Week 3 - Wednesday
2nd Reading
Philippians 4:4-7
Ora / Pray
Brothers and sisters:
Rejoice in the Lord always.
I shall say it again: rejoice!
Your kindness should be known to all.
The Lord is near.
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Labora / Work
The first rule of humility in The Rule of St. Benedict speaks of God’s constant presence with us. “Let a man consider that God is always looking at him from Heaven, that his actions are everywhere visible to the divine eyes and are constantly being reported to God by the angels.” Sunday’s second reading reminds us of this; “The Lord is near.” Sometimes this may give us the fear that is necessary to remind us to get it together; get to Confession and amend our ways. But in this regard it is a joyful consideration. “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” When is the last time that you comforted your spouse with this truth? Quite often we either try to solve their problem ourselves or pass it off with no concern because, after all, it’s their issue, not mine. Today if your spouse shared their frustration or feeling of being overwhelmed (it is less than a week before Christmas) offer to pray with them. Remind your spouse that “The Lord is near.” As a couple you can ask for His guidance and, based on the passage above, He will give it to you. He will take away your anxiety and give you peace.