Day 1

Hope in Difficulty

Faithful Witness Amid Suffering

Opening Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
In you, O Lord, I take refuge.
You are the light that dispels the darkness in my life.
Your love is my warmth against the cold.
Your Word gives me life.
Acknowledging all the gifts I have received,
I now intentionally give this time and space to you.
I am open to the ways that you would reshape me.
I will take the path you lay before me.
Blessed be the name of the Lord both now and forever.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Thanksgiving and Praise

God has woven humanity into a beautiful and diverse tapestry. Though we are unique in our personalities, our giftedness, and our thoughts and dreams, the essence of each thread is the same. Each individual person, each thread, has inherent dignity, immeasurable worth, and is worthy of love, but the Reign of God is revealed in the colors and patterns that God weaves together through our shared humanity. These relationships of love mirror the Trinity, the mystery of the eternal relationship of love.

We are all made for connection. We are beautiful.

Pause for a moment. What relationships do you have that bring you more fully to life? Who are you with when you feel like you can authentically be yourself?

Take some time to thank God for these people. If you feel like you do not have these types of relationships, ask for God’s help in cultivating and revealing them.

Complete this phrase as many times and for as many people as you would like:

Lord, I see you in (name of person).

Now, challenge yourself. Can you complete the phrase with the names of some people you would not expect or would not immediately come to mind?

Lord, I see you in (name of person).

Pathway Light

“Belonging”

Fr. Eric Tellez, the pastor at St. Patrick Catholic Community in Scottsdale, often shares his thoughts on the common phrase “all are welcome.” He’s ok with it, but it’s not really his favorite. That might come as a surprise to some folks. What’s wrong with welcoming people? I thought that’s what we were supposed to do!

Fr. Eric explains that we are indeed called to welcome people, but that welcoming is incomplete without another critical piece: belonging. Welcome can be conditional. People can wear out their welcome or be told “You’re no longer welcome here.” There is something more intrinsic to belonging.

Relationships of belonging are strong protective factors for our mental health; they foster inner healing and help us become more resilient. You may fall into the trap of believing that you are not worthy of these relationships, that you are a person that is to be tolerated but not cherished. It’s not an uncommon feeling, but it is not true.

What does God have to say about you? You are beloved… and there’s nothing you can do about it.

Many of us have felt like outcasts at different moments in our lives. It is good for us to be reminded that we belong. We are loved. We are connected.

Scripture Encounter

Colossians 3:12-17

Brothers and sisters:
Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,
heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
bearing with one another and forgiving one another,
if one has a grievance against another;
as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
And over all these put on love,
that is, the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,
the peace into which you were also called in one body.
And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,
singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or in deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Luke 2:22-40

When the days were completed for their purification
according to the law of Moses,
They took him up to Jerusalem
to present him to the Lord,
just as it is written in the law of the Lord,
Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,
and to offer the sacrifice of
a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,
in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.
This man was righteous and devout,
awaiting the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he should not see death
before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
He came in the Spirit into the temple;
and when the parents brought in the child Jesus
to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,
He took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in sight of all the peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;
and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,
“Behold, this child is destined
for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be contradicted
—and you yourself a sword will pierce—
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
There was also a prophetess, Anna,
the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.
She was advanced in years,
having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,
and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.
She never left the temple,
but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.
And coming forward at that very time,
she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child
to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions
of the law of the Lord,
they returned to Galilee,
to their own town of Nazareth.
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;
and the favor of God was upon him.

Spiritual Reflection

Well, the day after Christmas might seem like a strange time for the Church to highlight the martyrdom of St. Stephen. But remember, the nativity story was no bed of roses either. This recognition points to a core characteristic of Catholic discipleship. We find beauty in the midst of the profound brokenness of the world. Though persecuted even to the point of death, Stephen’s focus remains intently on Jesus.

The legacy of discipleship is passed from generation to generation. You have a little bit of Stephen in you. After this time of intense cultural distraction; all the parties and presents, the carols and cards – after all the encounters with relatives and friends, however they all went – reset your eyes on Jesus.

Now, close your eyes and picture him. Imagine Jesus for as long as you would like.

Wellness Practice

As the year is winding down, it is good to take the opportunity to look back. Think of this as something like an examination of conscience. Sometimes we are so busy that the year just seems to fly by, but there was a lot of life that has happened in these twelve months. It might help to remember the year month by month. What happened?

Take some time to review your year and identify things, both big and small, that were impactful to you.

Hopefully there were many happy times, but no doubt there were many burdens, too. If you can, name the burdens that you are carrying. Picture Jesus again, in the same way as before, but carrying the burdens with you.

Sometimes, we might not be able to identify specific things that are weighing us down, but we notice anxiety, fatigue, or feelings of isolation. Are there some things that keep you up at night? Are there some responsibilities that feel overwhelming? As those things come to mind, intentionally surrender them to Jesus.

Working on our mental health is a positive thing. Just like any other aspect of our health, we sometimes benefit from the expertise of others. Never hesitate to contact a mental health professional when you need further support. Need an assist? The Diocese of Phoenix Office of Mental Health Ministry can help you connect if you’d like to talk with someone.

Reflection Questions

What are my reasons for hope?

Looking back on my year, can I identify any blessings in disguise?

Do I have any relationships that would benefit from me saying I am sorry?

Review and Prayer

Today’s session reminds us that Jesus is by our side through every challenge and that hope can fill our hearts even in moments of suffering. Let’s keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and trust in God’s faithful presence.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

God of all goodness, light, and hope. I give you thanks for sustaining me through this year. As I begin this process of renewal, I ask that you fill me with your wisdom. Give me confidence and optimism in this fresh start. I express my gratitude for those who love and support me. Grant me the grace to extend that love and support to others, that I may be a more faithful reflection of your perfect love.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.