http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121519.cfm (second reading)
Bottom Line
What should the older brother hear?
I’m sure you’ve experienced loss. Maybe the friends you grew up in church with have abandoned their faith. Maybe your kids and grandkids don’t come to Mass. Maybe you pray and pray and nothing seems to happen. Maybe you are losing patience after years or even decades without seeing results.
Don’t be discouraged. We can’t control the outcome of our effort, but we can control our response to Jesus. What he wants is faithfulness – to him, and to the mission of the church. God’s got you.
What should the younger brother hear?
Do you struggle with the same stuff over and over again? Losing patience with yourself and others because you don’t see results after trying for long periods of time? Sometimes it can seem that things are hopeless, as the mess in the world and in our families and lives creeps back in and threatens to overwhelm us.
He has not forgotten you or about your struggles, and the struggles of those you love. You might not see results as soon as you want, but God wants you to know that He’s got you – we’ve all got you!
Like a farmer, who plants a crop and then trusts that it will emerge from the dirt – you need to trust God. He provides the rain in due season, he knows what you need, and when you need it. Trust him.
Action Item / Challenge
Men: Join Exodus 90 starting January 12! Women: Encourage your man to do Exodus 90!
Questions
What are the things in your life that test your patience, that you are praying for and not seeing results?
Repeat the bottom line
Your Mess + God = Your Message
