GOD IS NEAR
In today's
second reading from Paul to the Philippians, the theme is "Rejoice and be
unafraid, for the Lord is near" (Phil 4:5). I would like to share with you
my favorite prayer poem that is fitting for today's reflection.
God Is
Near
It matters
not how far I go, or where my feet may stray...
I comfort in the knowing fact that God's not far away.
I comfort in the knowing fact that God's not far away.
When I
awake each morning, at home or in foreign lands,
my Lord is always present, with love, I grasp His hand.
my Lord is always present, with love, I grasp His hand.
He leads me
through green pastures, along deep waters that are still,
through joy and sorrow, He is there, my life is His to will.
through joy and sorrow, He is there, my life is His to will.
We need not
seek a good luck charm, at home, or far off lands,
if God abides within our hearts, we can touch Him where we stand.
if God abides within our hearts, we can touch Him where we stand.
Albert N.
Theel
"Great
in our midst is the Holy one of Israel, a mighty savior!" The prophet
Zephaniah tells us in the first reading about the shout for joy, "for God
is in our midst" ( Zeph 3: 15). And
in the responsorial psalm, Isaiah cries out with joy and gladness "Our
strength and courage comes from God our Savior" (Is 12: 2).
I would
like to close with a couple of questions to ponder on today as we continue our
Advent journey:
-
When I look within myself, where do I find joy? Where does joy
reside in me?
-
Do I make my requests known to God, as St. Paul urges, without
anxiety and in prayer and thanksgiving?
-
To prepare the way, do I repent and share my possessions as St.
John the Baptist encourages us today in the Gospel?