# The Question We Are Least Prepared For
*2016-12-13*

> Bill Young reflects on the ultimate question of judgment—what we have done for the least of our brothers—and leads a prayer of consecration to Our Lady and St. Joseph, while remembering St. John of the Cross.

## A Prayerful Advent Wednesday

Good morning, I’m Bill Young. Today is Wednesday of the third week of Advent, and we continue our series from the little book *Preparing His Way*, which includes readings from Pope Francis, St. Mother Teresa, and Father Henry J.M. Newin. Our theme for this episode is “The Question We Are Least Prepared For,” and we will conclude with a prayer of consecration to Our Lady and St. Joseph.

## Prayers for the Sick, the Lost, and the Prodigal

First, I want to thank Brenda for retweeting yesterday’s episode on prayers to St. Lucy, patron of the eyes. If you or someone you love is struggling with eye problems, please keep them in prayer. I also heard of a tragic loss—a mother whose 33‑year‑old daughter died after a battle with addiction. We pray for the grieving mother, Sue, and for all who are caught in the grip of drugs, alcohol, and other sins. The Church calls us to pray for prodigal sons and daughters who have turned away from God. Even when we have stumbled in our own lives—missing Mass, neglecting confession—we have always returned to the Lord’s presence. Let us lift up our own families and those who have drifted far from the faith.

## The Question We Are Least Prepared For

Matthew 25:45 reminds us, “Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” When Christ returns in glory, He will not ask us how much we earned, how many friends we made, or how successful our careers were. He will ask, “What have you done for the least of these?” This question is the one we are least prepared for, because it calls us to love, justice, and mercy toward the hungry, the naked, the sick, prisoners, refugees, the disabled, and anyone without work, home, or peace. Father Henry J.M. Newin urges us to ask ourselves each day, “What can I do right now to help those around me?” The homeless, the marginalized, the strangers we pass on the street—all are opportunities to answer Christ’s call.

## Prayer of Consecration to Our Lady and St. Joseph

Let us now pray together:

“Almighty Father, in Your infinite wisdom and love, You entrusted Mary and St. Joseph with the care of Your Only Son, Jesus Christ, on earth. As the spouses of the Holy Family, they protected and nurtured Him. We, Your baptized children, consecrate ourselves to Mary and St. Joseph, asking that they watch over us, our families, and our children with the same tender care they gave Jesus. Help us to love and serve Jesus as they did, to grow in faith, to remain faithful to our vocation, and to strive for holiness. Protect us from all danger and evil, and guide us to the eternal glory of Heaven, where Mary reigns with Christ. Amen.”

## Remembering St. John of the Cross

Today is the feast day of St. John of the Cross (1541–1591). A mystic and poet, he endured imprisonment and opposition within his own monastery, yet his writings, inspired by the Holy Spirit, continue to guide us. Let us ask his intercession: “St. John of the Cross, may the words the Holy Spirit gave you reach us today, that we might touch the hearts of our prodigal relatives, strangers, and anyone we meet, even for a brief moment.” We thank him, along with St. Teresa of Ávila, for their love of Christ and for the saints, angels, and the Blessed Virgin Mary who lead us to the glory of God.

*May we always be ready to answer Christ’s final question by loving and serving the least among us.*