For reflection:
1. Pope Francis calls us to loving attentiveness towards those who are poor. What does this mean to
you?
2. What does our faith compel us to do in order to address the needs of those who are materially or
spiritually poor?
Patrick Nugent
Catholic Charities USA Parish Social Ministry Section; Member of the Board, Call To Action/Maryland
and St. Mary Refuge of Sinners Parish
(Cambridge, Maryland)

December 29, 2014

Fifth Day Within the Octave of Christmas
I John 2: 3-11; Luke 2: 22-35
Today in the Gospel of Luke, our Lord is humbly presented in the temple with the modest
sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves. Simeon, a devout man who has waited his life for the coming of
the Savior, prophesizes the infants salvation of the world as well as the sorrows that await his,
and our, faithful Mother Mary. She takes the wound of sorrow into her heart, and provides us
with a model of humility.
In the Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis reminds us of Marys example of humility. Whenever we
look to Mary, we come to believe once again in the revolutionary nature of love and tenderness.
In her we see that humility and tenderness are not virtues of the weak but of the strong who need
not treat others poorly in order to feel important themselves (#288).
Those of us working in social ministry strive to make the world a better place. We aspire to make
communities more hospitable -- places where everyone can fully realize their human dignity.
Through our interactions with others (whether they be colleagues, clients, or others in need), we
open ourselves to discover the hidden blessings of vulnerability. And, sometimes we feel
defeated.
Despite our best efforts, there is so much we cannot change both within the world and ourselves.
Through humility we learn our limitations and learn to do what we are capable of. What we can
do is ordinary things with ordinary people in a spirit of great love. We can enter the lives of the
those living in poverty. We can love them and allow ourselves to be loved by them. Like Mary,
we can open our hearts to the sorrows of the world and be obedient to Gods will. It is through
these humble acts of love that we prove our sincerity just as much as the bigger things we do.
This humility is what brings true peace, the peace of Christ. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that
grows upon the pruned vine.

For reflection:
1. What kinds of events in your ministry or work prune you?
2. Is there a situation in your work where you might need to be more honest with yourself
about your limitations?
Maura Moser
Director of Communications; Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (Silver Spring,
Maryland)
December 28, 2014
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Sirach 3: 2-6, 12-14; Colossians 3: 12-21; Luke 2: 22-40

The Family as Sign
God, the Holy Trinity, Who is tri-personal love, gives us a model with which to emulate Him
the human family. The exemplary human family is the Holy Family. The bond of obedience, as
St. Paul says, is love. That bond is caritasself-emptying gift. This gift can change our world for
the betterbut it must start with the family, as we see with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
The Holy Family reflects the dignity of the human person in the loving way that Jesus obeyed
His foster father Joseph, listened to His mother, and more fundamentally, as Mary accepted the
will of God by bearing the Christ. They display to us that family, and community, is a
participative effort, not an individualistic exercise. All three made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem
frequently as devout Jews.
They also show us the meaning for preferring the poor and vulnerablethey were refugees from
Herod, Jesus was born in very humble conditions, and Mary herself would have been cast out
from society for being an unwed mother had not Joseph listened to the promptings of the angel.
The Holy Family reflects the dignity of common labor, as a carpenter was honored to help raise
Gods son. The Holy Family witnesses solidarity; as devout Jews, they would have given alms
for the poor. Jesus attitude towards Samaritans, Roman soldiers, and others was a loving
attitude, very likely engrained upon him by Mary and Joseph.
Catholic Charities Fort Worth helps families with an entire branch of service, Strengthening
Families, in which our programs such as Families First provide parenting techniques. Our
Financial Assistance and Stability programs help provide guidance on properly managing
finances. Our Counseling program helps to heal wounds and divisions that have occurred within
the family. Family centered programs help to move society, at the cellular level, out of poverty.
When we look to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we see that God has given us a model to follow; a
model founded in obedience and rooted in caritas, which is self-emptying gift that is the
substance of the Triune God Himselflove.
For reflection:
1. Recognizing that all people are blessed, be they in traditional family structures or not, as we
are all formed in Gods image, how can the Church community strive to make all members of the
broader human family know the love and honor that Mary, Jesus, and Joseph bestowed upon
each other?
2. Pray for the success of the Synod on the Family, which will continue in October 2015. Pope
Francis own prayer for the Synod is a good place to start.
Paul Crnkovich
Parish Relations Program Manager, Catholic Charities Fort Worth

December 27, 2014

Feast of St. John
I John 1: 1-4; John 20: 1a, 2-8
The calendar year comes to a close, we are in the middle of the celebration of the Christmas
Octave, and the Church commemorates the life of St. John. Which John, you ask? Scholars no
longer agree that the author of the Fourth (and todays) Gospel was the same of the three (and
todays) epistles nor the John the Apostle. But, we can surmise that the disciple named the
other disciple in todays Gospel was one of the Johns. And, if you read the entrance antiphon
and collect for todays Mass, you will recognize that we are commemorating the life of St. John
the Apostle.
If todays Gospel sounds familiar, it is because it is also proclaimed at Mass every Easter Sunday
morning. If you follow the responses of the 12 apostles in the resurrection stories, we meet
Thomas who doubted the resurrection because he did not see the Risen Lord himself (John 20:
24-29); Peter, who in todays Gospel appears stunned to unbelief and later is questioned by
Jesus three times as to whether he loved Jesus (John 21: 15-19); and the other disciple
(presumably John), who arrived at the empty tomb, saw, and believed (John 20: 8). John is
portrayed most favorably, most faithfully, of all of the original 12 after the resurrection. The
other disciples belief in the resurrected Jesus is appropriate during a season when we honor
the shepherds, wise men, Simeon, and Anna for their belief of the greatness of the newborn
Jesus.
During a year in which the world witnessed a global humanitarian crisis facing an estimated
60,000 children from El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala; an Ebola epidemic which killed
over 6,800 people in west African countries; the slaying by terrorists of over 140 people in a
Pakistani school; the summer deaths of over 3,000 non-combatant Israelis and Palestinians; and
the mass murder of thousands of Iraqis and Syrians by ISIS, we also witnessed the renewal of
diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba, a gesture which counteracted over 50
years of hostilities between the two neighbors.
May we live in the joy of the belief of the resurrected Christ, as our forerunner in faith, the
other disciple, did in todays Gospel. And for me, on this late day in 2014, I will lay my head
at night, believing in the presence of God in our lives, as my country and Cuba are on speaking
terms for the first time in my life.
For reflection:
1. Reflect over your life in 2014. At what points did you stop to see and believe in the
presence of the risen Christ?
2. Like the first century Church, for whom todays Epistle was written, how have you
joyfully proclaimed the presence of the risen Christ?

Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem.

