Advent: Catholic ReflectionsSample

"It is the Lord who speaks." When we read these words in the Old Testament, it is like a bell chiming so that we raise our heads and pay attention for the Lord wants us to listen to his words. It can be easy to switch off and go into autopilot sometimes when we read the Bible or listen to a reading at church, especially if it is familiar to us. In our Bible readings today, Jeremiah reminds us, "it is the Lord who speaks," and the Lord is bringing us freedom. In Matthew's Gospel the Lord speaks again, this time through a dream given to Joseph. Many people say that they never hear God speak, and my question is, 'are they listening?' Do we pay attention to the scriptures? Do we study them to reveal their true meaning? Do we look for signs and consider our dreams? Perhaps pray today, as Solomon prayed, for a heart that listens. You might like to take the opportunity to find a church that offers Eucharistic Adoration and take some time before the Blessed Sacrament.