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Saint Paul
Friday, March 29, 2024

Second Sunday of Advent — Road map for living an authentic life

To help readers deepen their experience of the Advent season, The Catholic Spirit is reprinting a series of reflections from Matthew Kelly’s book “Rediscover Advent,” published by Franciscan Media.

Scripture

  • Isaiah 11:1–10
  • Romans 15:4–9
  • Matthew 3:1–12

“What sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home. Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish.”

2 Peter 3:11–14

Reflection

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Catholicism is a dynamic way of life that encourages and empowers each individual to become the best version of himself or herself. Quite different from the pop psychology and secular philosophies of our time, this is not something we do to and for ourselves (self-help), but rather something that takes place in and through Jesus Christ. We may be able to help ourselves to a certain extent, but it is precisely because we cannot help ourselves to the extent that we need and desire that we need a savior.

The Catholic lifestyle, when it is authentically presented and embraced, promotes the integration of every aspect of our daily lives and every aspect of the human person. And, as you journey toward your destiny, God intertwines your talents with the needs of others to allow you the privilege of touching them, serving them and inspiring them as they make their own journey. Catholicism is a way of life in which the giving and receiving happen in equal measure. It nurtures the individual, the local community, and the whole human family. It affects every area of our lives and is a guiding light in all of our decisions. Catholicism is a call to live an authentic life. When embraced as a lifestyle it causes the elevation of every human activity. Catholicism provides the map and the tools for bringing each person into harmony with self, God and others.

— Matthew Kelly

Meditation

Do I see Catholicism as a once a week practice, or as an integral part of my life? What steps do I need to take to embrace Catholicism as my lifestyle?

Prayer

The prayer for this week is based on Isaiah 40:1–2, 10–11: “Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. / Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her / that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, / that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. / See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; / his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. / He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, / and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.”

The theme is peace — not the peace of humankind but that which can only come from God.

“God of peace, you watch over me with a tender love that is deep and true. This Advent, as I struggle with my human faults and failings, let me seek comfort in you and be reconciled in your peace. My soul rests in your goodness and mercy.”

 


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