Monday of the Third Week of Advent

Reflection Questions

"Justice shall flower in his days, and profound peace, till the moon be no more.  May he rule from seas to sea." What would this day where justice and profound peace rule look like?  How do we move closer to this place in our own way and time now?

"In him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed; all the nations shall proclaim his happiness."    Again, this is an image of peace and blessedness among all peoples.  Is this hard to imagine?  How are we proclaiming his happiness?

"The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham."  Our heritage and where we came from is important in forming who we are.  Not everyone is perfect, yet we each add something unique to our families.  Who is someone in your family lineage who you look up to as a model?  Do you think of how you are spiritually part of Jesus' family and what does that mean to you?
Prayer

Loving God, center of our families, help us bring about justice and peace in our world by beginning within our own homes.  May we value and embrace the beauty of our families, despite our weaknesses and flaws, and help us to be more loving towards one another.  May we learn from the example of those who have come before us and may we be that model of light for our families as well.  Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever!
Scripture

First Reading: Genesis 49:2, 8-10
Psalm: 42: 1-4, 7-8, 17
Gospel: Matthew 1:1-17

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website