Strengthening Our Covenant with God

Before I begin this week's reflection, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone for the birthday wishes. I apologize for not responding promptly. I was on a marriage encounter retreat with my wife. Part of that encounter was to intentionally remove any distractions or worries and to wholeheartedly focus on my covenant with my wife. So, thank you all for the birthday blessings. There was truly no better way to spend it than with my beloved wife.

As we step into this Advent season, it's a poignant reminder of the significance of reflection, preparation, and anticipation. The scripture passages from Isaiah, Corinthians, and Mark guide us on a journey to comprehend our faith and covenant with God.

In Isaiah, we resonate with the cry of the prophet for God to rend the heavens and come down, to reveal His presence among us. It mirrors our yearning for a deeper connection with the Divine, for God to break through the barriers that separate us from His love. It underscores that our faith is firmly anchored in the unbreakable covenant between God and His people, a covenant that stands strong through all circumstances.

Paul's words echo the theme of God's faithfulness. He reminds us that in Christ, we lack no spiritual gift. He encourages us to reflect on the gifts and blessings we've received and to utilize them to nurture the body of Christ. This challenges us to acknowledge our responsibilities within the covenant and to generously share the love and grace we've been bestowed.

Mark's Gospel urges us to remain vigilant, to stay awake, and to be prepared for the coming of the Lord. Just as I was doing on the marriage encounter retreat with my wife, striving to fathom our covenant with each other, we too must be vigilant about our covenant with God. Our faith journey demands continuous reflection and growth, similar to the evolution of a marriage.

As we approach Christmas, may we all emulate the faithful servants in Mark's Gospel, watchful and prepared for the arrival of our Savior. Let's delve deeper into our understanding of our covenant with God and, akin to Paul in Corinthians, share the overflowing gifts of grace and love we've received with others.

In doing so, we can genuinely embrace the spirit of Advent and savor the profound joy and fulfillment that stem from living in covenant with both our Creator and our cherished ones.

As you go about your week, here is something to reflect for the week along with a small challenge for your first week of Advent: 

Reflection Question: During this Advent season, how can you strengthen your connection with God and deepen your understanding of your covenant with Him?

Challenge for the Week: Set aside dedicated time each day for prayer, reflection, or reading scripture to nurture your faith and strengthen your covenant with God. Also, find one practical way to share love and grace with someone in your community.

Have a wonderful first week of Advent, remember, pray for me as I will be praying for all of you!