A Few Words On "The Word"

December 2, 2007
The 1st Sunday in Advent, Year A
Matthew 24:37-44

He’ll Have That Affect on You (Part 1)

Think just for a moment what your life might be like without the influence and guidance of your parents. Okay, some of you might be thinking that life would be way easier without your parents – no curfew, no chores, no nagging. However, there's no denying that we are very strongly shaped and affected by our families, especially our parents. We become who we are because our parents watch over us, protect us, and teach us the basic realities of life.

Parents aren’t the only things that can have an affect on our lives. Other people we encounter can change how we view the world. Besides parents, our friends probably have the greatest impact on who we are. Our personal experiences can also influence us in incredible ways. Retreats we go on or camps we participate in are often life changing experiences. They help us to realize how awesome the idea of community can be.

In case you haven’t noticed, it’s Advent now. Jesus’ birthday is just a few weeks away and as a Church we’re waiting and hoping for the Messiah. This week’s readings reflect this. They all point to the drastic affect Jesus’ coming will have on people. In the first reading we hear about peace – beating swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks. The second reading tells us that we can overcome our selfish desires through Jesus. Lastly, the gospel helps us to realize the impact Jesus’ coming will have on all people.

If there’s an obvious thread that runs through each of the readings this week it’s that Jesus’ birth brings change. He’s the Messiah who will show us what God is really like. He will bring about peace and empower people to bear good fruit in their lives.

We have to realize that Jesus wants to have this affect on us. He wants us to become people of peace who care about each other more than we care about ourselves. We know that we’re affected by the world around us in both positive and negative ways. However, we must be entirely open to the amazing reality that is Jesus. He will affect us in incredible ways. He’ll shape us into his brothers and sisters who are ready to serve others in building a community of peace.

This week we’re embarking on a new journey. Let’s choose to be affected by the promise of our savior!

 Reflection Question

 In what ways can you be more open to the affect Jesus can have on you?

Join us in our Forum to discuss these questions!