Today is my birthday! Every birthday is an opportunity to give thanks to God for the precious gift of life and to step back and examine if we're living it to the fullnest and in accordance with God's will for us.
This birthday, I am especially grateful for my life. Last week, while I was driving home from Thanksgiving dinner at my sister's house, I was in a bad car accident on route 28. I was caught in the middle of two cars and my car was severely damaged both in the front and back. I, and the passengers of the four other cars invovled, all walked away without injury.
After the adrenaline wore off, I was able to reflect on what had happened. I am so thankful to God that I am alive and healthy. The circumstances could have been very, very different but obviously God needs me to be here.
In today's gospel, Jesus gives the twelve apostles very specific instructions:
“Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
Cure the sick, raise the dead,
cleanse lepers, drive out demons.
Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”
There is a direct urgency in Jesus' instructions. Each one of us have been given so many gifts and blessings from God. In turn, he wants us to use those gives for the benefit of his Kingdom. There is no time to waste. None of us knows how much time we have on earth; life can change in an instant.
This Advent, go to the lost sheep in your life and bring them the presence of Christ who lives in and through you. Give freely; without reservation. Be the love, hope, and peace of this season.
Pray: Good and loving God, you bless us abundantly with so many gifts. Help us to give back without reservation. Give us the courage and strength to seek your lost sheep. Let us bring your love, your hope, and your peace to all those we encounter this Advent. Amen.
Action: Take some time during your prayer this week to thank God for the gift of your life. Examine how you can take some small steps to live it more fully and in accordance with God's will.