The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, December 24, 2000
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Micah 5: 1-4
Psalm 80: 2-4, 15-16, 18-19
Hebrews 10: 5-10
Luke 1: 39-45
Full text: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/index.htm
A Reflection on Today's Scripture:
In one of His final discourses Jesus tells His disciples He leaves
them "peace," but not as the world gives peace. What does He mean;
how does His peace differ from the world's?
The peace given by this world depends wholly on external conditions.
We feel peace when learning our employer won't "downsize" if the
"bull" market persists, sending stock prices soaring. Peace is having
our adolescent children safely home and asleep at a decent hour.
Peace results when salaries exceed expenditures, or from stable
family relationships, congenial neighbors, good health. The list is
endless, but such conditions may abruptly change, whereas God's peace
persists through life's greatest trials.
This night the Christ Child, God in human flesh, comes into this
world, abandoning Himself into human hands, realizing He would suffer
the cross for our sakes, thus saving us from the very sin that would
kill Him. Knowing this, we should respond to Him in a like manner,
surrender ourselves into His hands for healing, that our minds and
hearts be restored in His holy image.
Christ's peace does not allow us to escape life's trials; it is the
same peace, surpassing all understanding, that enabled Christ to
accept the cross that would free humanity from sin. The crosses God
allows in our lives, if accepted through Christ's grace, strengthen
and purify our love, make us fit to carry on His saving mission in
this world.
Most Holy Child,
that we may draw others to You,
strengthen our hearts with the same love
that allowed You to sacrifice Yourself for our sakes. Amen
- Marie L. Bocko ocds ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
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