Tuesday, December 9
Is 40:1-11/Mt 18:12-14
Like a shepherd, he feeds his flock. In his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom and leading the ewes with care. Is. 40
The compassion and the tenderness of our God have not been celebrated enough in this day and in this age. The shepherd image of a loving, kind and gentle direction given through the voice of the shepherd and the nudging pushes of a shepherd dog blesses us with a most tender image of loving care. Why do we not accept these images in our daily lives? What are we neglecting? What are we afraid of?
These images speak of service and being servants equally to each other. Maybe it is because the prevailing norms treat these images as ones of weakness. Yet, to go out serving and, in return, be served, takes courage, stamina and strength. We are the people of the Suffering Servant, Jesus Christ.
St. Juan Diego, serving a sick father, is the chosen servant to announce the vision of Our Lady of Guadalupe as Mary pregnant with Jesus as the handmaid servant of the Lord.
Mantra: Serve with compassion.
Kathleen M. O'Connor
