Do you think a message was trying to be sent to us through the responsorial psalms since the 24th of November? Don’t remember them all? Here is a quick synopsis:
11-24: Let us go rejoicing to the House of the Lord.
11-25: Glory and Praise Forever!
11-26: Give Glory and Eternal Praise to Him!
11-27: Give Glory and Eternal Praise to Him!
11-28: Give Glory and Eternal Praise to Him! OR I will praise Your name forever Lord!
11-29: Give Glory and Eternal Praise to Him!
11-30: The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them just OR Your words, Lord, are Spirit and Life.
12-1: Let us go rejoicing to the House of the Lord.
12-2: Let us go rejoicing to the House of the Lord.
Because of my relatives and friends
I will say, “Peace be within you!”
Because of the house of the LORD, our God,
I will pray for your good.
I can’t say for certain Holy Mother Church was trying to get a point across, but my gosh, they’ve driven home the theme for the past several days. Praise God constantly and you too shall go rejoicing to the House of the Lord. Isn’t that what life is about? Live your life, live every moment in praise of the God who formed you, who made you in His image and likeness. Live that life of praise and rejoice in the House of the Lord for eternity. Rejoice, again I say Rejoice.
So, as we start this Advent season, what is it you would like to work on these next four weeks to prepare for the coming of Christ? Today’s Gospel teaches us about true faith. It teaches us that through faith we don’t have to have God “physically” present in order for us to be saved. Are any of us worthy of God’s healing powers? The answer to that can be summed up in one word – Yes! We are all worthy – but do we all possess the faith of the Centurion? Think about that. In Bishop Barren’s reflection this morning, he makes the following point and poses the following question…
That centurion had a passion for the impossible. And that’s why Jesus says to him, in some of the highest praise you’ll find in the Gospel: “In no one in Israel have I found such faith.”
Reflect: What would you like Jesus to “only say the word” for and it will be done? Have you asked him with the faith of the centurion?
Think about that question – what is it you need to have Jesus “only say the word” for in your life?
Do something great for our Lord today – praise Him in all that you do; then with the faith of the centurion, ask Him to “only say the word”…
God’s will, not mine, be done.
Be not afraid; just have faith.
Jesus, I trust in You.
He must increase; I must decrease.
But you man of God chose righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness. Compete well for the faith.
St. Mary Magdalen Men of God 