Good Morning 12-16

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

This is the day the LORD hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Isaiah 35:1-10
James 5:7-10
Matthew 11:2-11
Psalm 146

When our hearts are set on that kingdom, our worries will slowly move into the background, because the many things which made us worry so much start to fall into place. It is important to realize that "setting your heart on the kingdom" is not a method for winning prizes. In that case the spiritual life would become like winning the jackpot on a TV game show. The words "all other things will be given you as well" express that indeed God's love and care extend to our whole being. When we set our hearts on the life of the Spirit of Christ, we will come to see better how God keeps us in the palm of His hand. We will come to a better understanding of what we truly need for our physical and mental well-being, and we will come to experience the intimate connections between our spiritual life and our temporal needs while journeying through this world.

The beginning of the spiritual life is often difficult not only because the powers which cause us to worry are so strong beut also because the presence of God's Spirit seems barely noticeable. If, however, we are faithful to our disciplines, a new hunger will make itself known. This new hunger is the first sign of God's presence.

Christian friends,When we remain attentive to this devine presence, we will be led always deeper into the kingdom. There, to are joyful surprise, we will discover that all things are being made new.

Let's seek to make our message clear
And labor well to see
Our friends and neighbors drawn to Christ
While reading you and me.

Pray - Almighty God, through John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, You once proclaimed salvation; now grant that we may know this salvation and serve You in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives. Amen