Gospel Reflections for December 16 2018
A surprise Christmas gift idea!
Is your Christmas shopping done? If not, the Gospel suggests a wonderful and unexpected gift. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to three different groups of people about what they can give others.
To the crowd: If you have a lot of nice things, help those who don’t.
To Tax Collectors: Be fair, and don’t overcharge poor people.
To Roman Soldiers: Don’t use your power to intimidate people.
Jesus says they must each give what is just and due to the people they meet.
Give to the poor, real and practical help.
Give to taxpayers, fairness in assessing taxes.
Give to people under Roman oppression, restore peace and protection
This is the very definition of justice; that people receive what is their due. If you steal five dollars from someone, justice demands you give five dollars back. If you steal respect, fairness, or dignity, you must restore them as well. That is all well and good.
But what if these are all new behaviors? What if it is the first time that people ever help the poor, or tax collectors are fair, or Roman soldiers ensure peace?
Now Our Lord is talking about giving the gift …“of a changed life.” You are offering …a new you! What a surprise gift that might be to your family and friends!
Now you have moved from justice to love, an even more profound and meaningful gift! This could include these behaviors…
While before I never noticed your needs, now I will pay more attention and offer real help.
While before I used to take advantage of your weakness, now I will strengthen you.
While before I used to start arguments, now I will bring reconciliation and peace.
While a gift under the tree at Christmas can bring joy for the moment, the gift of a changed and better life for your loved ones can last for a much longer time. I am sure your loved ones will appreciate it more as well.
No need to go shopping for this gift of a new life. Just model your life on Our Lord. Every Sunday Mass can be your weekly lesson on how to do just that.
The birth of Jesus at Christmas adds love to our relationships, where we actively try to help make the people around us even happier and even more fulfilled.
That is a welcome gift!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee your beautiful words!!! What a precious gift, the gift of a new life, the gift of love, the gift of being a giver, the gift of sharing our Jesus with the world and making the world sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo beautiful!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee it and lovceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee you!!!
Gues whooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!
Thank you!
While before I never noticed your needs, now I will pay more attention and offer real help.
While before I used to take advantage of your weakness, now I will strengthen you.
While before I used to start arguments, now I will bring reconciliation and peace
I usually give my own reflection b4 reading yours. This time I did the opposite as I was not getting anything and so I cheated and read your reflection and the above 3 statements really have an impact on me. Thanks much
You are very welcome!
Thank you for your gift of sharing your loving wisdom. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
What a beautiful!
I like this sentence “…about giving the gift …“of a changed life.” You are offering …a new you! ”
I share this reflection to the Holy Spirit Faith Formation Face Book.
Thank you Father Dave!
You have a blessed Third Week of Advent.
Thank you! I am glad that you liked the article and even shared some of it to the parish Facebook.
A happy, healthy, holy, Christmas to you and to Father Abebe.
Thank you! I will pass on your greetings to Fr. Abebe.
Fr. Dave.
I went to mass last night. Our Pastor Fr. Patrick suggested we take the words of the 1st reading and do something in our lives that would make God sing joyfully over us. Like at a festival. I chose to be as patient with everyone as I hope they will be with me.
God Bless and Merry Christmas one and all!!
Jane.
Perfectly applied Gospel. Well done!
Dear Father Dave,
“A gift of a new life,” touches my heart. Thank you for this reflection. It means a great deal.
God bless you.
Sincerely,
Ksthleen
You are very welcome!