Manager Mission Resources and Data, Catholic Charities USA
December 26, 2014
Feast of Stephen, the First Martyr
Acts of the Apostles 6: 8-10, 7: 54-59; Matthew 10: 17-22
When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You
will be given at that moment what you are to say, Matthew10: 20
Have you ever wondered why the Church follows Christmas with the feast of an early disciples
martyrdom? On reflection, connecting the incarnation to a disciples execution is really not that
hard after all.
Most of us made an adult decision to hand ourselves over to Christ, to follow him in imitation of
the Jesus of the Gospels, as prayerful people who are led to reach out and serve the marginalized
in our society, much like Stephen, who assisted the underserved in the early years of the Church.
Often, that leads to surrendering of our lives to those who are marginalized. We find in them
incarnations of Jesus whom we call Lord.
Every Saturday morning, for over thirty years, our multi-cultural parish, in Teaneck, New Jersey,
brings soup, sandwiches, coffeeand moreto a corner on the lower east side of Manhattan.
Parishioners gather to make sandwiches on Friday and use the van to pick up baked goods for a
Catholic Charities soup kitchen on E 2nd Street. Other parishioners donate clothing.
My wife and I serve on Team B, one of four teams who serve those who are hungry. It is a
bittersweet ministry. We have come to know the faces and stories of many who come each week.
We have come to love many of them. Yet, we are frustrated. We see the same faces month after
month, year after year, and know that our advocacy work seems to fail to change the systems that
keep so many hungry.
But our monthly trip is also a chance to renew hope as we see friends at Maryhouse and St.
Josephs, the two Catholic Worker Houses in Manhattan. The members of that community have
handed themselves over to the marginalized, by living among them and serving them regularly.
The hope comes from witnessing that they are willing to disrupt the status quo, demanding the
attention of the powers that be. They oppose policies that cause poverty and homelessness (like
unrestrained spending on endless wars) through acts of civil disobedience that often lead to their
being handed over to the police.
On the day this is posted, I will be making Team Bs soup that will be delivered the following
day. And I wonder when the day will come when, like St. Stephen and the Catholic Workers,
my discipleship will lead to a more radical handing over of myself out of love for those whom
we serve, and the Jesus in them who calls us to a deeper level of discipleship every day.
For reflection:

1. Explore the life of St. Stephen through word and art.

2. Have you ever had to forgive one who did you great harm? Or, have you ever been the
recipient of such forgiveness? What is your relationship like with those people today?
Frank McCann, CSJP-A
Catholic Charities USA Parish Social Ministry Section;
Justice and Peace Facilitator for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace and Member; Human
Development and Social Justice Ministry, St. Anastasias Parish, Teaneck, New Jersey
December 25, 2014
The Nativity of the Lord, Mass During the Day
Isaiah 52: 7-10; Hebrews 1: 1-6; John 1: 1-18
As a child, I would curl up next to the little nativity statues under the Christmas tree, surrounded
by twinkling lights, and open our family Bible to read the details of that holy night again and
again. There is something so tender and universal in the nativity narrative that its largely what
weve come to envision when we think of the Christmas Gospels. Thats why todays Gospel
catches some of us off guard. While we come to Mass on Christmas Day looking for that
traditional story of Jesus birth, this first chapter from the Gospel of John is much more abstract.
In todays reading theres no Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem, no swaddling clothes or
bed of hay, and definitely no choirs of angels singing to shepherds in the fields. Instead John
describes our God through concepts like the Word and the light.
At first blush, its difficult to wrap our nativity-seeking heads around it, but upon reflection this
may be one of the most significant of all announcements regarding our Saviors birth. You see,
John also writes that, the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us (John 1: 14),
and with those ten simple words he captures the powerful mystery of the incarnation. For in
reality, God could have made himself known to us any way He wanted to. He could have come
as he did to Moses in a burning bush. He could have come in the form of some miracle like the
parting of the Red Sea, or He could have even delivered some never before seen natural wonder.
Instead, He chose to make himself one of us, in our flesh and among us. What a wonderful
reality! He assumed our nature, warts and all. That means He felt sad like us, or mad like us, or
ambitious, or desperate, just like us. He knew cold, hunger, sickness and even happiness just
like us. So that in the mystery of incarnation we are presented a Lord who loves us so infinitely
that He was willing to take all this upon Himself just to be closer to us and, more important, to
bring us closer to Him. To put it another way, try to imagine praying to a burning bush, or a
phenomenal natural wonder. Its not so easy. Its as if our Lord knew full well how we needed
to meet Him.
And with whom exactly did he cast his lot? Was it among royals and aristocrats? No, despite
romanticized versions, our Lordand therefore our Church--was actually born in rather ugly
circumstances. It was with the poor and vulnerable that Jesus made Himself known, amidst

those who needed him most. If we as Christians still seek Him, He made it abundantly clear
where to start looking.
My friends, the real promise of Christmas is not a baby in a manger. It is a God Who loves us so
much that He actually came to be with us! Thats where our hope is truly born.
For reflection:
How does Johns description of Jesus being one with the Father since the beginning of time
affect your image and understanding of Jesus? If this is a new way for you to look at Jesus,
consider this different role when you pray to him.
Laura Cassell
Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Charities Diocese of Rockville Centre (New York)
December 24, 2014
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
Samuel 7: 1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Psalm 89: 2-3, 4-5, 27, 29; Luke 1: 67-79
We were recently blessed to receive an unusual donation from an older couple. They had saved
what they would have spent on a years worth of birthday and Christmas gifts for their adult
children and adult grandchildren. They asked us if we could find just a few families to pass their
gift to, families for whom the larger-than-normal financial assistance might make a significant
change in their stability and security.
We reviewed recent cases that had come our way and began to invite clients in for a more indepth conversation. We learned of the recent death of a young adult child from cancer; of a
living-wage job opportunity if only past driving fines could be addressed to support a young
family with four little ones; of a new baby born just as his father was laid off. Mostly, however,
we learned names and heard the stories of peoples lives. We entered into deeper relationship.
That, for me, is the theme of todays scriptures: the abiding, enduring and faithful relationship of
God with His people. All things will be and are done for us, and we can accomplish little if
any of it ourselves. Our work is to be present to God-With-Us. Twice the Psalmist recalls
Gods kindness. Luke shares Zechariahs song of praise with the words tender compassion
(Luke 1: 78).
As we prepare to enter into the Solemnity of Jesus birth, may we hold all those relationships that
came to us in the past year, all those that will come to us in future months, and entreat Gods
help in guiding our feet into the way of peace (Luke 1: 79).
For reflection:
1. Take a moment to pray with todays Gospel, the Forest Green rendition of the Canticle of
Zechariah.

2. Is there a person in your life story who has freed you from fear, as Zechariah foretold of the
life of Jesus?
Scott Cooper
Parish Social Ministries; Catholic Charities of Spokane
December 23, 2014
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
Malachi 3: 1-4, 23-24; Psalm 25: 4-5ab, 8-9, 10, 14; Luke 1: 57-66
Todays readings, though written perhaps 500 years apart, both elevate a different prophet
(Malachi, Elijah and Luke, John the Baptist). Like John the Baptist, we rest on the shoulders and
follow in the footsteps of giants. But it is our responsorial psalm that causes me the greatest
reason to pause today. The Psalm is a lament that contains ardent pleas to God.
The Psalmist indirectly admits that he or she does not by nature know the will of God; the writer
asks God to teach Gods way. The psalmist even calls those sinners who do not know Gods
way, but need it to be taught by God. Finally, we are reminded that God does guarantee a path
of kindness and constancy, but only such benefits for those who keep his covenant and decrees.
The Lord will hold us accountable. Zechariah discovered this when God struck his power to
speak when Zechariah questioned the ability of God to bless him and his wife with a child. And,
God did not re-empower Zechariah to speak until Zechariah chose Gods will by naming his son
John.
For reflection:
1. How do we balance the belief in Gods unconditional love for us with the understanding
that we need Gods guidance to know and follow his path?
2. Have you ever been in the place of Zechariah, in which you made an important decision
as a son/daughter/father/mother/spouse/Church minister that caused your peers to second
guess your decision? Have you been able to put others expectations to rest when you
figured that they were not exactly Gods expectations?
Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem.
Manager, Mission Resources and Data; Catholic Charities USA

December 22, 2014

Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent
1 Samuel 1:24-28; 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd; Luke 1:46-56

