December 13, 2023, Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Advent-B ST LUCY, VIRGIN AND MARTYR
Isaiah 40:25-31
Psalm 103
Matthew 11:28-30
They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength… Is. 40:29
Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Mt 11:28
Lord, for many of us this time of year can become a real burden. We can be stressed out and maybe even exhausted by the need to send cards, decorate our homes, purchase gifts, attend parties and prepare for Christmas. We try hard to maintain the spirit of the season of Advent by preparing our hearts to celebrate you becoming one of us, but even that can seem overwhelming. Sometimes, Lord, I just get worn out! I don’t think you want this time to be a burden to us. I don’t believe you want this stress and anxiety for us. You call us to find strength in you. You invite us not to work harder or do more but to come to you. You offer to walk the road of life with us. You present an alternative: to rest at your side. Lord, help me to have an Advent different from all the others. Dear Jesus, renew my strength by sharing my burdens, teaching me what’s really important to you, and replace my anxiety with hope. St. Lucy, pray for us. Amen