Matthew 11:2-11

Most of us do not like waiting. It’s hard! But, sometimes in our rush to get to what we are waiting for, we miss the joy that we can find in the wait.

Matthew 11:2-11

When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: “ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 

Sermon

Prayers for December 11-17

Thanks to Creighton University for the daily Advent prayers.

Sunday
I lift my heart up to you, Lord,
to thank you for the blessings
you shower on me each day.
You are the ‘joy of my soul.’
I know that in your great love,
I am held and protected by you.
I pray and listen to the good news you send;
I ask and feel the healing.
I am freed by you
from the things in this world
that let me hide from you.
I rejoice, I rejoice, down to my soul.
Help me to prepare my heart
to be open and able to receive your immense love.

Monday
Oh, God of wisdom,
I want to praise you and give you my life.
Like a loving parent,
you bless me.
You have watched over me,
knowing my history
and the path that led me to you.
Thank you for the peace
you promise peace in my life.
I ask that I be always aware
of the strength of your great power.
May it never leave me.
So many people before me
in so many generations,
have served you so humbly,
answering your call.
Please give me the wisdom and courage
to be your humble servant.

Tuesday
Oh, Adonai, dearest Lord,
Compassionate God of justice,
so many areas of my life seem imprisoned
but you promise me real freedom
and peace in my life.
Renew my spirit and free my soul.
Please, open my heart which you have bathed in the longing of Advent.
I am awe-struck as your glory fills the earth and I want to follow you in caring for other.
Grant me the grace to see how you shine your light on the poor who have such a special place in your heart.

Wednesday
Oh, Jesus who descended from Jesse,
you are a sign of God’s love.
I feel hopeful and expectant,
filled with a rebirth of joy and love.
I depend you so much.
You are a rock for my belief
and a sign of God’s love.
Fill me with your praise!
I want to sing your glory,
filled with joy
for the message of hope you send.
I don’t always understand
when you are acting on my behalf.
Thank you for the message of hope you send me.
Give me true faith and love
as I celebrate the mystery
of how you came to be with us.

Thursday
Oh, Jesus, you hold the key
that will unlock my constricted heart.
It gives me great hope
that Mary said yes to you and your plan.
She was filled with the Spirit
and put aside her own doubts.
I know you are ready to answer my prayers,
ease my doubts and calm my fears.
Sometimes I don’t hear your messengers
because they aren’t what I expect.
They aren’t wearing wings or halos
but are the people standing in front of me.
How many times have I not listened?
How often have I balked at your messages
and your messengers?
Fill me with the light of your Spirit
and enter, in all your glory
into my life.
Let me rejoice!

Friday
Loving God,
It is growing in my heart:
An awareness and gratitude of your constant love for me;
Like the sun rising in the East
to warm and comfort my life
and to bring new growth.
Thank you for these weeks of prayer.
In the spirit of the season
my waiting, my patience,
feels sacred.
Bless my heart with generosity
and make me ready to receive you.
Come, Lord Jesus! Come!

Saturday
Oh, King of us all. I find myself standing before your strength and splendor watching, waiting and filled with total joy. You have lifted my mind in hope.
Now help me to open my life the the coming of the Spirit.
I want to be like Mary, your mother. Her wonderful courage and strength inspire me to do the same. She simply said Yes and the impossible was done.
Thank you for this Advent journey. The anticipation has filled my life and made me long for a closer relationship with you.
My life gets so busy that I forget to focus. Thank you for guidance. Thank you for the quiet moments when I have felt your love.
Nothing will be impossible with God.