Dress to God's Word / "Liturgical Dress": December 10

December 10, 2013: Tuesday, 2nd Week of Advent

Readings

Is 40:1-11 Comfort my people; proclaim her service is over, her guilt expiated; Prepare the way of the Lord! Every valley shall be filled in... All shall see the Lord's glory. God's word stands forever. Go up a mountain; cry, "Here is your God!" Like a shepherd he feeds his flock, leading with care.

Ps 96:1-2, 3, 10ac-13 "The Lord our God comes with power." Sing; tell his deeds. Let the trees rejoice; God comes to rule with justice.

Mt 18:12-14 Won't a man with a stray sheep leave his others to find it and rejoice when he does? Your Father doesn't want anyone lost.

Pope Francis

Gospel Joy 2.II (Evangelii Gaudium drill-down), continuing Chapter 2 (a series):

Selfishness and sloth: Many fear apostolic work robbing their free time, as if evangelization were poison rather than response to God’s love making us fulfilled and productive. Some end up in acedia: without proper motivation and spirituality, work becomes too tiring—not content tiredness but burdensome fatigue. Some undertake unrealistic projects; some are impatient; some are attached to vain dreams; some lose contact with people; some want to dominate the rhythm of life. Today’s obsession immediacy makes it hard for ministers to tolerate disagreement, possible failure, criticism, the cross.

Biggest threat: pragmatism of daily Church life, where faith becomes small-mindedness and tomb psychology transforms Christians into disillusioned, weary mummies lacking zeal and hope, not radiating light and life. Don't be robbed of the joy of evangelization! (2.II, 81-83; pp. 66-68)

Reflections