Opening Prayer

Lord, my soul waits for you. Help me to settle and trust that this time of prayer will renew and enlighten me as I listen to your word with hope.

Scripture

Matthew 11:1-11

Now when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and proclaim his message in their cities.

When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with a skin disease are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.”

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What, then, did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What, then, did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,

‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way before you.’

“Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist, yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Reflection

Jesus said, “No one is greater than John the Baptist,” and yet he was having doubts when he was imprisoned and had time to reflect.  Why are we surprised when we struggle with doubts or question our faith? John shows us the way by taking them to God in prayer. I recall a period of burnout while raising my family.  I was doing too much and trying too hard, feeling the pressure of living up to high expectations and thinking it was all up to me. It forced me to be honest with myself and to ask myself some difficult questions, such as “Who am I?” and “What is life all about?” All I could do was visit an oratory every day, which gave me time to reflect and slow down. Since then, I find that having retreats, spending time in nature, and being grateful for the gift of my life have helped me to find joy, trusting in the slow work of God. His presence is always with us, waiting to hear our questions, struggles, and doubts. As Christmas approaches, with all the preparations, we may wonder where God is in the chaos that surrounds us. Slowing down through prayerful reflection will help us stay focused on what is important in the present moment. Then we may, by example, point people towards God this Christmas and help them see the path of peace and joy.

Reflection Prayer

Lord, when doubts and questions arise within me, help me not to turn away.
Teach me to slow down and bring my struggles to you honestly.
In moments of being tested, remind me that faith grows quietly.
Let me rest in your presence and trust your slow, patient work within me.

Concluding prayer 

“Try to keep your soul always in peace and quiet, always ready for whatever our Lord may wish to work in you. It is certainly a higher virtue of the soul, and a greater grace, to be able to enjoy the Lord in different times and different places than in only one.” 

– St. Ignatius of Loyola