Isaiah 4:2-6
Psalm 122:1-9
Matthew 8:5-11
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ENTER IN, LORD
"I will come…" —Matthew 8:7
We’re getting our Christmas trees ready. We’re preparing for guests to enter the Christmas parties we host. We’ll let the guests we invite to our Christmas parties enter into our homes when they knock at our doors, but will we let Jesus in? Advent is about the Lord trying to enter. “Let the Lord enter, He is King of Glory” (see Ps 24:9).
St. Joseph knocked on many doors in Bethlehem, searching for a home that would open its doors to his family as Mary was about to give birth to Jesus. However, no one in Bethlehem let them enter (Lk 2:7). Elsewhere, some did let the Lord enter. The centurion was ready to welcome Jesus, even though he considered himself unworthy (Lk 7:6). Zacchaeus (Lk 19:5-6), St. Martha (Jn 12:2), and St. Matthew (Mt 9:10) welcomed Jesus into their homes.
How about you? Jesus stands knocking at your door (Rv 3:20). At Christmas, we will sing, “Let every heart prepare Him room.” Prepare your home and your heart for the Lord. Let Jesus enter under the roof of your mouth in the Holy Eucharist (see Mt 8:8). Go to Mass more frequently this Advent. He longs for you to let Him enter — into your mouth, body, soul, and home.
Prayer: Jesus, may I welcome You with the joy of Zacchaeus, Matthew, and Martha.
Promise: "For over all, His glory will be shelter and protection." —Is 4:6
Praise: Six-year-old Roger hid behind the altar when his mother asked him to dust the pews of the Church. From that spot, all he could see was the large crucifix on the wall. Viewing that crucifix instilled in his heart a lifelong love of Jesus crucified. Roger eventually became a Catholic priest and ministered for decades. Upon retirement from active ministry, the church was remodeled and the new pastor gave Fr. Roger that same crucifix to keep.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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