Bottom line: Our thirst for God flows for the sense of inner poverty. Jesus wants us to reach out to those who are hurting.

During Advent we're focusing on prayer as the combination of God's thirst and our thirst - and how that thirst should motivate us to reach out to those who are hurting. Last Sunday we had a testimony about St. Vincent de Paul and today about Catholic Community Services.

We've seen how the mathematician-scientist Blaise Pascal can help us understand our need for God - the fact we experience a tension between wretchedness and greatness - misery and magnificence. We express this need when we admit our sins and to seek forgiveness. In today's Gospel John baptizes people in the Jordan river as they acknowledge their sins. Not an easy thing to do, takes courage and humility. To again quote Pascal: "There are only two kinds of men: the righteous who think they are sinners and the sinners who think they are righteous."

This weekend let me give advice: If you are miserable about yourself, don't go to a psychiatrist. Go to Jesus. Not that it's bad to go to a psychiatrist, but try Jesus. You may feel like giving up but Jesus does not give up on you.

Next Sunday we have a good moment to encounter Jesus - Advent Family Adoration. Bring your children, your grandchildren. Or just bring yourself. It's a nice coincidence next Sunday is my 46th ordination anniversary. Can't think of a better way to celebrate than with families of St. Mary of the Valley.

That's for next Sunday. Today we focus on Catholic Community Services. Remember that our thirst for God flows for that sense of inner poverty. Jesus wants us to reach out to those who are hurting. I now ask you to give full attention to Catholic Community Service representative Sister Susan Wells.

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