What does it mean to be blessed by God? As Luke writes, Mary sings out, Surely, from now on
all generations will call me blessed (Luke 1: 48)! A modern rendition might be, Oh my God!
Now Im blessed! Surprise, delight, JOY, all bursting uncontrollably forth in public song to
pregnant Elizabeth. Mary, the unwed, pregnant teenage girl from the outskirts of the Roman
Empire, yet chosen to bear Gods son, cant help but respond to Gods action in her life by
singing, Oh my God! Now Im blessed!
In choosing Mary, God is telling all generations that being poor, unwed, young, female,
pregnant, and on the margins puts you in Gods favoryou are blessed (Luke 1: 52-53):
God has cast down the mighty from their thrones
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
It is a reversal of fortune also found in Luke 6: 20-21, supporting the Gospels major theme of
Gods favoring the poor. We continually learn through the Gospels, the lives of the saints,
Church tradition and history, and in our encounters with those we marginalize in our society, that
the ways of this world rarely align with the ways of Gods kingdom. To be blessed is to be
empowered by Gods love, to embody the vision of Gods kingdom, however reversed from our
norms this might be.
This past summer, I was fortunate to join a delegation to Ghana with Catholic Relief Services
(CRS), Catholic Charity USAs sister organization specializing in international humanitarian
work. We visited several CRS development projects, including the SHARPER project in the
Catholic Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga, which is Strengthening HIV/AIDS Response
Partnerships with Evidence-based Results. It was there that I met Joanna, a woman living with
HIV/AIDS who, like Mary, felt so blessed that she was bursting with eagerness to tell us her
story.
Joanna stood before our group and boldly proclaimed how the SHARPER project had
transformed her life from being stigmatized and suffering poor health, to receiving treatment,
proper nutrition and care, and invaluable support from the community. Joanna boasted that she
plans to soon return to her job as a school teacher, which she was forced to leave due to her
illness. Like Mary, unwed, female and on the margins of her society, Joanna dared to see herself
as blessed, worthy and loved.
I ran into Joanna at the Cathedral Mass the following day and she came up to me to grab my
hand and give me a huge hug. Her embrace was powerful, firm, confident and joyful. It was the
embrace of a woman who sees Gods working in the world and knows that we are all so very
blessed.
For reflection:
1. By whom have you been blessed? Use names, be specific, and ask Gods blessings upon them.

2. How have you been blessed by someone who is considered poor or who is marginalized? Give
thanks to God.
Kelly Hickman
Assistant Director, Missions Office, Archdiocese of Seattle

December 21, 2014

Fourth Sunday of Advent
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38

Visitation
Thus says the LORD:
Should you build me a house to dwell in?

-2 Samuel 7:5

No-one noticed him at first,

hidden behind a knot of kindergarteners
gathered for a photo opportunity on the steps of the shelter.
Gleefully they brandished construction-paper masterpieces,
sunshine pictures clad in colored macaroni
to brighten the Open Hand Kitchen.
It was only after theyd carried their chatter away
and the bustle finally faded,
that I saw him on the steps of the one-time Church of St. Paul.
He was fumbling around the now-boarded entrance,
searching in vain for a door handle,
a way into the house of God.
Its not a church anymore,
I informed him.
Its a soup kitchen. Are you hungry?
Wordlessly, the disheveled figure
pointed to the door,

and continued his search for sanctuary.

Climbing the church steps,
I approached with that most risky of questions:
Can I help you?
He fixed me in his bleary gaze,
and rummaging his coat pocket,
held up a broken, plastic rosary.
And coming to her, he said,
Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you. -Luke 1:28
While rain spackled our faces,
he mirrored me
as I made a sign of the cross.
Our Father who art I heaven
Hail Mary Hail Mary Hail Mary I intoned,
and he mumbled along, thumbing the blue-beaded string.
At the Glory be, he lowered his head,
carefully descended the steps,
and walked off into the misty morning.
Then the angel said to her,
Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God. -Luke 1:30
Watching him disappear
I fell to wondering;
where do our street-dwellers find sanctuary?
Beyond the meals, coats, and mattresses,
how do these bruised members of the body of Christ
find the favor of quiet rest for their souls?
For surely the Christ
breaks into our lives in myriad guises,
and does not the indwelling spirit abide in each wandering soul?
In our concern to address
the needs of every body
we can overlook the need to tend to each and every soul.
Celtic Rune of Hospitality

I saw a stranger at yestereen;

I put food in the eating place,
Drink in the drinking place,
Music in the listening place;
And in the sacred name of the Triune
He blessed myself and my house,
My cattle and my dear ones,
And the lark said in her song
Often, often, often,
Goes the Christ in a stranger's guise. -Kenneth MacLeod
What would happen, I wonder, if we made a sacred dwelling place,
a quiet welcoming corner,
for those most sorely afflicted, to soothe the ones God favors?
How do we tend to the Christ we serve, body, soul and spirit?
Joe Grant
Director of Programs, JustFaith Ministries

December 20, 2014

Saturday of the Third Week of Advent
Isaiah 7: 10-14; Luke 1: 26-38
Todays readings from Samuel and Luke speak of the call to faith and opposite responses to
it. Ahaz put his trust in Assyria rather than in God; later his descendants and many of the
Israelites also put their trust in other gods and nations. Mary did put her trust in him and became
the Mother of God.
In the first reading, Aram and the northern kingdom of Israel (Israel had split into two kingdoms)
were attacking Jerusalem (the capital of Judah, the southern kingdom). Ahaz, the king of Judah,
trusted that Assyria would come to his rescue. When God told Ahaz to ask for a sign so that he
might listen to His will regarding this situation, Ahaz refused. That refusal was not said out of
piety or humility, but because his mind was already made up. Isaiah angrily responded that God
was tired of Ahazs, and by extension all Hebrews, lack of trust in Him. In time God would let
Judah (the northern kingdom had already fallen to Assyria) be conquered by a foreign power,
and He would raise up a new person who would be His very presence amongst people.
In contrast to Ahaz, Mary remained open to Gods call. Although she wondered why He sent an
angel to her--and she was startled by the greeting--she continued to listen. She also wondered
how she could have a son without a man. Despite those questions, she accepted the angels
message that she would conceive in a miraculous way, like her relative Elizabeth also conceived
despite her age. In the end, Mary consented to being Gods instrument.
For reflection:

1.
2.

Do we always trust in God, especially when we are confused or afraid?

Do I see a case, client, consumer, or Christ when encountering a person in need?

Kevin Cushing
Member of the CCUSA Parish Social Ministry Section; Our Lady of Loretto Church (Novato,
Calif.)

December 19, 2014

Friday of the Third Week of Advent
Judges 13: 2-7, 24-25a; Psalm 71: 3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Luke 1: 5-25
Taking Time Out to Wait in Expectation and be Silent before God
This has been a very different Advent season for me, but one that I have definitely needed. You
see, I am one of those extremely busy people who rush through the season preparing for
Christmas, but barely having time to celebrate Advent. This year, I had foot and ankle surgery,
so I have no recourse but to rest and reflect. What I am discovering is that it is becoming a gift
from God and it is renewing my strength.
Psalm 71:6 notes, On you I depend from birthfrom my mothers womb you are my strength.
In our readings we hear how God calls Samson from his mothers womb in the Book of Judges
to begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines. In Lukes Gospel, God is also calling
John the Baptist to prepare the way of the Lord. Both mothers were barren and in their older
years when they became pregnant as announced by an angel of the Lord. When Samsons
mother was visited by the angel, she listened and remained silent. In contrast, we read that
Zechariah, Johns father, questioned the angel in disbelief and was struck dumb until after Johns
birth when his parents named him. Both of these sons were considered Nazirites according to
Hebrew tradition, since they were to be consecrated to the Lord from the womb; no razor would
touch their heads and they were to drink no wine or spirits all the days of their lives. Both sets of
parents were expected to be silent in anticipation of the birth of their sons to allow God to work
through them.
In the hustle and bustle of the season, I have to ask myself if I take time to be silent to prepare
my mind and heart for the coming of the Savior. Oftentimes I am caught up in the busyness of
the season. While this is part of the fun of Christmas, we need to strike a balance. The
commercialism of the holiday--making it to the stores for those Thanksgiving sales, wrapping,
cooking, baking and rushing through the season rather than savoring the moment--makes it easy
for us to be caught into a tail spin. Where do we find the peace and the child-like expectation
that Jesus tells us is important for us to maintain. Christmas will be more meaningful to us if we
take the time to focus on what God is calling us to be.

