Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

Today's Readings

Today is the anniversary of the passing of SFC Presidents Frank Macchiarola and Brendan Dugan. These leaders each placed a premium on the value of relationships. Frank and Brendan each had different personalities, but the common factor between them was the seemingly effortless manner in which they could make people around them feel comfortable. This serves as a reminder to us that we should take time to reflect on the truly important things in our lives such as a meaningful relationship.

The readings of today serve as a reminder of how much work is required in order to strengthen your faith. Joseph faced the formidable task of believing in the seemingly impossible, yet he was able to do so. Although the day-to-day life challenges that we face will probably pale in comparison, many of us do not have the desire to accept that things will eventually work out if we do our part. When confronted with a difficult situation or decision to make, it is common to focus and obsess on the bleakest possible outcome. This fear-based thinking is unhealthy and can be paralyzing and destructive.

On the contrary, when we focus on just putting in the effort and not worrying about the results, we are more at peace. Overcoming the built-in mechanism that forces many of us to obsess about a future outcome can be a daunting challenge. The need to achieve immediate results and instant gratification can cloud our judgment and exacerbate a difficult situation. Practicing the routine of focusing on the work to be completed and letting go of the results in our daily tasks can go a long way in strengthening our faith when we are facing important challenges.

Dr. Carmine Nogara
Chairman, Department of Accounting and Business Law


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