Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

Reflection Questions

"For you are my hope, O Lord; my trust, O God, from my youth.  On you I depend from birth; from my mother's womb you are my strength."  What are you hoping for right now?  Where does your hope come from?

"He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God."  What does John the Baptist mean to you and how do you imitate his passion and determination in his faith?  How do you help others turn towards God?

"How shall I know this?  For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years."  Sometimes it is difficult to to change your expectations.  What do you expect from God?  Do you put limits around what you expect God to do?  In what ways has God surprised you with good and unexpected news?
Prayer

God of surprises, we know that You have loved us and been with us in every moment of our existence on earth.  May we always place our hope in You and depend on You for our strength in times of trial.  Fill us with the Holy Spirit that we might help others turn towards God by our words and actions to those around us.  May we be open to ways in which You might surprise us with unexpected blessings.  Help us accept Your gifts and possibilties that You offer us.  My mouth shall be filled with Your praise, and I will sing Your glory!
Scripture

First Reading: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a
Psalm: 71:3-6ab, 16-17
Gospel: Luke 1:5-25


Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website