As in our personal lives, the Christmas season at Catholic Charities is also a busy time as we put
up trees at various parishes in our diocese and at our main office with names of children and
elderly people in our community. People pick names and purchase gifts then return them to us
for distribution to those who are poor or those who have been unemployed for some time. This
is a good thing and it helps families in our community to have a good Christmas. To help ease
the burden of those in charge, some of us take a step back from our own work to help with this
project. This is a wonderful activity. However, we also realize that as an agency, we need to take
a day to celebrate Advent with one another and so we hold an Advent Prayer Service with our
Bishop at one of our local parishes for our Catholic Charities staff. We take this time to reflect
and pray together, celebrating the gifts God has given to each of us. We cease our busyness for
that moment. For me, it has become a very important time to be silent before God. Daily
readings and reflections on the scriptures of the day also help keep us focused.
As I convalesce this season, it has given me the opportunity to focus on the true meaning of the
seasonto listen and wait in expectation. While I love to prepare presents and food to share
with others, I am learning to receive. I do not know how my decorating, shopping and wrapping
will unfold, but I am trusting this year that what is meant to be will be as I reflect and listen to
what God is asking me to do and to be. Being forced into silence like Zechariah is what it takes
for me this year and I am remembering what is like to have child-like dependence on others.
While humbling, it is also a gift that is keeping me focused on what serving and being served is
truly about.
For reflection:
In what ways can I pause this Advent season to listen to Gods voice and to prepare my
mind and heart for the coming of the Savior?
2. Do I give others the opportunity to serve or do I feel as though I have to do it all? How
can I take a step back to give others the blessing of helping me with the Christmas
preparations?
3. How can I model for my children an Advent season of true expectation? What exercises
might we do together as a family?
1.

Fran Rajotte
Director of Advocacy and Social Concerns; Catholic Charities of Tennessee, Inc.

December 18, 2014

Thursday of the Third Week of Advent
Jeremiah 23: 5-8; Psalm 72: 1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Matthew 1: 18-25

When I read my assignment for this reflection I was somewhat disappointed not to get a
Sunday. But I soon realized that the First Reading and Psalm Response had strong justice foci.
I realized that I was fortunate to reflect on readings that highlight what it is about Jesus that
challenges believers to follow his example to reach out to others. And in the Gospel, St. Joseph
is a terrific example of someone learning Gods will and showing an incredible openness and
willingness to follow it.
Advent is a perfect time for Catholic Charities and parish social ministry staff, supporters, and
volunteers to reflect on why we do what we do. I have worked at six different offices of
Catholic Charities throughout the U.S., primarily in parish social ministry. As a parish social
minister, I was consistently reminded of my responsibility as a believer. I am currently working
in the annual appeal office and sometimes need reminders like todays Psalm, He shall have
pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save (Psalm 72: 13).
We are blessed to have Pope Francis as our current Holy Father. He recently praised the
Bishops of Malawi, I thank you for being close to those who are ill and all the suffering,
offering them the loving presence of their shepherd. Make time once a week to go to visit the
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Website to discover the latest from Pope Francis;
let him inspire and challenge you. I often use his quotes for solicitation or thank you letters and
he always makes me feel grateful to be part of Catholic Charities.
For reflection:
1. How do you incorporate justice into your involvement with Catholic Charities or parish
ministry?
2. Imagine you are St Joseph. How would you react to the angel that appeared in your
dream?
Patsy Vincent
Event and Volunteer Coordinator, Catholic Charities of Buffalo
December 17, 2014
Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent
Genesis 49: 2, 8-10; Matthew 1: 1-17
The Gospel of today contains the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Why are genealogies important?
While I haven't invested the time to research my family's tree, some have spent hours, including
international trips, in this research. Fortunately, someone on the Forstner side of my family has
put in this time. There is even a small building, Heimat (home in German), that contains a
visual of the family tree, scrapbooks, and other pictures on the wall, including one of my
grandfather and his sisters in one of the first cars in their small town.
Among the most intriguing things in the Heimat is a plaque that expresses gratitude to the
friendly Indian. In 1862, the Forstner family homestead, near New Ulm, Minnesota, faced a
serious tragedy. During the Dakota War, a Native American friend warned my relatives of

encroaching fires. Without that persons kindness and concern, my family (and me!) might have
been pruned from the tree. Today my parents have a cabin near the White Earth Indian
Reservation, and have many wonderful Native American friends. To me, this reinforces that we
do not need to be blood relatives to be family.
I am involved in a program called Beginning Experience, which provides a healing ministry to
the widowed, divorced, and separated. In this program, we form a family. I have heard a much
older man call a younger man Dad because he felt fathered by that man who had been the team
leader of his small sharing group. Wouldn't it be wonderful if each church community could
foster that sense of family?
Let us pray that we all may live with the feeling that we are part of Christ's family tree.
For reflection:
1. What family groups are you a part of?
2. During these remaining days of Advent, how can you foster a feeling of love among the many
and varied members of your extended family in Christ?
Deborah Forstner
Catholic Charities USA Parish Social Ministry Section; St. Cloud, Minn.
December 16, 2014
Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent
Zephaniah 3: 1-2, 9-13; Psalm 34: 2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19, 23; Matthew 21: 28-32
In todays Gospel, the evangelist writes for converts of a Jewish heritage, telling the familiar
story of two sons asked by their father to work in the vineyard. The first initially refuses but
later changes his mind and does as asked. The second says yes but never does go to the
vineyard. The Gospel compares to varying approaches that we might take when asked to help
others meet their basic needs. One approach is to recognize the need, but outsource the work
of charity. Another approach is to give of ones time and treasure and truly accompany those
with fewer resources.
Do you see yourself in either of these scenarios? How can we better trust in God who always
repays our generosity? Can we extend our Christian love to those outside of our immediate
circle?
Closer to home, perhaps within your parish or Catholic Charities service area, do you have the
extra time and or resources to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, or connect
the distraught with community services? Psalm 34 proclaims that the Lord hears the cry of
those who are poor. Are we listening, too?
For reflection:

1. Take a moment to offer a prayer that you may become more willing and able to leave your
personal comfort zone on behalf of those with fewer resources.

2. Take a moment to pray with John Foleys Cry of the Poor, based on todays psalm
response.
Claudette Burque
Member of the CCUSA Parish Social Ministry Section; St Patrick Parish, Phenix City, Alabama
December 15, 2014
Monday of the Third Week of Advent
Numbers 24: 2-7, 15-17a; Matthew 21: 23-27
Todays readings contain messages about authority. King Balak of Moab tried to use his status
to convince Balaam, a non Israelite seer, to pronounce a curse on the Israelites; instead, Balaam
offered three blessings on the Israelites (of which the third is contained in our First Reading [see
Numbers 24: 3-7]). And in todays Gospel, Jesus is asked by chief priests and elders attempting
to trip him, By what authority are you doing these things (Matthew 21: 23)?
As a parent, Gods authority was revealed to me in a special way when my son Alex turned 18
and graduated from high school the same week. Leading to these milestones, I prayed that I
would succeed as a parent during this new era of my sons life. God revealed to me at my sons
graduation that He was the source of this beautiful maturation; my wildest dreams and hopes for
my son 18 years earlier could have never matched the 18 year old that stood before me.
Living by Gods authority means that we are at the service of a vision that far surpasses our best
ideas, our most diligent work. Living by Gods authority means that we are obedient to the
unfolding revelation of the truth of things. Living by Gods authority means that we are not alone
to do the work of justice. We are recipients of a grace, glory and power beyond our wildest
expectations.

