TUESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
TUESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
Inclusive Lectionary reading: Isaiah Chapter 40 verses 1-11 / Psalm 96 verses 1-3 & 10AC, 11-13 / Matthew Chapter 18 verses 12-14.
Who in our lives have we dropped everything for? Have we ever reached out to find a teacher or friend in our past who made a difference in our lives? When have we reached out for the one? Sisters and brothers, we have to remember that sometimes in our lives we have to be mindful that the one person who may be missed, neglected, suffering, or forgotten among us needs to be recognized. We need to be the light that leads them out of the darkness. If we have their permission, and if appropriate, we can help guide those among us who may not only be lost, but forgotten, bullied, those suffering from mental and emotional illness, and those lonely who have no one to turn to. Sometimes the need of the one can outweighs the needs of many. Others in society may have a different opinion about who are worthy. Society has created a “throw away” culture for who they decide do not fit in. What happened to “we are all children of God”? God is in everyone not just who we decide.
+ Michael Theogene
MONDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
Inclusive Lectionary reading: Isaiah Chapter 35 verses 1-10 / Psalm 85 verses 9A & 10, 11-14 / Luke Chapter 5 verses 17-26.
Sisters and brothers, when in our lives have, we felt that we needed to have someone’s attention? Did we feel that, maybe at that time not one person was giving us the due attention that we felt we deserved? Why isn’t anyone listening to me? Sisters and brothers sometimes when we receive a little attention or praise , that can lift up our spirits. We have to be mindful that we can sometimes feel that we may be rejected or feel that we are those that society may turn away. If we are made aware, when putting our egos aside, that we can live life without waiting for the approval of those around us. We sometimes wait to hear, as it may be, for someone to tell us that its okay to start or do a particular thing. And when we do this, why do we so easily give our lives up to someone else? Why don’t we give up our lives so easily to God? Why is that so difficult? If we come out of ourselves and stop focusing on getting noticed and give attention to those in our families, at work, or wherever, that can make all the difference. A little uplift to others can go a long way, helping someone help themselves, without sulking on the all about me but making true awareness to be able to praise God.
(rev.) Michael Theogene
SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Inclusive Lectionary Text
Genesis Chapter 3 verses 9-15, 20 / Psalm 98: 1, 2-3AB, 3CD-4 / Ephesians Chapter 1 verses 3-6, 11-12 / Luke Chapter 1 verses 26-38
What an inspiration Mary is in so many ways. A woman of great faith willing to say “yes” to the unknown. A true leader to follow, a feminist who paved the way for the future. Are we willing to say that unconditional “yes”? I think of those who are married, parents, teachers, the ordained, and many others. What was our “yes” moment in our lives that enabled us to make a difference in ourselves or for society? Be blessed!
+ Michael Theogene
FRIDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT
Inclusive Lectionary reading: Isaiah Chapter 29 verses 17-24 / Psalm 27 verses 1, 4, 13-14 / Matthew Chapter 9 verses 27-31.
Do we encourage others? If we do, how do we encourage them? If someone is in need, who comes into our presence, are we willing to help, or do we pass the buck?
Sometimes we may be the only bible that people will every read. If that is the case, then we should really make sure that we are a good read.
+ Michael Theogene
THURSDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT
Inclusive Lectionary reading: Isaiah Chapter 26 verses 1-6 / Psalm 118 verses 1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27A / Matthew Chapter 7 verses 21, 24-27.
Is the foundation of you soul on sand or solid rock? Do you easily crumble when you are faced with a crisis and forget that God has your back? Do you think because you don’t feel God’s presence that God has deserted you? Just a reminder, faith is believing in what we do not see. What is your spiritual foundation? Something to ponder. Blessings!
+Michael Theogene
WEDNESDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT
Inclusive Lectionary reading: Isaiah Chapter 25 verses 6-10a / Psalm 23 verses 1-6 / Matthew Chapter 15 verses 29-37.
Sisters and Brothers, we read in Matthew that as Jesus called upon his disciples, he said to them “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way. Jesus looked towards their well-being. Jesus did not send the people away as if they were in a throwaway society. Jesus knew when to protect himself and others. Jesus witness that to those he was ministering to were not only getting the best of him, but his focus was to point away from himself and to Gods love for them.
How are we when we are with peoples who may disturb us? How are we when certain people trigger an emotional outburst from us? Sometimes we have to remember that certain peoples may remind us of someone in our lives that we have not fully healed with yet. To the many things that happen to us throughout the day, it is my reaction to it is what matters most.
I am sure we have close friends and family who suffer in one way or another with some type of mental or emotional illness, and this causes us pain and stress, but God reminds us not to think they are less important than those who respond positively to us and others.
Do we remember that we are all children of God loved unconditionally?
Rumi says, “How can I become polished when I am annoyed by every rub?” (paraphrased)
+ Michael Theogene
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