Saturday of the First Week of Advent
For me, the Season of Advent is about expectation and preparation for the arrival of Christ. We often think it is His arrival as a baby born on Christmas day, but in my heart I know I am working on myself so I am ready for His second coming and He will see that I have been a part of bringing his Kingdom to life in our earthly world.
I recently spent two amazing days with leaders of the Global Orphan Project to discern our agency’s involvement with their initiative. They work to engage churches in seeing that the needs of children in foster care are met so they can thrive. Each and every person who spoke shared their experience of hearing God’s voice in their heart to change course and with faith dove in – no questions asked, just Lord “lead me”.
As we embark on this Second Week of Advent and focus on love, I reflect that I can love better by listening more. More often, more intently, and with the purpose of hearing Jesus’s voice answering my question: What is it you want me to do?
As I reflect on today’s readings, I am also reminded to listen to others like He listens to me. As we read in Isaiah: “He will be gracious to you when you cry out, as soon as he hears he will answer you. The Lord will give you the bread you need and the water for which you thirst.”
We of Catholic Charities are in the business of serving especially those who we meet in crisis and have deep needs. By truly listening to them we can make sure their cries are answered. This thought for me ties in nicely to what we read in Matthew today: “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”
When we listen to the voices of our stakeholders and partners we can better invite them to help us. We can find out where and how they want to be involved with our missions.
I will be praying that each of you may experience the Hope, Love, Peace and Joy of our Lord thisAdvent Season and that you can hear Him in your heart.
Tami Bohannonis Vice President of Philanthropy for Catholic Charities Community Services in the Diocese of Phoenix. Together with her team of servant leaders theypromote agency programs and services in the community to grow support and engagement, and secure partnerships to support the entire CCCS Team to reach and save lives.
2017 ADVENT REFLECTIONS
During the Advent season, CCUSA offers reflections on each day’s Mass readings. The reflections are authored by Catholic Charities employees and other social concerns ministers who have a connection to Catholic Charities. The reflections will arrive by email first thing each morning. Sign up here to receive them.
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