For reflection:

1. Reflect honestly on your daily actions. By what authority do they stem?

2. What would it take for your actions to be at the service of Gods authority and providential
vision?
Cami Mann
Volunteer, Catholic Charities West Michigan and Editor, Faith Catholic Publications; Lansing,
Mich.
December 14, 2014
Sunday of the Third Week of Advent
Isaiah 61: 1-2a, 10-11; I Thessalonians 5: 16-24; John 1: 6-8, 19-23
What a day to be told by the Lord he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the
broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and release the prisoners (Isaiah 61:1).
On this Third Sunday of Advent, two weeks before Christmas, I can think of no better spiritual
advice from God. I pause to reflect: do the glad tidings that we help provide to the less fortunate
truly heal the broken hearted and do justice for those who are poor? Are we driven by our own
purposes for personal gain or the Gospel mandate?
In todays Gospel, John the Baptist is asked by priests and Levites, Who are you (John 1: 19)?
How would we answer that question? Would we be as confident as John the Baptist was when
he answered, I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord
(John 1: 23)?
When the outreach, education, and advocacy through our agencies and parishes provide a true
pathway out of poverty and despair, we move closer to imitating Christ and the honor of
untying his sandal straps (John 1: 27).
For reflection:
1. Who are the prophets today who challenge us to make straight the way of the Lord?
2. How do we respond to these prophets?
Mark Dufva
Executive Director, Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg, Inc.

December 13, 2014

St. Lucy, Memorial
Sirach 48: 1-4, 9-11; Matthew 17: 9a, 10-13

When I was a young girl, my mother used to dress me up as Saint Lucia, the Patroness of
Sweden. Being the only daughter amongst four brothers meant I never had to compete against
my siblings for the honor of being Saint Lucia. My mothers father immigrated to the United
States from Sweden and brought with him many of the traditions of his native country. The
hardest part of portraying Saint Lucia was balancing the candles on my head as I carried a tray of
sweet buns. As a child, I did not understand the symbolism of bearing light and food into the
darkened rooms of our home.
The season of Advent calls us to prepare ourselves for the coming of our Lord and Savior. The
readings today remind us to turn back our hearts, to take away our wrath, and get ready for the
day of the Lord! It is written that the Virgin and Martyr Saint Lucia wore a wreath of candles on
her head to help her find her way to the Christians hiding in the dark catacombs in order to bring
them food and drink. Today I understand the symbolism of Saint Lucia, bearing the light and
nourishment of our Lord. I understand that my interaction with each person I meet must reflect
the light and love of our Lord. I have multiple opportunities each day to bear the light, whether
it is through my work with victims of domestic violence or human trafficking or the cashier at
the grocery store.
The song of St. Lucia is a metaphor for the coming of our Lord who bears light to our world,
The night treads heavily around yards and dwellings In places unreached by the sun, the
shadows brood Into our dark house she comes, bearing lighted candles, Saint Lucia, Saint
Lucia. Saint Lucia held firm to her faith in God; like St. Lucia, we too must have zeal for those
we serve, and remember to bring the light of the Lord not just as we prepare during this Advent
season for Christmas, but every day of the year.
For reflection:
1. Click here to learn even more about St. Lucy.
2. We read in the Gospel that witnessing as a prophet may be hazardous to ones health! How
do we tend to respond when under pressure for our faith?
Lauri B. Ogumoro
Acting Executive Director Karidat Social Services (Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands)
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 12, 2014
Zechariah 2: 14-17; Luke 1: 26-38
Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, Luke 1: 39.
Just as she had done 1531 years before, Mary set out to another hill this time Tepeyac, six
miles from Mexico City. Although the circumstances are very different, there were similarities.

As a young girl, Mary had just learned that the Holy Spirit would overshadow her and she would
conceive a child who would be called the Son of God. At Tepeyac, still looking like a young girl,
Mary wore a black ribbon around her waist, a common practice for pregnant Aztec women. In
both instances, she is not only the bearer of good news but also the doer of good deeds.
At the first apparition at Tepeyac, which occurred on December 9th, (the Feast of the Immaculate
Conception was celebrated on that day) she told Dignified Juan Diego that she wanted a
hermitage to be built on that place: In it I will show and give to all people my love, my
compassion, my help, and my protection, because I am your merciful mother and the mother of
all the nations that live on this earth 1
Juan Diego had been tempted to not meet the Virgin at the third appointed time because his dear
uncle was gravely ill and he was rushing to assist him. He did stop, and when he told her about
his uncle she answered:
Listen and hear well in your heart, my most abandoned son: that which scares and
troubles you is nothing: do not let your countenance and heart be troubled; do not fear
that sickness or any other sickness or anxiety. Am I not here, your mother? Are you not
under my shadow and my protection? Am I not your source of life? Are you not in the
hollow of my mantle where I cross my arms? Who else do you need? At that very
moment, Juan Diego would learn that his uncle was cured. 2
Today, 483 years later, in our Catholic Charities service centers, we daily meet dignified men
and women who are in need of help and compassion. We feel anxious and worried, just as St.
Juan Diego. We are tempted to think that we are doing this alone and to forego any time spent in
prayer.
On this Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of Mexico, the unborn, and the Americas,
may we renew our commitment to serve our dignified clients in all stages of life and from every
country of origin. And may we remember that we are not alone Mary of Guadalupe is with us.
For reflection and action:
1. Read the text of the Nican Mophua. Chapter 2 of Guadalupe Mother of the New Creation by
Virgil Elizondo is a good translation.

2. Inspired by the dialogue between Mary of Guadalupe and Juan Diego, spend five or 10
minutes in prayer. Following the example of Marys dialogue with Juan Diego, pray for your

Guadalupe Mother of the New Creation. Virgil Elizondo. p. 8

Ibid. p. 9

clients, adding the adjective dignified before their names.

3. Participate in a celebration at a parish where Guadalupan religious sisters are involved in the
ministries.
Elena M. Garcia
Parish Social Ministry/CRS/CCHD, Catholic Charities Diocese of Palm Beach
December 11, 2014
Thursday of the Second Week of Advent
Isaiah 41: 1320; Matthew 11: 11-15
Its early yet and the sun hasnt even come up over the horizon as I sit at my desk, scrolling through
hundreds of emails Ive gotten over the past week. I can feel my stress level inching up, a slow-building
yet frantic feelingIll never be able to get to everything waiting for me! And it all seems important and
vital. Were not even through our year-end appeal and yet Im racing to meet our fundraising deadlines
for spring.
I think about the long line of people I passed while walking though our lobby yesterday: an impossibly
young mother with several small children in tow; a pair of hunched-over elderly women clinging tightly
to one another; a gaunt-looking middle-aged man with a scraggly beard who wore a baseball hat
identifying him as a veteran. Along with dozens of others theyd come to our agency seeking help with
basic needs.
Along with my colleagues I am overwhelmed. How can we ever do enough? How do we raise enough
money? How can we shelter everyone during the harsh winter months? How do we provide plenty of
warm meals and not turn anyone away? Im beginning to feel empty too, all tapped out with nothing
more to give.
Isaiah 41: 17 captures this sense of emptiness well, evoking a barren, dry desert. The afflicted and the
needy seek water in vain, their tongues are parched with thirst. Its easy for us to see the people we
serve as the ones who need relief, but Isaiah reminds us that we also thirst and long for living water.
I am the LORD, your God, who grasp your right hand, Isaiah 41: 13ff assures us, I will open up rivers
on the bare heights, and fountains in the broad valleys, I will turn the desert into a marshland, and the
dry ground into springs of water.
Todays passage from Isaiah is a promise that we do not enter alone into this work that we do. The
immensity of the need in our world is not met by us alone, but in the fullness and abundance of our God
standing with us. We are a people living in duality. In the midst of Advent, in this time of waiting and
preparing our hearts to celebrate the Incarnation of Gods Son, we also live in a promise fulfilled. God is
there with us, guiding us to a place where we can quench our thirst and invite others to join us.

