From Catholic Charities USA ... "Advent and Christmas Daily Reflections"

Friday of the First Week of Advent

Many of us growing up might remember being told that we shouldn’t draw attention to ourselves, for doing so perhaps implied an inflated ego or vanity.

I don’t know if Jesus was taught this by Mary and Joseph or not, but in the gospels, Jesus doesn’t want to draw a lot of attention to Himself. This is evident in today’s gospel, when after healing the blind man Jesus says in very stern words: “See that no one knows about this.” But His words fell on deaf ears. The verse continues with: But they went out and spread word of Him through all that land.

Jesus didn’t want to be known as some great wonder-worker. He wanted attention drawn not to Himself, but to the Kingdom of God which He proclaimed by His words and deeds. That Kingdom and Reign of God was at the heart and center of His Mission ...

• Read the rest of today's reflection ...

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The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same. Catholic Charities is a network of charities with headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization serves millions of people a year, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds.