Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick —no food, no sack, no money in their belts.

When Jesus sends his disciples out into the world he has them take nothing with them but a walking stick and sandals. They are to trust that God will provide everything else they will need for their journey. This need for faith in God’s Providence is reinforced by Jesus telling them to stay in whatever house they enter when they first arrive in an area. This house should be good enough for them and they should not seek better arrangements for themselves. When they follow Christ’s commandments they are able to drive out demons and cure the sick because like Christ they have accepted God Will.

Have we ever just put aside everything in our lives and done something for God in service to His children? Are we content with what we receive from others or do we have a tendency to move on from those less fortunate toward those who can offer us more in terms of worldly things? What are the things in our lives which we would find most difficult to give up for Jesus and why are we so attached to them?

O Lord, let us take nothing with us on the journey of salvation, except for you.

Amen.

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.

Simeon has waited his entire life to see Christ the Lord, and even though Jesus comes as a helpless infant the man recognizes him. He trusts in the Providence of God and in the salvation which Jesus’ presence promises. His actions give us an example of what it means to be righteous and devout. We, like Simeon, should accept the Word of God and the peace He offers us through out our lives from beginning to end. We are called to offer glory and praise to our God for all of the good He has done for us, especially for those graces He gives which we have not noticed.

Do we really trust in God’s Providence? If not, then what can we do to foster a belief that all will turn out right in the end? When good things do happen to us, what do we say to God in thanksgiving?

O Lord, help us to trust in you and the salvation you offer us so that one day we too might go in peace.

Amen.

Fourth Tuesday in Advent

What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.

When we were born we received a name from our parents, but the graces of our life from God. The people who witnessed our birth might have wondered what we might be, but God knows. Some might have seen us as an unexpected accident or a prayed for blessing, but all of us came into this world with the Lord being with us. His hand is there to support us in our trials, to raise us up when we fall, and to squeeze our hands when we are in need of consolation.

What will we be in the eyes of God? What can we do in light of our gifts, talents, and situations to be the best children we can be? How will we be remembered, not only by our family and friends, but more importantly our Savior?

O Lord, may we be willing to let you guide us with your Providential Hand so we can be your good and faithful servants.

Amen.