Today’s readings ask us to ponder our personal relationship with our God. When you take our daily lives in the balance despite the trials and challenges we go through from time-to-time, our Lord brings us through. And when we look more intently upon those daily challenges some don’t seem to measure up to the big challenges of life, such as combating a deadly disease, starvation, or abject poverty. Yet, even in superficial needs the Lord hears and responds. How do you know? Because your basic needs are met daily even when times are rough. Yes, even when it is hard making ends meet, He provides a way for you.
I don’t think any of us reading this reflection have been abandoned by the Lord. I’m not saying we have never been in a low place, but the Lord has been right there with us beckoning us on in some way shape or form because “He will be gracious to you when you cry out, [He] will give you the bread you need.” (Isaiah 30:19-20).
Marvel
More importantly though, is the gift through our baptism to not only reflect on how He provides for our daily needs through good and bad times, but to marvel at the fact the Lord reveals Himself to us (Isaiah 30: 20) and we are able to hear His voice directing us onto the right path. (Isaiah 30:21). And through this manifestation, we are all called up to be His hands and messengers in every place and time, sustaining the faithful through the turmoil of life while providing comfort and peace to the lost. (Matthew 10:6).
As we continue through this holy season of Advent let us prepare the way of the Lord by proclaiming “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” (Matthew 10:7) and providing fruitful labor for the Kingdom!
Lastly, continue to “ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for His harvest” keeping in mind our prayers for priests, religious and young men and women open to the call to join us in this labor of love and mercy.
