9 Dec 2023
Being Present
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For 9 December 2023, Saturday of the first week of Advent, based on Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8
Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’
Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness.
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.
Scripture passage from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright 1989, 1993, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
09 December 2023 @ 8:34 am
Thank you Nick for this reflection It is never easy but Paul’ S words are so helpful. God bless Liz
10 December 2023 @ 3:37 am
Nick, as usual, your words touch my heart and challenge me to go outside my small world. Even here where I am recovering from surgery — in my small suite— I can see and address the pain of my sisters. I just need a reminder — and your words do just that. Thanks and Advent blessings!
10 December 2023 @ 3:38 am
Nick, as usual, your words touch my heart and challenge me to go outside my small world. Even here where I am recovering from surgery — in my small suite— I can see and address the pain of my sisters. I just need a reminder — and your words do just that. Thanks and Advent blessings!
10 December 2023 @ 5:14 am
The photo that accompanies the preaching is worth a thousand words. Thanks for both.
10 December 2023 @ 5:44 am
To those of you who replied, just know that my Advent prayers are for you!. The photo is of Sr Joan’s niece Audrey who was named Audrey, after my Aunt Audrey, a close relative of my mother!. I will be with her family, Joan’s relatives for Christmas! Regards, Nick