Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent

Reflection Questions

"As king he shall reign and govern wisely, he shall do what is just and right in the land.  In his days, Judah shall be saved, Israel shall dwell in security.  This is the name they will give him: 'The Lord our justice.'"  What does the phrase "The Lord our justice" mean to you?  What do you think would be God's justice played out in your life?

"Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly."  There is not much we know about Joseph, but what we do know indicates that he was kind and trusted in God's plans, no matter how unusual they seem.  When was a time when God called us to do something that seemed confusing or strange at first?  How do you discern what it is that you feel God asking you to do?

"Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means 'God is with us.'" What are the times in which you feel you need God with you most?  In what ways is God with us now?  If God is already with us now, what are the new ways which we are preparing to welcome his coming at Christmas?
Prayer

God the Father, help us to learn to trust You amidst strange and confusing circumstances.  May we be about to focus on what You are calling us to do that what what other people will think of our choices.  May we do what is right and just, not in human terms, but in what we understand You are asking of us.  God, be with us now and help us recognize Your presence with us, yet may we be open to the new ways You can enter into our lives this coming Christmas season. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever!
Scripture

First Reading: Jeremiah 23:5-8
Psalm: 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19
Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website