Scripture
“They shall beat their swords into plowshares
And their spears into pruning hooks;
One nations shall not raise the sword against another,
Nor shall they train for war again.” – Isaiah
Reflection
The prophet speaks of our deepest longing. Still the atrocities of war continue throughout the world. Though we hope and we pray, we have no real control. We do have control, however, of how we approach others and how we receive them. Do we still see enemies or only friends?
Scripture
A centurion approached Jesus and appealed to him saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion said in reply, “Lord I am no worth to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.” – Matthew 8
Reflection
While the centurion’s response to Jesus shows profound humility, it also shows profound faith. Perhaps humility and faith are two sides of the same coin. Do I have enough humility to trust that God will provide for me? Do I have enough faith to trust others?
Scripture
On that day… the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb,
and the leopard shall lie down with the kid;
The calf and the young lion shall browse together,
with a little child to guide them.
The cow and the bear shall be neighbors,
together their young shall rest;
the lion shall eat hay like the ox.
The baby shall play by the cobra’s den,
and the child lay his hand on the adder’s lair.
There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain;
for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD,
as water covers the sea. – Isaiah
Reflection
The prophet speaks of unimaginable possibilities. He calls us to believe in that which we have not already seen, already heard. How does the prophet’s vision shape the way I see other people? How does the prophet’s word give me hope for the future?
Scripture
“On this mountain the Lord of hosts will provide for all peoples a rich food and choice wines, juicy rich food and pure choice wines. On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web that is woven over the nations; he will destroy death forever.” – Isaiah 25
Reflection
When it comes to religion, we rightly remember how much we owe God who has called us to faith. At the same time, do we have enough faith to allow God to take care of us, to do something for us? Wanting to do for God can keep us in control, keep us in charge. Can we let ourselves go in love?
Scripture
On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah:
“A strong city have we;
he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us.
Open up the gates
to let in a nation that is just,
one that keeps faith.
A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace;
in peace, for its trust in you.”
Trust in the LORD forever!
For the LORD is an eternal Rock.
He humbles those in high places,
and the lofty city he brings down;
He tumbles it to the ground,
levels it with the dust.
It is trampled underfoot by the needy,
by the footsteps of the poor.
Reflection
The current political situation in our country, a politics of division, disturbs most of us. Can we imagine a different possibility. What would it be like to have a politics that strives for peace, the common good, and the rights of the poor? – something beyond the “either/or” of our current situation?
Scripture
Thus says the Lord GOD:
But a very little while,
and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard,
and the orchard be regarded as a forest!
On that day the deaf shall hear
the words of a book;
And out of gloom and darkness,
the eyes of the blind shall see.
The lowly will ever find joy in the LORD,
and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
For the tyrant will be no more
and the arrogant will have gone; – Isaiah
Reflection
What can I learn from those who hear or see differently? How can those without power help me to “rejoice in the Holy One of Israel?” Can I let go of any arrogance I may have to allow the Lord to bring about a great orchard of hope and joy?
Scripture
“No longer will your Teacher hide himself, but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher. While from behind a voice shall sound in your ears: ‘This is the way; walk in it,’ when you would turn to the right or to the left.”
Reflection
St. Nicholas stands as a teacher of great generosity. He teaches that God’s way is the way of love, a love especially for those in need. Who has been a “St. Nicholas” to me, who has taught me the way. Remember and give thanks!