Are you searching for an Advent devotional to aid in your preparation
for Christmas? The Living Gospel: Daily
Devotions for Advent 2019 by the Carmelite Sisters of The Most Sacred Heart
of Los Angeles is a lovely little book featuring prayer, scripture reflections,
and suggestions for actions to help you keep the focus on Christ this Advent.
The central message of Carmelite spirituality is that
"God is the soul's health." The sisters write, "If you frontload
the first days of Advent with care for your soul, you will be amazed how you
will stay grounded for all four weeks." They suggest that before Advent
even begins, decide when you can set aside some time to be alone with God each
day. They also recommend setting a date to go to Confession.
One of the reflections that spoke to me was written by Sr.
Regina Marie, O.C.D. for December 5th based on Matthew 7:21. This is
a brief excerpt:
The answer to all
questions in life is "to do the will of the Father in heaven." Only
in this do we find our true happiness. . . Can we trust him? Do we trust him? .
. . At times, his will is challenging. . . He may be calling us to love
ourselves or another is a deeper, more sacrificial way. He sometimes allows
nature, darkness, or others' sin to cause us pain and suffering. . . In all of
our difficult moments in life, we can entrust ourselves to the Father and know that
he will bring about good.
No comments:
Post a Comment