Friday, December 9, 2022
Matthew 11:16 - 19
Let Him Carry You Through
There are times — too many of them — when you can’t seem to make anyone happy. This may be that time of year for you.
Jesus relates. In today’s Gospel, He says, “There’s no pleasing you people.” From that, take hope: The King of the Universe truly understands.
But He doesn’t give up. He doesn’t stop. He completely relates, and He offers you His hand. Take His hand while you face all the stressors and challenges that December brings. Lean into Him and let Him carry you through the crazy.
You can approach it all with the joy that comes from above. That doesn’t mean you’re skipping happily along without care; instead, it means that you’re full of strength from above. Joy is related to peace, and isn’t it interesting that both are words often associated with this season we’re in?
But embracing them is often easier said than done. What does it take to live the joy of faith in light of the demands of December?
Daily Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for staying with me on this journey through Advent. Please show me the joy you have for me, and grant me the grace to share it with others.
SOURCE: Creighton University Online Ministries
Sunday Reading Prep
Review and reflect on the readings for the Third Sunday of Advent. What message is Jesus trying to share with us? How can we use his teachings to follow Him more faithfully?
Reading I Isaiah 35:1-10
Reading II James 5:7-10
Gospel Matthew 11:2-11
When John heard in prison of the works of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to him
with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”
Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you hear and see:
the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.
And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”
Jesus’ Testimony to John.
As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind?
Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.
Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
This is the one about whom it is written:
‘Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;
he will prepare your way before you.’
Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
