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Hardwired for self-giving

December 14, 2023

During Advent, our thoughts often turn to gifts as we prepare to celebrate God’s greatest gift of his only begotten son, Jesus Christ. Following God’s example, the Catholic steward gives consciously and conscientiously. Pope John Paul II spoke and wrote frequently about a Law of the Gift — the truth that human beings are hardwired for self-giving.

Charity is a hallmark of a Christian today, just as in the time of Jesus. Christ left no question: Charity is not an option. Advent offers us a perfect time to support charities. Most of the people on your gift list don’t really need much, but many people around the world lack basic needs. Jesus Christ was born into a poor family, and at Christmas we do well to reach out to people who are poor. So, consider a gift that gives to people with real needs.

One of the most precious gifts you can give yourself — especially during these often-hectic holidays — is time for prayer. Centering prayer is contemplative prayer that goes beyond words. The goal of centering prayer is to simply clear away space to allow us to receive God’s gift of grace. Rather than actively focusing, centering prayer invites us to be receptive, opening our minds and hearts to God’s presence in silence.

To sanctify Advent, follow these steps for centering prayer:

Choose a “sacred word” or brief phrase that symbolizes your desire to be receptive to God’s grace. For example, “Come, Lord Jesus,” “Peace,” “Abba,” “Grace,” “Be open,” or any word or phrase that has personal meaning to you. If you are not a “word” person, you may choose a “sacred gaze,” turning inward to gaze upon God.
Find a comfortable position. Close your eyes. Sit silently for a few moments.
Introduce your sacred word to express your desire to be receptive to God’s grace. In your mind, repeat this word or phrase occasionally, especially when you become aware of thoughts. Rest in God’s grace and receive the gift of the Lord’s presence this Advent and always.

This article comes to you from Our Sunday Visitor courtesy of your parish or diocese.

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Drumming for Joy

December 14, 2023

When Kevin was a toddler, his utter love of music was obvious. His favorite book was an ABC book of musical instruments from the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. One afternoon, when he was three years old, his parents took him to the museum to see up close the instruments he admired. Kevin was too short to see into some of the display cases, so his dad picked him up, feeling his son trembling with excitement in his arms. Now a young adult, Kevin is a percussionist and composer pursuing a career in music. If you want to see joy incarnate, watch him play the drums with a jazz band. You would see someone doing something he was made to do. God gave Kevin the gift of that delight, and Kevin’s family noticed and helped to nurture it. This is one of the hopes for every family: that each might be a community of love where its members have countless opportunities to share in God’s joy. Loving God, help us believe that we are infinitely loved. Let your love for us inspire a joy that radiates all we do. Amen. Tip for Daily Living At the end of each day for a week, take five minutes to reflect on the day and jot down the moments when you experienced joy. This content comes to you from Our Sunday Visitor courtesy of your parish or diocese.

December 13, 2023

December 14, 2023

God does not intend the law to be burdensome. Jesus, the authoritative interpreter of the law invites all who are weighed down by the law as prescribed by the scribes and Pharisees to see that with him there is the opportunity for renewed hope and forgiveness. We live in an unsettled world where is so much anxiety and fear. We know that is not what Jesus wants for us. We must turn to him. St. Lucy, pray for us. This content comes to you from Our Sunday Visitor courtesy of your parish or diocese.

Pope Francis Reflections

December 14, 2023

“When did Jesus reveal himself as king? In the event of the Cross! Those who look at the Cross cannot but see the astonishing gratuitousness of love. One of you could say, ‘Father, that was a failure!’ It is precisely in the failure of sin — sin is a failure — in the failure of human ambitions: the triumph of the Cross is there; the gratuitousness of love is there.” — Pope Francis Reflection : Find a crucifix and spend a few moments looking at it. How does this image of Jesus match your idea of being a king? What does this reveal about God’s kingdom? How does Jesus’ unwarranted gift of love help you to overcome the failure of sin? Where does this kind of giving show up in your celebration of the Advent and Christmas seasons? This content comes to you from Our Sunday Visitor courtesy of your parish or diocese.