Emmanuel - God is with us

Today's Readings:
Jer 23:5-8
Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19
Mt 1:18-25

The name Emmanuel means "God is with us." But do we truly allow our God to be with us? When we are on our way to work and another driver cuts off, is God with us in our response? When we have to deal with that person who drives us crazy, is God with us in our interaction with them. When we are tired and feel we have given all we can, is God with us to keep us going? As we approach Christmas, let us reflect in the many ways in which our God truly is with us as well as those times we have failed to recognize his presence. Have a blessed Christmas and a safe New Year. God Bless.
Prayer: Lord you came into this world to be closer to your people and promised never to leave us; help us to walk with you this day. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint of the Day - St. Flannan
Flannan lived around the seventh century. He was the son of an Irish chieftain named Turlough. Flannan was educated by the monks. He also learned farming from them. When he was a grown man, Flannan decided to make a pilgrimage to Rome. In Rome, Pope John IV made him a bishop. The pope did this because he recognized the wisdom and holiness of the man. When St. Flannan returned to Ireland, all the people of his region, Killaloe, came to meet him. They were eager to learn the instructions the saint had brought back from the pope of Rome. St. Flannan taught his people so well that even his father decided to become a monk. The old chieftain went to St. Colman to be instructed in the life of a monk. At the same time, he asked for a blessing for his family, since three of his sons had been killed. St. Colman predicted: "From you shall seven kings spring." And so it happened. St. Flannan was afraid that since he was one of the family, he, too, might be made king. So he prayed to become ugly, and his face was soon covered with big scars and rashes. He made this unusual request because he wanted to be free to follow his vocation. He wanted to devote himself entirely to the service of God and his people.
Reflection: Using his gifts and talents, Flannan was able to follow the will of God in his life. Is there a gift I can use today to serve God?

Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/december/1218.asp