# Jesus' words of hope
*2016-12-09*

> Bill Young reflects on a teaching from Pope Francis regarding the healing power of Jesus' invitation to the weary and offers a prayer of consecration for children.

## The invitation to rest

Today is Saturday of the second week of Advent. We are continuing with our Advent book, 'Preparing His Way: Hope and Healing, Justice and Peace for Advent,' which features readings from Pope Francis, St. Mother Teresa, and Father Henry J. M. Nguyen. Today's reflection is titled 'Jesus' words of hope.'

Pope Francis quotes Matthew 11:28: 'Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.' When Jesus spoke these words, he had the people he met every day in the streets of Galilee before him—simple people, the poor, the sick, sinners, and those who were marginalized. These people followed him to hear a word that gave them hope. Even just touching his garment brought healing. Jesus sought out the tired and worn-out crowds, who were like sheep without a shepherd, to proclaim God's kingdom and to heal them in body and spirit.

## Hope in a world of indifference

Pope Francis reminds us that Jesus' invitation reaches our day and extends to many brothers and sisters oppressed by precarious conditions and difficult situations. There are so many weary people worn out under the unbearable weight of neglect and indifference. Human indifference causes the needy so much pain, and it is even worse when it comes from Christians.

On the fringes of society, many men and women are tried by indifference, dissatisfaction with life, and frustration. Many are forced to immigrate from their homelands, risking their lives. Others carry the weight of an economic system that exploits human beings, imposing an unbearable yoke that a privileged few refuse to bear. Jesus' invitation is for everyone, but especially for those who suffer the most.

## Consecration of a child to Mary

In addition to our meditation, I am offering a prayer for the consecration of a child to the Mother of God. While this is often said in a sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady, today I am doing this in the sanctuary of my home in front of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflecting on John 19:25-27, we remember how Jesus, while on the cross, gave his mother to the disciple John, saying, 'Woman, behold your son,' and to the disciple, 'Behold your mother.' In that same spirit, we turn to Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church, beseeching her to accept this child, Gregory, whom we are now consecrating to her.

## A prayer for protection and faithfulness

We pray: O Mary, Mother of God and our mother, in your goodness, accept your children and pilgrims and present them to the Lord. We thank the Lord for the gift of this child who has brought joy to our family, and we consecrate him to you, and through you to your only Son, our Savior.

We entrust this child to your protection so that he may grow healthy and be preserved from all evil in the journey of life. Help him to live according to his baptismal promises and to be faithful to them. Together with him, we consecrate ourselves, our family, and our hearts to you, so that we may be faithful to Christ. Watch over this child as you watched over the child Jesus. Guide him along the path of faithfulness to the Gospel so that, inspired by the Holy Spirit, he may be a witness to Christ in the world, spread joy and fraternity, and finally reach the glory of the Father in the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen.

*We should ask ourselves how we can offer a word or gesture of hope to those around us who are suffering.*