Click here for today's readings on the USCCB website.
Reading: Isaiah 29:17-24
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
Alleluia:
Gospel: Matthew 9:27-31
Redemption (Isaiah 29:17-24)
In today’s reading, Isaiah speaks of redemption. He speaks of Lebanon becoming an orchard, the deaf hearing, and the blind being able to see. Isaiah also speaks of the return of the house of Jacob to the favor of God and of Israel once again honoring and giving glory to Him.
22 Therefore thus says the LORD,
the God of the house of Jacob,
who redeemed Abraham:
No longer shall Jacob be ashamed,
no longer shall his face grow pale.
23 For when his children see
the work of my hands in his midst,
They shall sanctify my name;
they shall sanctify the Holy One of Jacob,
be in awe of the God of Israel.Isaiah 29:22-23
We see in today’s reading an arc of redemption, God restoring Jerusalem after failing to listen to His prophets. We see this time and again with the Israelites; they stray, turn to idol worship and sinful behavior, God chastises them, and they return to him.
We see this today in our world. We turn away from God, we sin, we make idols, we abort our children and shuttle our infirm off. Worse yet, with various states legalizing euthanasia, we allow them to kill themselves. We have become a people who idolizes ourselves over God.
But, like the house of Jacob, we need to repent and turn back to God. We need to take an inventory of our lives and perform a thorough examination of conscience. We need to conform our lives to live in His Truth. We need to study His Word and make use of His sacraments.
In this season of Advent, we have this period of time to reflect. Many parishes will offer penance services. If you haven’t been to the Sacrament of Reconciliation in a while, I encourage to take advantage of it.
If you have fallen away from Him and turned your back on Him, what are you going to do to return? Are you willing to make the effort? Return to Him, and He will rejoice.
The Healing of Two Blind Men (Matthew 9:27-31)
In today’s Gospel reading, two blind men cry out to Jesus, “Son of David, have pity on us!” (Matthew 9:27) Jesus, testing their faith asks them if they think that he can really do this and they both replied “Yes, Lord.”
29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.”
30 And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.”
We see the faith of these two men, and they put their complete trust in Jesus. And because they do, Jesus heals them.
I have been going through a personal struggle the last few days. My faith has been tested, and I have struggled emotionally. I have questioned my faith, my worth, and I have had such an extreme sense of self-loathing. But a friend of mine, as she so often does, helped me. Between her and my pastor, I am working on seeing myself in a more positive light. Nothing is going to change overnight, and I know that I need to continue to pray. I need to lean on Jesus. She shared with me a person who was going through a similar issue, and I will link that below for those people who have X accounts. Obviously I am not pregnant, so some of the situation does not apply, but the overall message that writer is pointing out does.
My friend also gave to me a prayer called the Litany of Trust (which will be today’s prayer). It makes me cry each time I read it, and I am not afraid to admit that.
If you are having doubts about your faith, I encourage you to reach out to a trusted friend or your pastor. Talk to them. Let them help you.
A post by Coral (I ask that if you are going to comment on her post, be respectful and considerate.)
Prayer (by the Sisters of Life)
LITANY OF TRUST
From the belief that
I have to earn Your love
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear that I am unlovable
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the false security
that I have what it takes
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear that trusting You
will leave me more destitute
Deliver me, Jesus.
From all suspicion of
Your words and promises
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the rebellion against
childlike dependency on You
Deliver me, Jesus.
From refusals and reluctances
in accepting Your will
Deliver me, Jesus.
From anxiety about the future
Deliver me, Jesus.
From resentment or excessive
preoccupation with the past
Deliver me, Jesus.
From restless self-seeking
in the present moment
Deliver me, Jesus.
From disbelief in Your love and presence
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being asked
to give more than I have
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the belief that my life
has no meaning or worth
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of what love demands
Deliver me, Jesus.
From discouragement
Deliver me, Jesus.
That You are continually holding me,
sustaining me, loving me
Jesus, I trust in You.
That Your love goes deeper than my
sins and failings and transforms me
Jesus, I trust in You.
That not knowing what tomorrow
brings is an invitation to lean on You
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You are with me in my suffering
Jesus, I trust in You.
That my suffering, united to Your own,
will bear fruit in this life and the next
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You will not leave me orphan,
that You are present in Your Church
Jesus, I trust in You.
That Your plan is better
than anything else
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You always hear me and in
Your goodness always respond to me
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You give me the grace to accept
forgiveness and to forgive others
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You give me all the strength
I need for what is asked
Jesus, I trust in You.
That my life is a gift
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You will teach me to trust You
Jesus, I trust in You.
That You are my Lord and my God
Jesus, I trust in You.
That I am Your beloved one
Jesus, I trust in You
https://sistersoflife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Mobile-Litany-of-Trust.pdf
