I’m your shepherd, I will protect you

Advent Reflection for Readings for Dec. 6, 2020

Written by: Dorothy Burns

As I prepare myself for the coming of Jesus Christ this Advent, I feel a need to be ready for our Savior. The readings state we need to be ready. But how can I get ready with all the distractions in our world? There is so much turmoil. And honestly, lately, challenges that I am personally facing.

But the Word of God saves and provides us comfort if we just allow ourselves to be open to the invitation of the Holy Spirit. We don’t know the day or hour that Christ will reveal himself to us in The Second Coming. As I type this reflection, I feel the power of God and his gentle whispers saying, I’m your shepherd, I will protect you. Beautiful and encouraging!

The readings give us confirmation of hope. We will receive peace and tranquility in the renewed City of God. The valleys which to me are our pain and sufferings of life’s shortcomings will vanish. The Holy Trinity will shine amongst us forever!

Wow, I feel so much better now! Remember to prepare yourselves for Advent. Dive into Scripture and read how our Redeemer gives us a promise of salvation. If you allow yourself to truly open up to his Sacred Word, you will enter a sense of joy!!! Peace be with you all!

God is Listening

It certainly has been a turbulent year for all of us – and now, more than ever, we need to strengthen our relationship with the Lord. In today’s reading from Isaiah, we are told “He will be gracious to you when you cry out, as soon as he hears he will answer you”. So our Lord is listening – my prayer for you during this Advent season is you find some quiet time each day to talk with the Lord. He is a very good listener.

In the Gospel from Matthew, we find Jesus sending out the apostles to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. So like the apostles from long ago, wouldn’t it be wonderful for us to reach out to someone who needs a kind word or two. Or maybe just listen to them as the Lord listens to us. Make that time to share your faith with someone in need this Advent season. Our faith is a wonderful gift – and it comes with no cost – share that faith with someone else!

Blessed are all who wait for the Lord – as we wait for His birth, take the time to reflect each day and reach out to a “lost sheep” and give them hope. Hope is Never Cancelled – Jesus Is Still Coming!

I wish you and your families a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

Mark Izzo

Trust in the Light of Christ

Friday in the First Week of Advent and First Friday

Isaiah 29:18 And out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see.

Psalm 27:1

The LORD is my light and my salvation.

Alleluia Verse

Behold, our Lord shall come with power; he will enlighten the eyes of his servants.

Matthew 9:29

“Let it be done for you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened.

Jesus Christ is the light of the world! We are experiencing so much darkness in our world right now, but Our Lord, Jesus Christ, entered into our darkness to save us from it. He is indeed our light and our salvation!

This is the first week of Advent, but today is also First Friday, the day on which we honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus. On the First Friday of Advent, I am reminded of the Divine Mercy image, in which the saving blood and water that flowed from his Most Sacred Heart are depicted as rays of light. That light first came in to the world when our Savior was born. So during this time of darkness, say, “Jesus, I trust in you,” and ask Our Lord to open your eyes to see where his light and his merciful love are already at work in your life.

- Julia Atwood