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Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Julie Ann Monzi

Today's Gospel: Matthew 8:5-11

 

The Centurion said to Jesus that he was not worthy to have Him enter his home. We repeat those words immediately prior to receiving the Eucharist and declare we are not worthy to have Jesus in the abode of our souls. But whenever we ask Jesus, and especially when receiving the Eucharist, He enters anyway.
“Lord, I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof.” Think of your soul as a cottage where you have invited Jesus to live. He sweeps the floors of lingering anger and clears the closets, removing what we no longer need, like unforgiveness and love of money. Even if we cling to it, Jesus gently tugs it from our grip and discards it. We need to let go of what keeps us separated from Him.

“But only say the word, and my soul shall be healed.” When we ask for healing, we usually have something specific in mind: a cure for cancer or absence of pain. But healing does not always come in the form we seek. A friend went to Lourdes and as he lowered himself into the water, he asked for healing of the mental and spiritual pain from which he was suffering. What he received instead was peace to seek out the help of professionals. It was not an immediate healing, but a pointing in the right direction toward a lifelong journey. A young woman confined to a wheelchair asked for physical healing as the waters of Baptism were poured over her. Instead she received healing in her spirit to accept her physical limitations.

On this first Monday of Advent, let us spend these next weeks deepening our faith to that of the Centurion and being open to however Jesus is working in our lives.

 

Ponder:


During this Advent, what do I need to let go of in my life so that I can become closer to Jesus?

 

Pray:


Jesus, even though I am unworthy, please come into my life and sweep away all that is no longer serving me. Bring me closer to You this Advent season.


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During this Advent, what do I need to let go of in my life so that I can become closer to Jesus?
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Copyright 2021 Julie Ann Monzi

Julie Ann Monzi lives in Gettysburg, PA, with her husband, three grown children, and three cats. She enjoys reading, walking the Gettysburg Battlefield, Civil War reenacting, and watching foreign mysteries. Julie’s work has appeared in magazines that include Harpstring, Liguorian, and Radiant, among others. You can find her on Wimkin.