Our readings for this coming week are: Proverbs 31: 10-13, 19-20, 30-31,
Psalms 128: 1-2, 3, 4-5, 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-6, and Matthew 25: 14-30

1. Proverbs:
• Why do you think that we turn in our offerings during the Mass?
• Wouldn't it be more efficient if everyone just filled out pledge cards and had an automatic deduction made from their checking account?
• Or better yet, take a page from Uncle Sam and deduct it from our paycheck before we even see it?
2. Psalms:
• Have you ever felt robbed, you put in time and effort into something, be it a project at work, an initiative at Church, something you tried to establish at home, and you didn't get the results that you were counting on because someone sabotaged you in one way or another?
• How did that make you feel?
• What did you do about it?
• Do you feel as though that might have been a justice issue in some regard?
• How do you think that made God feel?
• Did you ask Him?
3. 1 Thessalonians:
• What part of what we do, who we are in this life is going to endure into eternity?
• Is heaven going to be any richer because Michelangelo lived?
• If something that you're doing today isn't quite perfect, is it going to matter at the end of the world?
• Why?
4. Matthew:
• Do you think that each of us is born into this world with a destiny that only we can fulfill
• How do we go about finding out what that is?
• How late in life do we find that destiny?
• I'm reminded of the story of the 4th wiseman (http://www.cfcmiddleeast.org/?p=3117).

Preparation for Reconciliation

1. 1) How do I measure success?
2. What am I doing to help others enjoy the fruits of their labors?
3. How is today preparing me for eternity?
4. What are my gifts and how am I sharing them?

Ennobling Love

Loving another is an act of defiance.
It defies the fear that the other will disappoint, or betray.
It defies the fear that this relationship will cost in unpredictable ways.

No one in their right mind sets out on a relationship hoping to change the otherHistory has proven that to be a false hope time and again.
But perhaps love has a power to change the world around the beloved.

Love for another states in ways beyond words "you are worthy"
That simple message, spoken into enough ears,
Helps to transform those around the beloved.

They see them with new eyes, new expectations.
The beloved is able to live and move and have their being in that new context.
And find themselves where before there were only ashes.

Christ's love for us changed the world.
I think He's inviting us to be as reckless and generous.
That we might partake in and of His love in unpredictable ways.

May the breathless waiting of Advent transform your entire year.