Greetings on this the Tuesday of the First Week of Advent
Readings: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Lk 10:21-24
Notes: You get a preview of Wordless Wednesday Winter Flowers which is scheduled to publish Dec 27th, 2023.
Summary
As we enter the winter season we encounter a world at sleep. Trees and bushes seem to be slumbering. Animals hibernate. Yet still life sprouts forward every day. In a manner of speaking the days of creation are not yet completed. Life continues to grow and form even in the depths of the earth. In the spiritual sense, the final stage is the blossoming of the root of Jesse. The coming of the Kingdom corresponds to the coming of Jesus Incarnate. We just have to be alert to the growth all around us.
What are the Flowers of the Incarnation?
A Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
a Spirit of counsel and of strength,
a Spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD.
The Ideal Davidic King of Isaiah brings these Flowers of Incarnation
- Justice
- Faithfulness
- Removal of the ruthless
- Disarming of the wicked
- Peace between adversaries
- Shared meals
- Peaceful sleep
- Joyful wandering
- Rest
- Food and shelter
- Play
Reflection
In today’s gospel portion Jesus urges us to be aware and to keep a sharp eye.
Turning to the [YOU] in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.” Keep a sharp eye! The blessings of this day have never been seen before. And they are for you.
Personal Reflection
Yesterday was a marvelous day. Served with my old pastor at Saint Thomas More for a funeral of a friend and sister of my neighbor. Graveside served with a fellow deacon to give a wonderfully blended committal service. Took a phone call from a deacon who wanted advice on taking the CPE to become an interfaith chaplain. Took another phone call from a deacon regarding the theme for 2024 of the OLOF retreat center. Then a Wordless Wednesday trail walk I call Winter Flowers. An unexpected delightful day.
My reflection today is Winter Flowers. The LORD, Our God, is always at work renewing the Face of the Earth. The stump of Jesse may have appeared dead and lifeless was ready to bloom with the presence of the divine life. Jesus the sprout.
Consider the Flowers of the Incarnation above. Can you see them sprouting around you and within you? The LORD has been at work silently in the earth of our being. Let us look for and enjoy the flowers he has planted.
First Reading
On that day, A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. On that day, The root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, The Gentiles shall seek out, for his dwelling shall be glorious.
Responsorial
Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
Gospel Acclamation
Behold, our Lord shall come with power; he will enlighten the eyes of his servants.
Gospel
Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry