Greetings on this the Saturday of the First Week of Advent
Readings: Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Ps 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; Mt 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8
Notes
Today is also the memorial of Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin. The Holy Father called the new saint “a simple, humble Indian” who accepted Christianity without giving up his identity as an Indian (Franciscan Media Saint of the Day). The LORD never wants to reduce who you are. Rather he wants to elevate and make holy all that you are. Images are from the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Summary
There is no need too large nor too small, too obvious nor too hidden, too interior nor too remote that the LORD cannot know and respond. In a thousand ways the LORD responds. As our first reading tells us today, the LORD offers these three things superior to all other things:
- Sacred Bread and daily bread. Himself & creaton.
- Holy water and drinking water. Liturgy & the waters.
- Teacher and Inspiration. Divine presence & divine will.
Reflection
Our first week of Advent draws to an end. We were given the task to “‘”Watch”, “Be Alert”. How did it go? Were you watching the LORD respond to the human condition? Were you alert to how the LORD responded to the needs of others? Two more weeks to go (the fourth week is one day long, due to the Monday Christmas day). Isaiah guided us through the ancient promise waiting for the LORD through next week. In our gospel portions, Jesus is shown to be the incarnation of these promises fulfilled.
Personal Reflection
How the LORD provides is often counterintuitive. 1. Give away in order to receive. 2. Be just that justice may come to you. 3. Be patient as the world demands immediate responses. All of it counter to our expectations in the physical world. Yet I find in the teaching of the LORD, in the liturgy of his Church and in the reception of his Holy Communion I find peace and contentment. The ancients waited for all this and we are in the privileged time to experience it in The Way.
First Reading
He will be gracious to you when you cry out, as soon as he hears he will answer you. The Lord will give you the bread you need and the water for which you thirst. 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.
Responsorial
Blessed are all who wait for the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
The LORD is our Judge, our Lawgiver, our King; he it is who will save us.
Gospel
Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry