Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent
Readings: Is 40:1-11; Ps 96:1-2, 3 and 10ac, 11-12, 13; Mt 18:12-14
Notes: Cry out!
- Cry out! So, they can find you – to the one who searches!
- Cry out! So, the lost can hear you – to the one who is lost!
- Speak tenderly, always, and cry out!
In today’s Old Testament portion, we see the necessity to cry out!
A voice cries out:
In the desert prepare the way of the LORD!
A voice says, “Cry out!” I answer, “What shall I cry out?”
All flesh is grass, and all their glory like the flower of the field.
Cry out at the top of your voice:
Jerusalem, herald of good news!
Fear not to cry out and say to the cities of Judah:
Here is your God! Here comes with power the Lord GOD.
Our community services of police and fire rescue are gems of the common life.
Anyone who has suffered an accident, crime, fire or medical emergency can attest to this wonderful service.
It wasn’t always this way.
In the not-so-distant past, fire brigades were ‘for hire’ and demanded payment at the curb before rendering aid. Policing was a service for the wealthy and powerful and not for the tranquility of common life.
See History of firefighting. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_firefighting
See Law enforcement in the United States https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_enforcement_in_the_United_States#History
We clearly have made progress.
The Lord is always on a Search and Rescue mission.
Without charge and completely based in love, He scans the world and all souls for any in trouble and needing of divine aid. And he renders aid without charge and with great tenderness.
First reading
Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at an end, her guilt is expiated; Indeed, she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins.
Responsorial Psalm
The Lord our God comes with power.
Alleluia Verse
The day of the Lord is near; Behold, he comes to save us.
Gospel Portion
Jesus said to his disciples: “What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”
- Cry out! So, they can find you – to the one who searches!
- Cry out! So, the lost can hear you – to the one who is lost!
- Speak tenderly, always, and cry out!
He hears you.
He is coming!
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 