Monday of the Second Week of Advent
When I found myself in a deserted place, and then I finally humbled myself to ask for help, I could see the flowers bloom and the rivers overflow. I asked for the Lord’s help, to “be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense, he comes to save you,” as our first reading says.
My great Grandfather Joe McQueen was wounded in World War I. He was left on an operating table in France to die in during the battle of Exermont and led his troops into battle while others were fleeing. He has become my spiritual captain, and as I have started saying, by Joe’s wounds I am here, by Christ’s wounds I am healed, by my wounds I supply the grace with God’s strength and help. In the gospel today, we read about the paralyzed man who was lowered down on a stretcher and Jesus saw their faith and totally cured the man. All of this grace has to do with faith. Without faith, how can we supply grace by our own wounds? Ask yourself “can I, by my wounds, supply grace to someone who is in need and suffering this Christmas and all year round?” We are missionaries for the Christ child. Try it!
Reflection by Br. Maximilian Burkhart, OSB
Posted in Articles for Advent, Articles for Advent, Daily Reflections