The Lord Is My Chef Simbang Gabi Recipe for the Soul by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II Saturday in the Fourth Week of Advent, Ninth Day of the Christmas Novena, 24 December 2022 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16 ><]]]]'> + ><]]]]'> + ><]]]]'> Luke 1:67-79
Thank you Lord Jesus Christ for this Season of Advent, for your words and presence these past nine days of Simbang Gabi. Like King David in the first reading and Zechariah in the gospel, now I have seen clearly your light - "In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace" (Luke 1:78-79).
Help me see your light, Jesus; let me distinguish the true light that shines on the face of every person I meet and serve, especially the weak and lowly and forgotten; let me be wary of lights I see only on my face like King David that no matter how noble are my plans, it is your light, O Lord, that I must follow for your light leads to love and kindness, mercy and compassion, acceptance and forgiveness; let me search and follow only your light that makes me accept and embrace and own my past, especially if it is painful and hurtful so I may see also the brighter future you are leading me to.
Most of all, dear Jesus, like John, fill me with your light to lead people to you not to me; I do not ask your light to make me see the distance scene but just enough to make me step closer to you each day especially when darkness of sin and evil abound. Amen.
