Supreme Chaplain’s Challenge: January

Those who come great distances to find something often draw our attention to the blessings we enjoy.

And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. (Gospel for Jan. 5, Mt 2:9-12)

Whenever I meet a refugee, immigrant or traveler, I am reminded of things I take for granted. Those who come great distances to find something often draw our attention to the blessings we enjoy. Most of us are fortunate to have Jesus nearby, truly present in the tabernacle of our local church, but we take his close presence for granted all too easily. The Wise Men embarked on a difficult journey to encounter Jesus, but a five-minute drive can seem too far for us. May our daily familiarity with Jesus never result in indifference. May we instead, like the Wise Men, enter the Lordís house to do him homage.

Challenge by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori:

This month, I challenge you to take to heart the example of the Wise Men and go out of your way occasionally to visit the Blessed Sacrament in a local church. Second, I challenge you to participate in the Faith in Action March for Life or Novena for Life programs or to personally support a local pro-life initiative.

Questions for Reflection:

What daily opportunities do you have to encounter Christ? Because gratitude counters our tendency to take things for granted, how can you demonstrate daily gratitude in your life? Why is it important to visit Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, and have you benefited from this experience?