St. Ambrose
What a privilege to share some thoughts on these
beautiful readings today. St. Ambrose was one of the original four doctors of
the Church. While reflecting on today's message I applied the process of Lectio
Divina, a type of holy listening. Several words "spoke" to me.
Let me start with the Gospel reading from Matthew 11:
28-30 and then I will incorporate some thoughts on the other readings. Matthew
offers us a great invitation. He states "Come to me, ALL you who labor
& are burdened". GOD CALLS EVERYONE! Isn't this a comfort. He knows
our daily struggles, trials, tribulations & burdens. All the things that
weigh us down.
It is in this calling that he invites us to bring our
"heavy loads" to HIM, and then HE assures us REST!
The readings in Isaiah also invite us to ponder the
Salvation promised by GOD, who is all powerful & all knowing. God pardons,
renews, heals & calls us each by name. He truly comes to save all. What a
blessing. It is in this "calling" that we need to prepare ourselves
to meet Him. The Greek word "Metanoia" means to change ones heart or
mind. This season of Advent invites us to prepare & ready ourselves to
welcome Him into our hearts again. Our all knowing, all powerful GOD who abides
in mercy and kindness, comes to renew & save us. He invites us to
"SOAR" as on Eagles Wings. How I have come to love this beautiful
hymn, which is typically sung at funerals. For many years, because it touched
me so personally, I couldn't sing it without crying. Now these powerful words
truly lift me. Such a profound promise. GOD calls us to acknowledge His divine
plans for all of us. He loves us so completely as to "carry us" on
Eagles Wings!
In closing my thoughts on today's readings, let's be sure
to rest & ponder the goodness of GOD, as we wait patiently &
prayerfully during this season of Advent. Then we will truly be
"blessed" & prepared to meet Him. I wish you ALL, a Happy Advent
of Holy Waiting!
Linda Nardone
Women of the parish are invited to join us on Saturday mornings at 8:30 am in the rectory for the women's spirituality group that reflects on the Sunday gospel using the lectio divina method. Please consider dropping by!
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