This assurance, that we are not alone in this work that we do, is enough for me in this moment. I will do
all that I can today and trust our Lord who says, Fear not, I will help you.
For reflection:
1. Think of a creative way to invite your colleagues to embrace the opening verse of todays First
Reading, For I am the Lord, your God, who grasp your right hand; it is I who say to you, do not fear, for I
will help you.
2. Today is also the second anniversary of the death of Bishop Walter Sullivan (Richmond, Virginia), a
power episcopal advocate for Catholic social action. Take a moment to ask him to intercede on behalf
of todays Church leaders.
Debbie Sladek
Communications Coordinator, Catholic Community Services of Western Washington

December 10, 2014

Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent
Isaiah 40: 25-31; Matthew 11: 28-30
In today's Gospel, Jesus invites us to share in the yoke He is already carrying. Just as oxen share
a yoke to pull the weight of a plow, He wants us to join together with Him and share our
burdens, pains and sufferings so that He can ease the load that we carry. We do not have to do it
alone.
The daily work of Catholic Charities and parish social ministry can weigh heavily on our hearts.
We share in the sorrows of those that walk through our doors each day the single mother
wondering how shes going to provide for another child, the family on the verge of losing its
home, or the refugee who fled war and violence to give his family a better life. Their stories
follow us home, and may leave us wondering what more we could have done, and how we will
find the strength to face such dire situations again tomorrow. At times we may feel that this
weight upon our shoulders is too much to handle.
But we know that we are not alone in this work. God has called us to share in His mission, and
He is there each step of the way willing to carry our burdens. We just need to trust in Him and
allow Him to share the load. He will never grow weary. He will give us the strength we need to
serve His people. And when we need to rest, He is there ready to take the weight from us
completely.
This Advent season, as we prepare our Hearts for Christs coming, we rejoice in the knowledge
that He will never forsake us. He will never give us more that we can carry with His assistance.
And through His grace, we will soar like eagles in the work that He has called us to do.

For reflection:
1. What burdens have I been carrying alone that I may ask God to help me with?
2. Where in my life have I seen evidence of Jesus carrying my load with me?
Allison Cavazos
Director of Social Services, Catholic Charities of Central Texas (Austin, Texas)

December 9, 2014
Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent
Isaiah 40:1-11; Matthew 18:12-14
In both of todays readings, we have the image of the shepherd tending his flock with care.
Reflecting over this image, I thought of services we provide through Catholic Charities programs
and parish social ministry. A shepherd guides his sheep to green pastures, sheltering and
protecting them from harm. In our ministries, we journey with our clients through some difficult
circumstances. Sometimes we fail to appreciate the value of the ministry of presence. In his
apostolic exhortation, The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis speaks of the art of accompaniment.
It teaches us to remove our sandals before the sacred ground of the other (#169). Journeying
with our clients is a sacred privilege and a form of evangelization.
Serving people in need may not be perceived by some as evangelization, yet I am reminded of
the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the good news to a hungry person is bread.
Pope Francis devotes an entire chapter to The Social Dimension of Evangelization in his
exhortation, reminding us that at the heart of the Gospel is life in community and engagement
with others. The content of the first proclamation has an immediate moral implication centered
on charity (#177).
In our fast-paced world of instant everything, it is a challenge to slow down and take the time
needed to journey with another and develop a relationship built on trust. We are often tempted to
offer a quick fix in response to a present problem, rather than taking the time to uncover what
lies below the surface. Food from the pantry addresses the present need, however time and trust
may reveal a much deeper issue.
Responding to the present need begins the journey that offers us an opportunity to recognize the
face of Jesus in the person we are serving and to share the love and mercy of Jesus with him/her.
In their book, Compassion; A Reflection on the Christian Life, Henri Nouwen, Donald McNeill

and Douglas Morrison state: Radical servanthood challenges us, while attempting persistently
to overcome poverty, hunger, illness, and any other form of human misery, to reveal the gentle
presence of our compassionate God in the midst of our broken world. During this season of
Advent, let us take time to reflect on the ministry of presence.
For reflection:
1. Was there a time in your life when you felt like the discovered lamb of the herd of 99? Did
this status help you in turn seek another lost person?
2. Isaiah notes in the First Reading, though the grass withers and the flower wilts, the word
of our God stands forever (Isaiah 40: 8). Have you had the chance to spend more time reading
and reflecting on the word of God this Advent?
Jan Jamroz
Director Parish Social Ministry; Catholic Charities, Diocese of Rockville Centre
December 8, 2014
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Genesis 3: 9-15, 20; Ephesians 1: 3-6, 11-12; Luke 1 26-38
Which statement(s) is (are) recognized as official dogma of the Roman Catholic Church?
1.
2.
3.
4.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

Jesus died in Jerusalem.
Mary was conceived without original sin.
Jesus was without siblings.

Number three is the only statement of Catholic dogma, by proclamation of Pope Pius IX (1854),
The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular
grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the
human race, preserved from all stain of original sin. Furthermore, the Catechism of the
Catholic Church, #492-493, notes, she is redeemed, in a more exalted fashion, by reason of
the merits of her Son. By the grace of God Mary remained free of personal sin her whole life
long.
A quick re-enforcement: the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception underscores the fact
that Mary was born without original sin, not that Jesus was born of a virgin!
On a day that we acknowledge Marys uber holiness, the Second Reading reminds us not to
forget Gods own delight with the first century Ephesians (and I dare say with all succeeding
generations of baptized Christians, including you and me), In him you also, who have heard
the word of the truth of the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with

the promised Holy Spirit, which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as
Gods possession, to the praise of his glory (Ephesians 1: 13-14).
For reflection:
1. Offer a prayer for those men, women, and children preparing for baptism, and all those
seeking to make their relationship to God more perfect.
2. Today we also commemorate that Mary is the patron saint of the United States of America.
Take a moment to ask Mary to intercede to God for wisdom for our national leaders, especially
as they debate budget matters which directly impact the safety of U.S. immigrants, refugees, and
low income native born Americans.
Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem.
Manager, Mission Resources and Data
December 7, 2014
Second Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9-11; 2 Peter 3: 8-14; Mark 1: 1-8
I love the liturgical season of Advent this time of quiet waiting, anticipation, and of preparing
our hearts for our Lord and Savior. John the Baptist came out of the desert and began his
journey, baptizing and preparing all for the one to come after me (Mark 1:7). Imagine the
anticipation of those at the banks of the Jordan River, the hope they held in their hearts for a new
beginning, the promise of better times to come!
Thats the same feeling people experience when coming through the doors of any of our Catholic
Charities offices. No one knows at first glance what burdens these men and women, these
families, are carrying. We do know, however, that they come with hope. Some have sought help
elsewhere and were disappointed or turned away because they didnt have the all the money
needed to pay for services. Others may have lived on the fringe of society for so long, that both
they and their needs have become invisible too much of society. Many had nowhere else to turn.
Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God (Isaiah 40: 1). Our case managers,
therapists, and receptionists are providing that comfort every day by listening, responding and
empowering the people we serve. There is no easy fix for the burdens people carry, but there is
always hope. It is a journey that our staff embark upon every day with our clients a journey to
a new beginning and the promise of better times to come.
For reflection:
1. Intentionally thank staff and volunteers at your agency or parish for their kind patience
toward our clients in need.

