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!
Scripture
Isaiah 11:
(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 lead them.
The cow and the bear shall be neighbors,
Together shall their young rest; the lion shall eat hay like the ox.
Reflection
Andrew Tocatlian:
These verses are describing peace with the Messiah. It talks about how animals that are predators normally are living with smaller animals peacefully. This shows the significance that under the Messiah, all evil and dangerous things are overcome. It also talks about how animals eating like other animals which means that God can restore the creation of harmony no matter what. To me, this passage describes a world in which God wants, which is free of violence and the verses purpose is a vision of the Messianic Age.
Scripture
Ephesians 1:3-4:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,
as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,
to be holy and without blemish before him.
In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ
Reflection
What an amazing thought! While we are bound by time and place, God was at work even before creation. Like Mary, we a part of his eternal plan. God blesses us each day of life’s journey. He calls us to a glorious future. May we live with a spirit of gratitude.
Scripture
Isaiah:
In the desert prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low; the rugged land shall be made a plain, the rough country a broad valley.
Reflection
The words of the Prophet sought to encourage Israel’s exiles to return from captivity. The journey would be hard. They would have to rebuild their homeland. But, with God leading the way the journey would not be too long; they would find strength to rebuild. The same God walks with us encouraging and guiding us as he calls us forward to the fullness of human life.
Scripture
Isaiah 40:
Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall, they that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.
Reflection
American culture teaches us to trust in ourselves. No wonder we often grow so weary. We become discouraged or simply settle in to mediocrity. The Word of God calls us to trust and hope in God – in someone bigger than ourselves. Like those in recovery, let us trust in a Higher Power, the one we know as Lord.
Scripture
Ps. 145:
The Lord is good to all and compassionate to all his works. Let your works give you thanks, O Lord, and let your faithful ones bless you. Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom and speak of your might.
Reflection
The psalmist calls all of creation, all of God’s works to give thanks. How wonderful to be part of so great a chorus! Think of the various people and other creatures that are part of your life. Look at the trees, even in winter’s barren state they lift their limbs to the praise of God. The grace of this season stirs into flame the spirit of gratitude and praise.
Scripture
Luke 1:40ff:
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”
Reflection
Elizabeth was pushed to the margins of culture. Thought to be barren, many believed she had been forgotten by God. And, God looked kindly on her. When Mary appeared to Juan Diego, an indigenous man on the margins, she gave a simple message, “I am your mother.” Her words inspired trust, confidence and hope. As God looks kindly on us, may we embrace those on the margins of our lives.
Scripture
Ps 80:4:
Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
Reflection
Daily we live in the presence of God. The pressures of time, distractions of technology, the responsibilities of daily life, however, often limit our vision. We can only see the things right in front of us. The life of faith engenders and widens the field of vision. May St. Lucy, patroness of the blind and those with diseases of the eyes, expand our vision. May we see the light that illumines our everyday lives.
Scripture
James 5:7-8:
Be patient brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it received the early and the late rains.
Reflection
As much as we might like, we don’t get to exercise much patience in waiting for Christmas. It has been forced upon us for weeks – perhaps calling for a different experience of patience. If we can get a few moments of Advent, perhaps we might think of God patiently waiting for us. Such a thought may increase our patience with others.
Scripture
Psalm 25:
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. Remember that your compassion, O Lord, and your kindness are from of old. In your kindness remember me, because of your goodness, O Lord.
Reflection
How wonderful to be reminded of God’s compassion, kindness, and goodness. These God’s gifts to us. While it is good for us to ask God to remember us, how comforting to know that he already does.
Scripture
Matthew 21:28-30:
Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘God, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did the father’s will?” They answered, “The first.”
Reflection
The response of the first son, “I will not” can be shocking. On the other hand, one can appreciate his honesty, and appreciate even more his change of heart. Advent gives us a chance to have a change of heart. Then our “yes” can echo that of Mary whose “Let is be done to me according to your Word” gave us the wonder of the Incarnation.
Scripture
Today we begin the “O Antiphons.” These will provide our text through December 23.
O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!
Reflection
Wisdom who stood at God’s side when he created the universe. We do well when we seek not only the technical and scientific knowledge we need for our everyday lives. How wonderful when our everyday knowledge radiates Holy Wisdom and the knowledge of divine ways.
Scripture
O Leader of the House of Israel, given of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!
Reflection
St. Paul while practiced in the ways of the Pharisees loved the Law given on Mount Sinai. Yet, he came to realize observance of God’s decrees was not enough. After persecuting Christians, he came to know the might power of God in Christ Jesus. Preparing to celebrate Christmas, let us be certain that our hearts are set on God.
Scripture
O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay.
Reflection
Again, we are reminded that our Christian faith arises from the faith of Jesus – faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Jewish people are our elders in the faith and the Covenant. May our coming celebration of the birth of Christ bind us ever more closely with all people of good will.
Scripture
O key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness.
Reflection
In Luke’s Gospel, Zechariah sings how “the dawn from on high shall come upon us to rescue us from darkness.” In ascending to the Father, Christ has unlocked the gates of eternity. How marvelous the light of his birth and yet more marvelous still his glorious resurrection. Darkness is conquered!