Reflection for Thursday, Dec. 10

In using the Lectio Divina method for prayer, we are invited to recognize a word or phrase from sacred scripture that speaks to us, that attracts our attention. As I prayed with the readings for today, Thursday of the Second Week of Advent, two phrases spoke powerfully to me. The first is from Isaiah 18: “Fear not, I will help you.” I do not have a lot of fears, but I did dwell on one that I do have. I fear that we as a global community will not learn that we need to care for our Mother Earth and all the inhabitants that dwell here. So, I welcome God’s reminder today: “Fear not, I will help you.”

The second is from Psalm 145: “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness.” This is the response to today’s responsorial psalm, and like a mantra, it bears repetition. “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness.” I felt a desire to substitute my name, and I invite you to do the same. May we together pray: “Lord, help us to be gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness.” 

Sr. Elaine Betoncourt, C.S.J.