2. Have you ever served the role of John the Baptist, preparing others for the arrival of another?
How comfortable were you in setting the table for another mightier than you (Mark 1: 7)?
Sharon Brumer
Communications Manager, Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Milwaukee
December 6, 2014
Saturday of the First Week of Advent
Isaiah 30: 19-21, 23-26; Matthew 9: 35-10: 1, 5a, 6-8
As you go, make this proclamation: The Kingdom of heaven is at hand. Cure the sick, raise
the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are
to give (Matthew 9: 35-10: 1).
In these sentences from todays Gospel, Matthew captures the essence of a parish social justice
ministry and a Catholic Charities agency. We are sent by Jesus to both proclaim the Good News
and to act to make Gods kingdom a reality. Our actions should be focused on the neediest
among us and should be abundant to replicate the unconditional and unceasing love God has for
us. At Jesuit institutions like my parish, Holy Trinity, we say we are called to be men and women
for others.
And we try, quite hard in fact, to be men and women for others; to ease the burdens of those with
less and to accompany them. As I reflect on these words and the many wonderful, caring,
talented parishioners I have come to know in my first six months as Pastoral Associate for Social
Justice, I realize our parish community has taken Matthews Gospel to heart.
Where this passage challenges me is in its call to give without cost. Particularly in Advent, the
season of preparation, it makes me wonder whether what we do, albeit a lot, is enough. I wonder
how to discern the magis (the more universal good) for our social justice ministry.
The drives and donations we do this time of year certainly gather things that make others lives
easier and healthier, and this is important. But, are they really going to prepare me or
parishioners for the way of the Lord in our world? There must be more. Not more in the sense of
adding to the list of existing programs, but more in the depth of what we do. If we find God and
ourselves in the marginalized, than shouldnt we spend more time accompanying the poor
personally? Do we tend to the spiritual lives of the poor and vulnerable as well as we tend to
their material needs? How do we offer ourselves and our love for God to our neighbors just as
we offer our things?
Walking with the marginalized, truly being men and women for others, preparing a world God
would want to see on earth requires, this time of the year in particular, the kind of generosity St.
Ignatius seeks in his prayer:

Lord, teach me to be generous.

Teach me to serve you as you deserve;
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labor and not to ask for reward,
save that of knowing that I do your will.
For reflection:
1. Take a look at Michael Jordan Laskeys November 2014 article from US Catholic, Get
to Know a Person Living in Poverty.
2. What can we learn from the life of St. Nicholas, whose feast we celebrate today?
Kate Tromble
Member of the CCUSA Parish Social Ministry Section; Pastoral Associate for Social Justice,
Holy Trinity Catholic Church (Washington, D.C.)

December 5, 2014
Friday of the First Week of Advent
Isaiah 29: 17-24; Psalm 27: 1, 4, 13-14; Matthew 9: 27-31
Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation as we celebrate the Incarnation of God in the life of
Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
But a very little while, and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard and the orchard be
regarded as a forest, Isaiah 29:17.
This metaphor illustrates the hope of Gods salvation for His people, including the Gentiles.
Isaiah continues Gods promises, the deaf shall hear, the eyes of the blind shall see, the
lowly will find joy in the LORD, and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.The tyrant will
be no morethe arrogant will have goneall who are alert and do evil will be cut off.
The psalmist tells us, The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? (Psalm 27:
1).
In our Gospel reading from Matthew, the two blind men approach Jesus and ask for pity, for
mercy. They do not ask Jesus to heal them. Jesus knows their intentions before they ask him but
he said to them, Do you believe that I can do this (Matthew 9: 28)?
Yes, Lord, they said.

Let it be done for you according to your faith (Matthew 9: 29) and their sight was restored.
This time of year is very difficult for a great number of people. The temperature drops, there are
colder days and nights, and daylight is minimal. However, there is light. We are in the Advent
season and awaiting the coming of Jesus. We must all possess the two main themes of our
readings today, patience and faith. We must have the patience to wait for Jesus to hear and
answer us and the faith that he can and will deliver our needs and requests. As we all are aware,
Jesus knows what we need before we ask him.
The clients that we are privileged to serve, with their specific needs, permeate the readings today.
To them, we are Jesus. They are the disenfranchised and those living on the margins of society.
They come to us with hope, hope that we can help them overcome their individual adversities.
They place their life and their faith in our ability to help them. Like Jesus in todays Gospel, we
know their needs before they ask. Our job is to assist them as best as we can with available
resources. Unfortunately, at times there are impediments that prevent us from helping clients.
There are matters and situations that we just cannot control.
Advent is a beautiful season of faith and patience. My prayer for you is a blessed Advent and a
happy, healthy and prosperous Christmas and New Year. May God continue to bless us and give
us the resolve to serve his people and do his work.
For reflection:
1. Are there any blind spots in your life that prevent you from seeing the power and mercy
of God?
2. How can we seek and obtain Gods mercy?
3. Patience is a virtue much to be desired. How patiently do you await Gods answer to a
prayer or a social service entity to respond to a client?
Mark A. Totaro, Ph.D.
Secretary, Catholic Charities Diocese of Harrisburg
December 4, 2014
Thursday of the First Week of Advent
Isaiah 26:1-6; Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27A; Matthew 7:21, 24-27
Todays readings focus on strength: the strength of a city to protect itself (Isaiah 26:1); the
strength of a house built on rock to withstand the storms (Matthew 7:24-25); but, most
importantly, our strength to trust in God in all matters (Isaiah 26:4). In our daily activities, it is
sometimes difficult to focus on releasing our problems to Gods care. We are trying so hard to
come up with the perfect solution that we miss the obvious. May I suggest that each of the
readings references the need to put our trust in God?

As the weather turned cold here in Southeast Texas, we were faced with the dilemma of finding
shelter for a family of five on a Friday at 4:30 pm. There was no room at any emergency shelter.
We had no emergency funds available to help. We were becoming discouraged. We were
praying, but God was not working fast enough for us.
And then, there was a light bulb moment. Someone thought to call some of our friends; it
turned out to be a very good move. An individual funded the weekend at a safe and secure hotel.
Others have come forward for additional nights. Local parish social outreach ministries are
coming forward for more nights. Meanwhile, our Emergency Services Department is working
on a permanent housing solution.
We needed the strength to trust and believe that God would take care of things. We say that we
believe, but we do have to be occasionally reminded.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever (Psalm 118:1).

For reflection:
1. This is the start of the new Church year. Have you made your resolutions?
2. As we prepare for the coming of Christ this Advent, are there areas of your spiritual life
that need to be strengthened? What steps can you take to strengthen those areas?
Coquese L. Williams
Director of Parish Social Ministry; Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas (Beaumont)
December 3, 2014
Saint Francis Xavier, Memorial
Isaiah 25: 6-10a, Matthew 15: 29-37
Advent is an exciting time for our family. We enjoy the beautiful decorations everywhere we go,
particularly at our parish and in Washington, D.C. People are joyful and kind and there is an
authenticity of faith and service towards our sisters and brothers. At the same time, there is also a
spirit of materialism that can thwart the true meaning of the season. As one family enjoys a pot
of soup after a trip to purchase Christmas gifts, another is praying for heat, for coats, or their rent
for the next month. Others might not be financially struggling, but might be experiencing
spiritual poverty. They can be without loved ones and the holiday season may be volatile. We
might sit aside them in our pews, at our office, on the subway, at our dinner table. We may even
see those in need when we look in the mirror.

Yet, no reflection is more powerful than the word of God.

