7 December, Sunday — There is always hope

2^nd Sunday of Advent

Isa 11:1-10
Rm 15:4-9
Mt 3:1-12

…people who did not give up were helped by God.

Nowadays, my feed is filled with news of difficulties finding jobs, of mass layoffs, and of how the economy is not doing too well globally. It seems that everywhere we look is bleak. I’m not sure how many of the readers here are affected by these economic developments. Or if any of us are experiencing tumultuous times. If you are, or if you know anyone around you going through tough times, let us remember that ‘people who did not give up were helped by God.’

And it is in these times, that God sends up graces to help us stay strong. I hope one of those graces is this reflection, which I pray will serve as a reminder to you that God is carrying you through this tough time.

God even sends us graces to dispose us to pray to him and implore him for help. God is present in our Adoration rooms if we need a quick chat. God is available to listen to our grief.

And God has given us our guardian angels, who we can ask for help. Maybe we’ve forgotten about them. Maybe we have not chatted with them for a while. But let us remember that God has entrusted us to them.

And of course, we have our Blessed Mother Mary, whose feast day we’ll celebrate tomorrow. She is so loving and caring. She listens to our petitions and helps us pray to God.

And if we ourselves are not going through tough times, let us pray for our brothers and sisters who are undergoing trials. Let us pray that they keep their hope. Let us entrust them to the Lord.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Stephanie Villa)

Prayer: Let us pray the Memorare for ourselves, or for someone we know. Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known, that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Thanksgiving: Thank you, Lord, for the grace to hope in you.