The Incarnation and the Exultation: An Advent Devotional Introduction - Friday, Third Week of Advent – A Servant’s Song of Praise
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And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24–25
Elijah thought that he was all alone in his spiritual journey. Often we too feel as though we are on our own. But Jesus left us the Church so that we could receive the help we need to find our way. We have all heard people say, “I don’t need to go to church! I can worship God on my own.” While we certainly can experience the presence of God wherever we are, we cannot make our way on the path to perfection without the loving help of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus opened the way to heaven and gave us the gift of his Body, his Church, so that we could encourage and lift one another up in love.
Our Baptism came through the Church. When we go to Confession, we are reconciled with God and with the Church. The Church witnesses our marriages and blesses us when we are sick. And in the Eucharist we gather as the Church to celebrate the gift of our salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Many see the Church as an institution that burdens men. The Church is not just an organization, but the Mystical Body of Christ, the hands and feet, eyes and ears of the Savior, reaching out to the world. Through the Church, we receive strength, fellowship, and the grace to overcome the world as we walk on the road to salvation to our heavenly home.
Questions for Reflection
Have you ever tried to walk the Christian walk without the Church to help you? What happened?
When have you received the grace, love, and help you needed through the Church?
How can you respond to those who say they do not need the church?
Praying with Scripture
Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! (Ps 133:1)
You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE
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Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
