"But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news!'" - Romans 10:14-15
I love to cook, especially for others. I get to do something which I enjoy that also brings joy to those at table. Though I know my way around a kitchen now, I certainly burned my fair share of grilled cheese sandwiches and set off some smoke detectors when I first started cooking! I gradually picked up some basic cooking skills which were necessary to learn more advanced techniques. Eventually, I found myself cooking without recipes for the fun of it!
Similarly, our faith journeys have their own starting points. We begin by first gaining knowledge about Jesus and the Church, which paves the way for true faith to take root in our hearts. This journey is impossible without those who preached the Good News to us. Our call, therefore, is to bring the Good News that we have received to others so that their journey can begin. As we begin this Advent season, we prepare our hearts to reencounter Incarnate Joy in the manger at Bethlehem. May the coming of the Lord enflame the faith we have received in our hearts and inspire us to be the feet that brings this Good News to all.
In what ways can I be a messenger of the Gospel to others during Advent so that the joy of Christmas reaches beyond my immediate surroundings?
Come, Lord Jesus, that we may be privileged to be Your hands and feet that bring Good News to all.
Reflection by:
Christian Galvan
Did You Know...
Christian Galvan is a seminarian for the Diocese of St. Petersburg currently enjoying his pastoral year assignment at St. Catherine of Siena in Largo. His home parish is St. Stephen in Riverview. He worked in engineering design and construction management for five years before discerning the call to priesthood. He enjoys singing, cooking, Rays Baseball, and Notre Dame Football.
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