Certain words are employed so often
during our liturgical seasons
that they can easily be ignored
due to overuse.
“Waiting” is one of these words.
What does waiting have to do
with longing for God’s coming?
When we wait in tough times,
we are in a special God-moment.
We know we can’t “go it alone.”
The One who came into this world
is our Peace-Bringer.
As we wait, we turn to our God
and cry out for Peace to come
and enfold us.

Today: I wait for Peace to enfold me.

Source: Inviting God In, p. 20

This reflection from Anchors for the Soul: Daily Wisdom for Inspiration and Guidance by Joyce Rupp is reprinted with permission of the publisher, Ave Maria Press.
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Listener of our Deepest Self,
the ear of your heart
is forever attentive to us.
We call and you respond.
We turn and you embrace.
We look and you gaze.
We search and you lead.
We lose and you find.
We wander and you return us home.
Grant us the grace
to be a reflection of your presence.

Today: I open the ear of my heart to the Listener.

Source: Prayer Seeds, p. 129

This reflection from Anchors for the Soul: Daily Wisdom for Inspiration and Guidance by Joyce Rupp is reprinted with permission of the publisher, Ave Maria Press.
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God of hope,
you never stop believing in us.
You are always present with us,
offering assurance that you care for us,
encouraging us to not lose hope.
Help me find little glimmers of hope
in even the worst of days.
Inspire me to find something to believe in
when it seems there is nothing left
for me to hold on to.

Today: I keep my focus on little glimmers of hope.

Source: May I Walk You Home?, p. 65

This reflection from Anchors for the Soul: Daily Wisdom for Inspiration and Guidance by Joyce Rupp is reprinted with permission of the publisher, Ave Maria Press.
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The Disturber
Wake us up
To what needs doing,
And what needs undoing.
Wake us up
To what must be let go,
And what to draw closer.
Wake us up to what enlarges love
And what diminishes it.
In all parts of our life,
Disturb and wake us up!

Today: I become wider awake.

Source: Fragments of Your Ancient Name, April 12

This reflection from Anchors for the Soul: Daily Wisdom for Inspiration and Guidance by Joyce Rupp is reprinted with permission of the publisher, Ave Maria Press.
https://www.avemariapress.com/products/anchors-for-the-soul

Guardian of my Soul,
guide me on my way this day.
Keep me safe from harm.
Deepen my relationship with you,
your earth, and all your family.
Strengthen your love within me
that I may be a presence of your peace
in our world.

Today: I pray to be a presence of peace.

Source: Walk in a Relaxed Manner, p. 15

This reflection from Anchors for the Soul: Daily Wisdom for Inspiration and Guidance by Joyce Rupp is reprinted with permission of the publisher, Ave Maria Press.
https://www.avemariapress.com/products/anchors-for-the-soul

Spirit of Peace,
you know how worry and fear
can take over and hound
a person’s tranquility.
Today I place my loved one,
with all his (her) worries and fears,
in your caring hands.
I place myself and my concerns
in your caring hands, as well.
Encourage us to face what troubles us.
Help us each to let go of what we fear.
Breathe your peace
through our anxious hearts,
and deepen our trust
in your abiding presence.

Today: I experience calmness of mind and heart.

Source: May I Walk You Home?, p. 77

This reflection from Anchors for the Soul: Daily Wisdom for Inspiration and Guidance by Joyce Rupp is reprinted with permission of the publisher, Ave Maria Press.
https://www.avemariapress.com/products/anchors-for-the-soul

A brilliant radiance resides in us—
the Divine Illumination of our souls.
This radiance carries an immense energy
of love and wisdom.
Each of us bears this light every day of our lives,
even when the darkness looms so large
that we feel the light will be extinguished.
No wonder the hope-filled Jesus
referred to himself as “the Light,”
spoke of us having light within us,
and encouraged us to share this light with others.

Today: The light within me shines through the darkness.

Source: Little Pieces of Light, pp. 51–52

This reflection from Anchors for the Soul: Daily Wisdom for Inspiration and Guidance by Joyce Rupp is reprinted with permission of the publisher, Ave Maria Press.
https://www.avemariapress.com/products/anchors-for-the-soul

On cold winter days, I especially like the feel
of my favorite coffee mug in my hands,
and I thoroughly enjoy the sips of liquid
that bring welcomed warmth into my body.
My coffee mug reminds me
that cups are containers
designed to hold something refreshing,
just as we are containers
meant to hold the Divine Presence.
Because God dwells within me,
I like to think of myself
as a mini Ark of the Covenant.
God goes with me wherever I go.
I carry God into each relationship and experience.
A powerful thought, that one.

Today: I am a container of divine presence.

Source: The Cup of Our Life, p. 16

This reflection from Anchors for the Soul: Daily Wisdom for Inspiration and Guidance by Joyce Rupp is reprinted with permission of the publisher, Ave Maria Press.
https://www.avemariapress.com/products/anchors-for-the-soul

The season of Advent is upon us. The celebration of the coming of Jesus Christ. Here, you will find reflections to help you prepare for Christmas. The daily passages this year are shared with you from a variety of sources compiled in Joyce Rupp’s book, Anchors for the Soul, and will begin on November 27, 2022.

On December 25, Christmas Season reflections will start and continue through Epiphany on January 6. We hope that you will enjoy and share these reflections with others. From all of us at Diocesan, God’s many blessings to you throughout the Season. ~ Catholic Life Every Day