AI Generated Image that was supposed to be Advent Rescue! Good grief!
Greetings on this the Friday of the First Week of Advent
Readings: IS 29:17-24; PS 27:1, 4, 13-14; MT 9:27-31
Summary
Our first reading today from Isaiah is about redemption – which means to be rescued. Isaiah is very clear of what we need to be rescued from: (need) an end to pride, ignorance, and injustice (See NABRE Commentary Isa 29:-17-24).
- Pride – I know better. I am self-reliant. I am more important than you.
- Ignorance – Willfully denying truth. Shutting out divine inspirations.
- Injustice – Deliberately injuring others for gain or pleasure.
The good news is The Lord is my light and my salvation. Isaiah and the Psalmist know when we share our life with the divine presence we become a part of the light that brings joy. Because we recognize our interdependence, we seek truth and avoid injuring others for gain or pleasure.
All these things are interior changes that become externally visible. But first interior.
In our gospel portion today, Jesus cures two men of their blindness but with an interesting command and observation.
And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed [him], crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us! When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.
Why did Jesus not want them to declare the miracle?
Reflection
Because the mission of Jesus is not the exterior change although that is necessary for these blind men. Rather, Jesus wants their conduct of life to reveal the light that illuminated them. Don’t tell others what I did for you. Do what I did for you for others. Then everyone will see.
Personal Reflection
Well into the first week of Advent. A check point moment.
- Prayer – Up
- Tithe and Alms-giving – Up
- Kindness and consideration – Up slightly (still in grumpy old man mode)
- Spiritual Aid and comfort – Up
The truth is it’s hard to improve by intent alone. There are a thousand ways to fall off the center beam. Why do I say that? Because the list above is the standard list of Advent BUT the three questions of Isaiah remain unanswered!!
Gymnast on balancing beam
- Pride – I need more work here. Listen more, think clearer. Act as a final result.
- Ignorance – I need more work here. Willfully denying truth for me is a case of closing off the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the silent whispers of the divine. Because I don’t want to do what he wants me to do.
- Injustice – I need work here too. Mostly this is an area of the interpersonal. Being snippy. Retorting sometimes without provocation. It is nonetheless, deliberately injuring others for gain or pleasure.
OK. Ugh!
Isaiah promises me Those who err in spirit shall acquire understanding, and those who find fault shall receive instruction. Maranatha Lord!
And the promise is sanctification.
Isaiah goes on to say (chapter 32).
The eyes of those who see will not be closed; the ears of those who hear will be attentive. The hasty of heart shall take thought to know, and tongues of stutterers shall speak readily and clearly. No more will the fool be called noble, nor the deceiver be considered honorable.
Holy Spirit – we got this! Come Emmanuel!
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120624.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry