Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Readings: Is 26:1-6; Ps 118:1 and 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a; Mt 7:21, 24-27
Notes: Tomorrow is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary – A Holy Day of Obligation
Summary
In our first reading today the sacred Scripture describes the inevitable fate of two different cities: a City of Chaos and a City of Mercy.
The City of Chaos (Isa 24:10) will fall and fall mightily as if it had no strength at all even as it appearance is strong and mighty.
Of particular interest is an unnamed city (24:10–13; 25:2; 26:5–6; 27:10–11), a wicked city, doomed to destruction; to the extent that it is identifiable, it may be Babylon, but more generally it symbolizes all forces hostile to God. And it stands in contrast to another city, also unnamed but no doubt to be identified with Jerusalem (NABRE Commentary https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/24?1=#29024001 )
The City of Mercy (Isa 26:1a, 2a) will remain, strong and thriving even in the worst of times even as it appears weak and defeated.
Open the gates of righteousness; I will enter and thank the LORD. This is the LORD’s own gate, through it the righteous enter. I thank you for you answered me; you have been my savior (PS 118:19-21). No longer shall violence be heard of in your land, or plunder and ruin within your borders. You shall call your walls “Salvation” and your gates “Praise.” (Isa 60:18).
Our gospel reading today, and especially in the light of the Season of Advent, brings about in us a desire to build a better city. A City of Mercy which can only be built with the stones of the Almighty. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes (PS 118:1, 8-9).
Reflection
A city of mercy can only be made using the divine nature which is merciful. The building material, the stone, is the metaphor used today. Jesus is the rock of our salvation. He is the stone upon which we build the Church. He is the cornerstone which the building rests. His is mercy, righteousness and forgiveness. This is the matter of the stone. That is to say the stone itself is not granite but made of love, forgiveness, and mercy. When we consider the idea of City we should at the first level think in terms of our society. A city is a society (the ‘Us City‘). On the second level and particular to our individual Advent journey, the city is the structure of our individual lives (the ‘Me City‘). What type of ‘Me City’ have I built? During Advent how can I reconstruct the world around me?
Personal Reflection
During this Advent season I have reconstructed my prayer life. I have obligation to pray the LOTH and continue to do so with the focus as described above. But also, in a new way, a refactoring and reconstruction of prayers for others by way of new insights and old traditions, i.e., the Rosary. It’s a better foundation. Less chaos, more mercy. For me, for everyone. Prayer gives us the proper foundation for our thoughts and actions.
First Reading
City of Mercy
“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.”
City of Chaos
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.
Responsorial
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Seek the LORD while he may be found; call him while he is near.
Gospel
Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.
“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry