Daily Devotion for December 2, 2005

Advent Every Day

 

The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'  Matthew 25:40 

 

Advent comes from the Latin word for an “arrival” or a “coming.” Advent is that time we particularly focus on the Lord’s coming. Jesus Christ, our brother in our humanity and our God in his divinity is about to arrive. And he comes to us in different ways.

 

First, Jesus came to us at a specific point in history at Bethlehem about 2000 years ago. Each time we celebrate Christmas, he mystically comes to each of us again.

 

Second, the Lord, the Alpha and the Omega, will come in glory to judge the living and the dead at the Second Coming.

 

Third, the redeemer comes to us in grace. He comes to us in the Eucharist and in the Word of God proclaimed. He speaks to us in our consciences. He arrives in the person of the needy, the suffering, and the oppressed.

 

In late August of this year, a great natural disaster struck the Gulf Coast of the United States. This past week as I was down in the Gulf States, I was awed by the magnitude of the volunteer assistance and caring given to the Katrina hurricane victims. And I often heard Matthew 25:40—“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” — in my consciousness.

 

I was told of a story about prison inmates in Louisiana who were freed after the hurricane based on their promise to lend assistance to those in need. Rather than flee, most chose to help rescue the stranded and helpless. One inmate reported a never before action of his (reaching out to aid) and the resulting never before experienced emotion (worthiness from helping an unknown someone). Christ had entered his heart.

 

Being in the Gulf States, I was once again made aware that Jesus arrives every day of the year, and I must always be ready to receive and welcome him.

 

Prayer
Heavenly Father – come into my heat this Advent season and always!  Help me to see you in the needs of others and to have your compassion flow through me to others.  Come now Lord Jesus.  Amen

 

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