Wrapped

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Wrapped

Cloak     Justice

Preparing     Lighting      Glorifying

Partnership With The Gospel

Word

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Baruch 5:1 and 2

Jerusalem, take off your robe of sadness and misery; put on the splendor of glory from God always: wrapped in the cloak of justice from God, bear on your head the mitre that shows the glory of the eternal name. 

Philippians 1:4 to 6 

Sisters and brothers: I pray always with joy in each prayer for all of you, because of your partnership with the gospel from the beginning of my ministry with you until now. I am sure of this: that the one who ignited this good work in you will continue it until the day when Jesus comes again.

Luke 3:2 and 3

During the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert. John went through the whole area of the Jordan, speaking to all about a baptism that would lead to conversion away from a life of sin.

Reflection

I think of a very cold day.

It's freezing outside.

I put on a big sweater.

Get my gloves and hat.

Look for my winter coat.

Now I'm ready.

Bring on the cold!

I'm wrapped and warm.

As I reflect on these readings that is the image that comes to mind. I think about God's Love in the same way.

Yes there are obstacles in life.

Of course there will be setbacks.

I will make a ton of mistakes.

I will say some really dumb things.

I will forget to communicate other things that I should have shared.

Through all these challenges, God is wrapping me in Love and Justice. That wrapping helps me to proclaim the Glory of God in the season of Advent when we do not sing or say the Gloria during our worship.

I proclaim that Glory by acting justly, by treating others with respect, by acknowledging the dignity of each person I meet.

We are all honored to be partners with Jesus and the community in sharing the Gospel. We can spread the JOY that Jesus shares with us. We are privileged to be bearers of Good News.

A good work has been ignited in us as it was in John the Baptist. Just as he went around in the area of the Jordan River, we can go around in our own circle of friends and witness the miracle of conversion---a conversion that comes when a person feels wrapped in the Love of Jesus.

Enjoy your Advent Wrapping!

1. Have you ever felt wrapped in the Love and Justice of God?

2. How do you proclaim the Glory of God?

3. What does it mean for you to be a partner with Jesus and the community in proclaiming the Gospel?

4. Is there a conversion that you need this Advent?