Reflection for December 6
Luciana, age 10
I’ve always loved the image of Jesus, the wandering rabbi, evangelist, and healer, walking from village to village. Today’s gospel passage gives us a chance to imagine Jesus traveling through Galilee and beyond. We can picture the crowd of disciples following him. We can see the people he meets: farmers, tradespeople, women drawing water, the sick, and even children. Matthew describes them as troubled and abandoned. Each person brings their own specific needs. He feels deep compassion and empathy for them.
I imagine Jesus feeling a bit overwhelmed with the work that needs to be done and recognizing the limited resources available to help. He chooses to send his Disciples to serve the people, the lost and struggling sheep of the house of Israel. He empowers them to proclaim the Kingdom is at hand by curing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing lepers, and casting out demons. He reminds them that they are loved and blessed freely, and they should share this with those in need.
We have all received many gifts freely and are called to share them. What does Jesus’s commission to heal, raise, cleanse, and cast out look like for us this Advent? How are we called to carry out this command in our daily lives? We should reach into our well of compassion for those “troubled and abandoned” in our lives and world and find a desire to share our gifts with the world. The work and challenges are many, and Jesus is calling us. Remember that the gifts we receive are meant to be shared. By showing compassion, offering hope, and caring for thosewho feel troubled or abandoned, we share in Christ’s work and bring his light into the world this Advent season.
Jeff Kamradt