REFLECTION IN SILENCE AND SOLITUDE - 12/19/22 (Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent)

Luke 1:19–20

“I am Gabriel, who stand before God.  I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news.  But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121922.cfm

Blessed Monday! As we draw closer to Christmas, we will reflect on the lives of many people who are related to the birth of our Savior, and one is St. Zechariah. St. Zechariah was the instrument who took care of St. John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus and the one who was also the instrument for preparing people to the coming of the Messiah. We may not have seen St. Zechariah in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Still, he had an important role in salvation history. This is why we should not neglect the mission that God has given us. We should not be comparing ourselves with other people as to who does more good or as to who brings more people to Christ. Rather, God is inviting us to accept the mission He has given us at the present time, even if it seems small, from the perspective of the world, compared to other good works. Sometimes, we may be envious of others who seem to be more successful than us or of others who have more progress in their spiritual journey. And yet, in the eyes of the Lord, it's not a matter of competition, but it's a matter of cooperation. Do we cooperate with God's graces in doing His will in our everyday simple life? The Advent season is a good time of reflecting on our relationship with God and on our gratefulness to His gifts and mercy. 

Besides pondering on the blessings of God and the particular mission or inspiration that God has for us, we should not neglect the importance of reflecting on our sins. St. Zechariah was faithful to God's commandments and in his duties as a high priest. And yet, when he had an encounter with St. Gabriel, the angel whom God sent to proclaim His message about St. John, he had doubts on God's mission. It is good that we make sure that we follow God's commandments and Catholic teachings. It's really pleasing to God that we participate in the Mass and help our family be closer to Him. But, we should not neglect that God desires to free us from all of our imperfections. This is difficult, but a sign that our soul is being purified by God is our willingness to love God amidst such difficulties and sufferings. Maybe, we are still attached to material wealth or worldly achievements thinking that these things will give us authentic happiness. It may be that there is hesitancy on our part to spend more time with God in our prayer and devotions. Or, we may also have some doubts that God will bring good even out of the unfortunate events in our lives. St. Zechariah became silent for months until the birth of St. John. It was in this time that his interior life grew as he reflected in silence and solitude. As we recognize our imperfections, let's remember that God is also calling us to use our time of silence to reflect on our sins, on how we can avoid them and on how we can be more faithful to God, even in little ways. Through this reflection in silence in the presence of God, we will receive true faith and love that will enable us to be prepared for the coming celebration of the mystery of the Nativity of Christ. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth