December 2022
Reflections of God's Goodness
As we think about the past few Christmas celebrations, many have come to understand that partying and gift giving are not what makes a good holiday. Christmas is about love, beginning with the love God shared with us in sending His only son to become one of us and the love among family and friends.
Christmas also brings to light in a startling way our consumer culture. Many have to throw away, give away, or store belongings to make room for more. In fact, storage units are big business, and more and more are being built to hold all the ‘stuff’ people no longer want or need. As we enter into our Advent waiting, this might be a good time to reflect on our own stuff. We all have so much. How are we using the plenty God has given us. Every blessing we have comes from God.
Do you know that in our own local communities, here in the land of plenty, thousands of children go hungry every day? Not just hungry like we get hungry at lunch time! This is hunger that robs them of energy and health. This hunger hurts them and the people who love them.
Opportunities abound to help feed the hungry, either through direct contact--working in a food pantry or in adopting a family to help, as well as getting involved and supporting the many organizations that directly provide food, shelter and clothing to the neediest.
Jesus invites us to follow him. He wants us to hear the cry of the poor among us and to care about them as much as He did. He sends us out to be His voice, His hands and His feet in a needy world.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, . . .”
This Christmas say ‘Yes’ to Jesus and join in His ministry of love. Ask God where He wants you to help. Pray for inspiration and the courage to act.
May your Advent days bring you into the fullness of Christ’s presence among us.
May God bless your family and all families filling them with the knowledge of God’s love for them.
Thanking God is not a habit to cultivate just for this month but for every day of our lives. This practice will open our spiritual eyes to the presence of God in our lives.
Blessings,
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
“If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him? Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.”
