A CHRISTMAS MISSION

A CHRISTmAS mISSIoN

 

“At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.” – Matthew 9:36

 

Whenever Christmas season approaches, just the thought of the tiring parties and shopping can cause me to have a fleeting feeling of dread. But as the Advent season nears and we prepare with tinsel and lights, the realization of celebrating Jesus’ birthday brings me joy. The advent wreath we have at home becomes a reminder to me about the message of Christmas — hope, joy and peace.

For our relatives who come to stay in our home for Christmas, we give not just Christmas gifts; we share about the Giver of the gifts Himself — the Reason for the season and the Heart of Christmas. With this as a mission, even our company Christmas parties are filled with the true joyful spirit as we celebrate with food, entertainment and games.

The shopping and giving of gifts take on more meaning as we look at the season as a time of Christ’s visitation. So this Christmas, let’s revisit the “stable” and receive His Spirit. Let’s receive, too, His mission that as we receive, we share His gift — love. Rolly España

 

REFLECTION:

Is Christmas becoming a dreadful season of tiring and meaningless activities? What do you need to change to make it more meaningful?

 

Lord, I kneel before You at the stable and give You my adoration. You showed me the true meaning of the word love. I pray that I may share Your love with others this Christmas.

 

 

pRAy fOR mORe lAbOReRs in gOd’s kingdOm

 

This was one realization that I had during the celebration of Vocation month last year.

The reason why most of us go to church is because we know that God wants us to, and that it is our obligation as Catholic Christians to worship on Sundays. We all pray, we share our blessings to the church and to others; we forgive and turn the other cheek because we have been taught that it is the right thing to do. Or more clearly, because it is what Jesus tells us to do.

Most of the “good” things that we have been doing all along since we were young are things that we know Jesus wants us to do. Those are clear fulfillment of the direct instructions coming from our Lord.

But try to give this a thought. How many of us really take to heart Jesus’ command in today’s Gospel to “ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest,” considering that this too is a direct command coming from Jesus himself?

I mean, we pray before sleeping, before and after eating, etc., but how many of us really pray to God for more workers in His vineyard? Jesus recognized the need then. The realities are still the same today — more laborers are still needed to continue God’s work in today’s world. So add one more task in your Christian to-do list. Always include in your prayers your plea to God to send more laborers, for the harvest is great but the laborers are few. Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes

 

Reflection Question:

The least I can do to help build the Kingdom of God is to pray for more laborers, for the harvest is great but the laborers are few.

 

Lord Jesus, may the fire of Your love touch the hearts of many men and women and may they respond to it with total giving of their lives in service to You.

 

St. Sabas, Abbot, pray for us.