Today’s readings: Click on today’s date at http://www.usccb.org/bible/
Take the heat
Saturday, December 7, 2013
First Week of Advent
Isaiah 30:26
On the day the Lord binds up the wounds of his people, he will heal the bruises left by his blows.
God does not stand idly by watching men and women suffer. But he does insist that we learn to wait for the fullness of time. And while we wait, the best thing we can do is open our eyes to each other’s pain, and go to them.
Jesus sends us out. I’d be scared, at least at first. But Jesus gives us authority to go out to the “lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood, tell them the kingdom is here, heal the sick and raise the dead” (Matthew 10, The Message). We shouldn’t take any money or extra clothes. After we find someone who will give us room and board, we are to knock on every door.
Jesus is explicit: “If they welcome you, be gentle in your conversation. If they don’t welcome you, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way.
“Stay alert. Don’t be naïve. You are like sheep among wolves, so be as shrewd as snakes at the same time you’re innocent as doves.
“You might be arrested. This will give you a chance to speak. Don’t worry about it. In that moment it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. There is nothing to fear, so do not be afraid.
“Don’t go alone. Go out in pairs. Pray for each other. And watch what happens next. You are living in the kingdom of God.
“Freely you have received. Freely you are to give.”
So, here we are, Lord. We struggle to wait patiently for you. In the meantime there is more than enough for us to do, and you have given us the authority to do it. Make me bold, make me strong. You are my God and you are with me.
http://www.christiancounselingservice.com/archived_devotions.php?article_id=1203
