Saturday 5th December – Saturday of the 1st week of Advent

Reflection: Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5, 6-8

CALLED TO BE THE LORD’S LABOURER

Advent as a time set aside by the Church to re-intensify her call on us all to re-examine our preparedness for the second coming of our Lord Jesus cannot be truly observed without a due consideration of our individual roles in the salvation of our brothers and sisters. How true is the faith or salvation of him who does not believe in the salvation of others?

Through our baptism, we have all been grafted into the family of God, and commissioned as evangelizers of the Good news (Matthew 28: 19-20; John 15:8). This is a task that must never be seen as the exclusive responsibility of those in the religious or consecrated life; we are all, especially youths, called to be the light of Christ in our different spheres of life (Matthew 5:16). Though our world is becoming increasingly secular, coupled with a rising tide of religious hypocrisy, Christ calls you and I not to be afraid to stand for Him. We must never allow ourselves to be discouraged by our individual inadequacies or suppressed by what our folks think of our Christian convictions. Rather, let us, in love and humility, constantly seek to make the truth known; to daily offer our prayers and service at avenues that could promote the conversion of our brothers and sisters. 

Dearest in Christ, let us continually trust in God as we offer our service. The Holy Spirit is the principal transformer of the human heart (1 Corinthians 3: 4-6) without whom we can achieve nothing (John 15:5). Our God is a just Father and has promised not to forget the labour of love we offer in His name (Hebrews 6:10).

PRAYER: I place my life wholly at your service dear Lord. Please daily teach me how best to serve You that the light of my faith may draw others to you. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 354 – Can people be forced to believe in God?

No. No one may force others to believe, not even one’s own children, just as no one may be forced to be an unbeliever. A person can make the decision to believe only in complete freedom. Christians, however, are called to help other people, by word and example, to find the way to faith.

Pope John Paul II said, “Proclaiming Christ and bearing witness to him, when done in a way that respects consciences, does not violate freedom. Faith demands a free adherence on the part of man, but at the same time faith must also be offered to him”

HIDE A TREASURE: “For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me; Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” 1 Corinthians 9:16 RSV-CE 

Today’s Readings: Isaiah 30: 19-21, 23-26; Psalms 147: 1-6; Matthew 9: 35- 10: 1, 5, 6-8