The Incarnation and the Exultation: An Advent Devotional - Monday, Second Week of Advent – Do Not Be Caught Unaware
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Behold, sons are a heritage from the LORD,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the sons of one’s youth.
Happy is the man who has
his quiver full of them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Psalm 127:3–5
In a warrior’s hand, arrows can defeat enemies and turn the tide of battle. The skilled warrior crafts his arrows with sharp points and straight shafts. Likewise, the wise father helps to shape his children into weapons of righteousness and sends them out into the world to win the day for Christ. In order to do this, we must be not only strong, but approachable and loving as parents.
Are we caring, compassionate fathers, shaping our children through loving discipline so they can become adults who will help shape the Church through their lives? Can we put aside our own self-importance and personal concerns in order to empty ourselves into their lives? Are we approachable, tender, strong, and supportive? As we invest in the lives of our children and all children in our lives, we enable them to cooperate with God’s grace, growing in their faith and becoming living weapons of righteousness for the Kingdom of God.
Questions for reflection
Are you approachable and loving as a father? Do you seek to shape your children with love and compassion?
What qualities do you need to develop to become a better father (or teacher of children)?
How can you help other men to invest in the lives of their children?
Praying with Scripture
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Eph 6:4)
You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE
You can watch and listen to this devotion HERE
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.
