December 4: Isaiah 29:13-14 / Mark 7:6-7

It was a Friday during Lent in the year 1994. I was eating lunch at my Catholic School when my friend Katie took a big bite of her chicken nugget. 

I gasped and said “Katie, you can’t eat meat today! It’s Friday!” 

Embarrassed, Katie asked “Why does it even matter?” 

Turns out, I had no idea why it mattered, but I was convinced Jesus must love me more because I was eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  I was one of the hypocrites.

As I read the words from the prophet Isaiah and Jesus in the Gospel of Mark, I was brought back to my childhood at St. Mary’s. I knew all of the rules and could recite any prayer at the drop of a hat. Oh, and I was so proud of it. I gleamed with pride when I knew more than my classmates. 

When I started to care about the why behind the what, my life changed. My relationship with the Lord changed; I met a gentle and caring Father who has a heart for the poor and the hurting. When I started going to the Lord with my messy, sinful, and hurting heart, not hiding anything from Him, I left feeling more peaceful and compassionate, ready to introduce others to the person of Christ. 

We have such a beautiful opportunity this Advent to really dive into a relationship with the Lord.

Sarah Gavin, Youth Minister/Ministry Coordinator
Corpus Christi Catholic – Sturgeon Bay
St. Joseph Catholic – Sturgeon Bay



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