Todays Gospel speaks of the feeding of the multitude, the miracle of the five loaves and fishes.
As a child, I could not visualize how Jesus and the disciples were about to feed the large crowd
with seven loaves and a fish. Yet, as an adult, I have observed and volunteered with several of
our Catholic Charities agencies and parishes, which amazingly and resourcefully feed and warm
our sisters and brothers in need with not only with soup and clothing, but also through their
selfless faith and service. Those serving and being served are blessed by their togetherness and
fellowship. The splendor is that our agencies and parishes have these ministry moments every
day, not just during the Advent season.
Advent provides an opportunity to reflect on how we can be better missionaries. For our family,
we serve together at our parish, volunteer in the community, and learn about a new domestic and
international ministry or religious community to adopt through the coming year.
As disciples of Jesus, we have the gift of prayer. It enables us to grow together as Church and
have a greater appreciation for the loaves and fishes we have and are called to share with all of
our sisters and brothers. I invite you join me in a prayer of appreciation and thanks for the work
of all Catholic Charities and parish staff and volunteers.
For reflection:
1. Why not make a pot of Xaver Suppe to share while discussing with family, friends, or coworkers how we can be greater missionariesof the work of our Church?
2. Read and consider 100 Ways to Be a Missionary Without Leaving Your Home Town.
Tina Baldera
Training Manager, Social Ministry; Catholic Charities USA
December 2, 2014
Tuesday of the First Week of Advent
Isaiah 11: 1-10; Luke 10: 21-24
Jesus said, speaking to his disciples, Blessed are the eyes that see what you see..to hear what
you hear(Luke 10: 23-24).
I hear these words and reflect on the honor and privilege that we have as employees and
volunteers of Catholic Charities agencies and parishes who work with those who are poor,
lonely, distraught, and homeless. I feel blessed to live my faith on a daily basis in my work, to
share the stories and the opportunities, and to connect the faithful with those in need.

As Jesus goes on to say that many people of faith and people of power desired to see what you
see (Luke 10: 24), he might have been talking about his coming on earth and the miracles he
was performing. However, I believe he was talking about seeing with the eyes of faith to see
what you see. We see the grace that we share with others and have the eyes of faith to see the
sanctity of each life we serve.
We have to have a strong sense of faith to continue to work in this profession which soon
becomes a vocation. We see people who are broken and often at the lowest point of their life,
as they struggle with shame, worry, and hard times. We, as disciples, are present as case
managers, development specialists, legal assistants and advocates. We are blessed with the
opportunity, every day, to serve those who need to see the face of Jesus through our actions in
a world of unkindness and fear. Although we are not rewarded with great monetary riches, we
are rewarded with the grace of meaningfulness as we do our work.
Every day, I have conversations with people in our parishes and communities who seem
frustrated by the world and who desire for more meaning in their lives. They feel empty or dont
know how their faith connects to their lives. They see the emptiness of the world and dont get
to reflect the love of God to those they serve. They feel the emptiness of achieving monetary
blessings but wonder if there is something missing in their lives.
We are blessed as we hear about the stories of success and little victories of those we serve
through our staff who daily provide services to the marginalized. We are blessed to hear what
you hear and become instruments of God to pass on the stories with others who support the
work of our agencies and congregations.
For reflection:
1. What stories have you heard lately from the work of your agency or parish that you need to
celebrate, ponder and share? Do you share those stories with other to bless them in their work?
Do you share the stories with those in the community who want to support those in need?
2. Take a moment to pray with Joe Mattinglys version of todays First Reading, On That Holy
Mountain.
Becky VanPool
Director of Parish Outreach and Program Development; Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City
December 1, 2014
Monday of the First Week of Advent
Isaiah 2: 1-5; Matthew 8: 5-11
During the week in which I wrote this reflection, CNN reported the following headlines:
Police: Palestinian Admits Intentionally Driving Into Israeli Soldiers, Israel Demolishes

Attackers Home, Jerusalem Synagogue Murders, and Prayers Returned to Attacked

Synagogue. I gasped as I saw similar headlines on my Internet browser, conscious of a coworkers many trips to the Middle East and attempts to help CCUSA, in its own way, to fashion
understanding between Jews, Christians, and Moslems by helping to place interns from
Bethlehem University in Catholic Charities agencies.
Scholars place todays first reading during the reign of Jotham, 742-735 BCE. The prophet
Isaiah spoke out against the moral breakdown of the kingdom and Jerusalem. And the region
was also home to militaristic nations seeking to add to their territorial claims.
Isaiah 2:4, He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall
beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise
the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again not only resonates with the U.S.
Bishops current call for peace in Jerusalem, as written by Bishop Oscar Cant, Chair Committee
on International Justice and Peace, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, but is
proclaimed in the teaching of Vatican II (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern
World, #78):
Insofar as men are sinful, the threat of war hangs over them, and hang over them it will
until the return of Christ. But insofar as men vanquish sin by a union of love, they will
vanquish violence as well and make these words come true: "They shall turn their swords
into plough-shares, and their spears into sickles. Nation shall not lift up sword against
nation, neither shall they learn war any more" (Isaiah 2:4).
Furthermore, the United States Bishops apply Isaiah 2:4 in their 1983 pastoral letter, The
Challenge of Peace: God's Promise and Our Response, #37, when they write:
The final age, the Messianic time, is described as one in which the "Spirit is poured on us
from on high." In this age, creation will be made whole, "justice will dwell in the
wilderness," the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the people will "abide in a
peaceful habitation and in secure dwellings and in quiet resting places" (Isaiah: 32:1520). There will be no need for instruments of war (Isaiah 2:4; Micah: 4:3).
As proponents of Pace e Benes Campaign Nonviolence remind us, peace as the result of the
elimination of war, poverty, climate crisis, and the epidemic of violence are inextricably linked.
For reflection:
1.

Learn more about Campaign Nonviolence, including consideration of the campaigns

pledge.

2. Perform one act this Advent in which you help broker peace between opposing factions,
such as calling disputing co-workers or family members to the table of negotiation; a

letter to your newspaper and or elected officials requesting a nonviolent U.S. response to
tensions in Israel, Syria, and Iraq; or defusing tensions in your community between police
and civilians.
Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem.
Manager of Mission Resources and Data, Catholic Charities USA
November 30, 2014
First Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 63: 16b-17, 19b; 64: 2-7; Psalm 80: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19; I Corinthians 1: 3-9; Mark 13:
33-37
So we begin a new year. The passwordsYET, WILL, WATCH. Advent is not a mandala or a
same ole, same ole. There has never been Advent 2014 in our history. No one of us is the same
as Advent 2013nor is the world.
New day, fresh stories, constant change is the tradition of our Church, our tribe. Salt and Light
are we.
How I love Isaiah!!! The word to me that describes his word to us, is YET. all of us have
become like unclean people, all our good deeds are like polluted rags; YET, O Lord, you are our
Fatherwe are all the work of your hands.
And for Paul that word is WILL. He WILL keep you firm to the end,God is faithful.
And for brother Mark the word is WATCH. Tweeter twatter/Facebook matter?/All the
messaging/ Is not matter, only platter!!!! Listen to the one who loves you. Watch aka be
vigilant!!!!!
What I say to yourejoice, renew, watch and act (for love is a verb). None of us are innocent
bystanders. Let us pray for one another. Let us act with one another. WE ARE the Body of
Christ this new year of lifeAdvent 2014.
May he not come suddenly and find us sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: Watch!
then ACT with others.
For reflection:
1. Take a moment to pray with Marty Haugens version of the responsorial psalm, Lord, Make
us Turn to You.
2. Adapted from Catholic Relief Services, consider this prayer during this Advent season:
As Catholic Christians, we are challenged in justice
To communicate with Christ, who is present

In his brothers and sisters, by promoting

A just society and by helping all men and women
To develop their total human potential.
Catholic Charities USA enables
American Catholics, as the
Body of Christ, to reach out and
Touch a hungry world.
David Dutschke
Director, Catholic Charities of Louisville, Inc.