GROW AS A DISCIPLE
Have you ever had a moment where you’ve been so joyful that your heart “throbbed and overflowed”? (Is. 60:5) Perhaps this prompt might call to mind moments we have been chosen or noticed, especially when we otherwise felt sidelined or forgotten. (Imagine expecting to be picked last for the team, only to be someone’s first choice!) Today’s first reading speaks of a moment like that. While the nations of the earth are shrouded in darkness, God shines his light and glory on Jerusalem, and all the nations come streaming to her bearing precious tributes. Similarly, our Gospel speaks about how God chose Bethlehem — a seemingly insignificant town — to be the birthplace of his Son: “And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people.” Like Jerusalem and Bethlehem, we, too, have been chosen by God. As we continue our celebration of Christmas, our hearts are filled to overflowing when we recall that by taking on our flesh, God has chosen to make his home with us for all eternity.
GO EVANGELIZE
Paul reminds us that God has chosen us, not only for ourselves, but for the sake of others: “You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit.” God gives Paul a special revelation to know the mystery of God so he could preach the Gospel to the Gentiles and to all peoples. We who know the joy of having been chosen to be God’s beloved sons and daughters have the beautiful task of helping others to know that they, too, are chosen by God. Because of this, evangelization is not simply an item on our spiritual to‑do list; it is a work of joy — the joy of helping others to discover their own “belovedness” as children of God. And of course, this message is for everyone!
INVITATION
One of the best presents we can offer to someone is our presence. Make an effort this week to intentionally spend time with someone who may feel lonely or forgotten, setting aside other tasks to focus entirely on them. The goal is to help them feel special and chosen as a way of giving a glimpse of God’s love that chooses each of us out of the many. May the gift of your presence help them to remember how very loved they are.