MEMORIAL OF ST LUCY, WEDNESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT, DECEMBER 13, 2023

MASS READINGS:

Gospel

Mt 11:28-30

Jesus said to the crowds:

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,

and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,

for I am meek and humble of heart;

and you will find rest for yourselves.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

REFLECTION

 learn from me,

for I am meek and humble of heart;

The Womens Liberation Movement began in the late 1960's and continued into the 1980's influencing many young girls into believing that if you wanted you could get all you desired. So if you studied hard enough you would get a scholarship, if you practiced hard enough you would make the team, if you gave many hours to your company you would get the promotion and if you loved hard enough, someone would love you right back. With a little hard work, you could get what you wanted in life.

In the context of a reward system, the belief was that even love can be attained if we prove ourselves worthy of it. We might even be encouraged to "use" people or friendships to get what we wanted.

Some may not have the gifts needed to excel in the private sector, some might not have the "people approval" to do what God asks them to do. His love is a free gift that cannot be earned. We are to live life to its fullness, with joy and trust in the love given to us inspite of what we can or cannot achieve.

He loves us for who we are and not for what we do. It does not matter to Him what others think of us, whether we did well in academics or sports, whether I can or cannot do. He loved us first into being. We are His children. We will never lose His love, but many, unfortunately, walk away from Him. We can lose Heaven if we don't follow the Beatitudes, the Commandments and do not repent of our sins.

In confession we reconcile with God our betrayal, our lack of care and lack of love for another. And in turn we receive more love with the forgiveness of our sins. And this love we are to share with others. The closer we are to Him the more we will grow in His love.

Jesus wants to teach us "Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart." Get to know Jesus, walk in His footsteps, critically read and learn the Scriptures.

PAPA weekly hosts FACE ZBS (face to face bible study on zoom) with a theologian, our spiritual advisor Father Michael, who teaches, explains and answers our questions. Please check our website papamio.org and view his teachings on FACE ZBS. There is information under FACE ZBS on how to join the Bible Study and see our videos on FACE ZBS you tube channel.

God Bless You