Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Reflection Questions

"Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!" Where have we placed God in our life and is it where He hopes to be?  How can we enshrine God in our hearts and recognize His presence in all things? 

"The favors of the Lord I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.  For you have said, 'My kindness is established forever."  How have we helped pass along and proclaim His faithfulness to other generations?  When you think of "kindness" in terms of God, what do you think it means?  How kind have you been towards others lately?  How kind have you been towards yourself?

"Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free" Today's reading contains the powerful prayer called the Canticle of Zechariah.  What does "freedom in God" mean to you?  How has God set you free?
Prayer

God of freedom, may we create a dwelling place for You within our Churches, within our homes, and within our hearts.  May we learn to place You in the center of our lives so that we can be guided in the ways of mercy and peace.  Let us always be willing to proclaim Your unending faithfulness to all we encounter and remember to be kind and compassionate with one another.  May Your love free us from false illusions, trying to be something other than who you created, and from the burden of sin.  For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord!
Scripture

First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
Psalm: 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29
Gospel: Luke 1:67-79


Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website