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When Jesus Moves In: An Advent Reflection
The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. —John 1:14, The Message When Read More
Chanequa Walker-Barnes | Read Matthew 25:14-18
“The kingdom of heaven is like a man who was leaving.” It’s a strange start to a parable. At this point in Matthew’s Gospel, the disciples have been following Jesus for nearly three years. Doing so had required some leaving of their own. They left their families, homes, and work...
God of action, help us to be awake and alert to what you are doing in the world, and to be ready to act in accordance with your will. Amen.
Like us, the Israelites struggle to be consistently faithful to God. God therefore allows a foreign king to rule them until the people come to their senses and cry out for help. The prophet Deborah gives instructions for the battle that will begin the deliverance of the people. The readings from Psalms and Zechariah demonstrate that this pattern of unfaithfulness and restoration has occurred frequently in the history of God’s people. In Thessalonians, Paul echoes what Jesus says in last week’s Gospel reading: We must always be prepared for the return of Christ because we do not know when it will occur. God gives us resources to use for the kingdom, and in Matthew Jesus indicates that God will ask for an account of how well we have used them.
Read Judges 4:1-7. Who has been a judge—someone who helps you discern—in your life? How can you help others discern the way?Read Psalm 123. How do you focus on God through conflict and struggle?Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. When have you encouraged someone in a time of darkness? When have you been the one in need of encouragement?Read Matthew 25:14-30. What would change if you considered your dreams and desires as from God? What first step can you take to enact your desires?
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