Monday of the Second Week of Advent
At Immaculate Conception Parish we consider ourselves a “community of disciples”. A disciple is someone who follows Christ (thinks like Jesus, talks like Jesus and acts like Jesus.) But I think a disciple is also someone who disciples others and brings them to Christ. I have many people who lead me to Christ, but I am particularly blessed to have a husband that disciples me in my faith. He shows me how to be Christ like by his selfless giving of himself to others in his work, in the activities he supports and at home. He also leads me by example in his love and acceptance of all people. In the evening before bed, we pray together and reflect on scripture. He opens my eyes in many ways to what it means to be like Christ. In this year of Being Home at Church and Church at Home, I believe we are being called to disciple one another in a place which is closest to our hearts, but can be the most challenging place to live our faith- our homes. The readings today invite us to remember that we have a role in bringing others to Christ for healing and grace. When we live our faith- our discipleship- in our homes, Christ’s presence will be with us and “we will see the glory of the LORD.” (Is 35:2)
In the gospel reading, Jesus heals the paralytic man and forgives his sins. It was the faith and perseverance of the man’s friends that allowed the man to be with Jesus and “set in His presence.” (Luke 5: 18) Because of several obstacles, they went to extremes to find a way to bring the man to Christ. “But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle in front of Jesus.” (Luke 5: 19) Jesus “saw their faith” and gives His forgiveness as well as healing to the paralytic. I know that there are many times at home when situations arise that make living out our faith a challenge. The stress of sickness, financial difficulties, busy schedules and the many distractions of this world can present great obstacles to being a disciple of Christ to others in our homes. Despite these difficulties, we are encouraged to persevere in our faith with God’s grace. If we do, I think we will also be able to see “incredible things” (Luke 5: 26) within our families and hopefully also be able to “glorify God.”
The first reading from Isaiah is a beautiful passage that paints a picture of what the world will be like when God brings us salvation. “”The desert and the parched land will exult… They will bloom with abundant flowers and rejoice with joyful song.” (Isaiah 35:1-2) As Christians, we believe that this salvation is through Christ. In faith we are called to “strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, say to those whose hearts are frightened, be strong, fear not! Here is your God. (Isaiah 35: 3-4) Living this faith in our family may mean listening and supporting a child or spouse who had a bad day and sharing with them in their struggles. Maybe bringing someone to Christ entails standing with a family member in their sickness, and giving them courage and comfort. The scripture reminds us that our life of faith “is a journey” (Isaiah 35:9) and it is “called the holy way” (Is 35: 8) No doubt there will be frustrations, failures, doubts, and fears, but we are assured that if we persevere despite all of these we “will meet with joy and gladness” and “be crowned with everlasting joy.” (Is 35: 10)
This season of Advent helps us to reflect upon the significance of Christ coming into the world. As His disciples, we are also called to be Christ to others, and bring others to Christ. This is a particularly important calling to live within our homes. Today, may each of us take an opportunity to reflect on ways that we can be more Christ like within our homes. Thinking before we speak in anger, listening before we make suggestions, putting other family members’ needs before ours, and choosing love above all things- these may be just a few ways to help bring Christ into our homes. Because of our human failings and sin, we cannot accomplish these actions without God’s grace. Many of us may have family members who need to be brought to Christ for healing and forgiveness. Let us take the opportunity to pray for our families and pray with our family members that we can become Christ’s body- his church-in our homes. Let us persevere in our faith so that we may truly be able to celebrate Christ’s presence in our lives and our homes, and then take Him into the world.
Heavenly Father, because of Your great love for us, You sent Your Son Jesus to live among us. Through Him we come to know You, and He brings us back to You through His life, death and resurrection. Through His Incarnation, Jesus calls us to follow Him in our daily lives. Help us to live like Your Son, in all that we do, but particularly in our homes. May your Spirit bring us the wisdom, courage, and mostly your love to help us bring each other to your Presence, so our homes can be a sign of your glory. We pray this in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Marylynn Herchline