3rd Sunday of Advent

In our everyday lives, it’s easy to think that what Isaiah challenges the Israelites to do isn’t for us. How often do we “bring glad tidings to the poor,” “heal the brokenhearted,” “proclaim liberty to the captives,” or bring “release to the prisoners?” These seem like daunting tasks that don’t seem to fit with the daily demands of taking classes, getting through the workday, raising a family, or making sure dinner gets on the table. Yet God still can find a way to use all of the moments of our life to draw us closer to Him.

St. Teresa of Calcutta famously wrote “Stay where you are. Find your own Calcutta. Find the sick, the suffering, and the lonely, right where you are — in your own homes and in your own families, in your workplaces and in your schools.” How often do we see Jesus in the people in the grocery checkout, the kid in class no one talks to, the person panhandling on your daily commute, or the person sitting in front of us at Mass? As members of the Church, we are the bride of Christ, with gifts of the Holy Spirit, God-given talents, and a faith we are meant to practice each and every day. It’s even built into our church — as we leave the Narthex, we walk through the prophets as we go out and proclaim the goodness of God.

Maybe it feels overwhelming to think about what it means to be Christ’s hands and feet here on earth. Breathe. It is God Himself that will make us holy. He is faithful and generous even in our own weaknesses and shortcomings, and that gives us a reason to rejoice. Stay awake. Stay present. Don’t miss Him in the mundane. He is always working, always seeking our hearts. And Holy is His Name.

Who is one person you can be Christ to this week?

How is God drawing close to you this Advent? Have you seen Him working in your daily life?

Take some time this week to intentionally pause and pray a Hail Mary or Our Father this week as you do a routine chore or task to remember to keep God in each moment of your day.