Saturday 6^th December – Saturday of the 1^st week of Advent

Reflection: Isaiah 30: 19-26

ARE YOU LISTENING?

“Whether you turn to right or left, your ears will hear these words behind you, ‘This is the way, follow it” (Isaiah 30:21)

Every day of our lives and each moment of the day, we make choices. Some may be very small and seemingly insignificant while others have a role to play in determining who we are today and will become. Each time we are confronted with a choice, we make decisions based on factors such as: past experiences, expectation of profit, influence of people around us such as friends, family etc. Such decisions are often made actively or passively.

As Christians however, the most important factor guiding our choices should be: “does this path please God?” Our choices and decisions should be made first and foremost in a way that pleases our loving Father. Hence today, God reassures us in the first reading that He will be with us to guide us. His Spirit will speak to us, showing us the right path to follow. However, we must remember that despite God’s guidance, He will not force us or compel us to make the right decisions.

God is willing to show us the right path and we must be willing to listen to Him. Are you listening to God? Do you spend time studying His word so as to know what pleases Him? Do you recognise His voice when He speaks to you through others – your friends, family, and colleagues or even through strangers? Beloved, if we open ourselves to God’s grace and seek His direction in our decision-making then He is sure to guide us. Open your ears and heart to Him and be willing to obey Him even when it’s difficult.

PRAYER: Thank you Father the assurance of your guidance. Please help me to quieten my heart so as to listen to your voice and give me the courage to obey you always. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 16 – What is the right way to read the Bible?

The right way to read Sacred Scripture is to read it prayerfully, in other words, with the help of the Holy Spirit, under whose influence it came into being. It is God’s Word and contains God’s essential communication to us.

 HIDE A TREASURE: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” John 10:27 RSV-CE

Readings for Today: Isaiah 30:19-26; Psalm 147: 1-6; Matthew 9: 35- 10:1, 5-8