The Catholic Calendar for Friday, December 15, 2000
The Second Week of Advent
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 48:17-19
Psalm 1:1-4,6
Matthew 11:16-19
Full text: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/index.htm
A Reflection on Today's Scripture:
"Just be good."
How often when we were children our parents would say "just be good"?
When we would ask them what they wanted for a birthday or holiday, we
would get the same answer: "Just be good!" At the time it hardly
seemed like any answer, but today we realize it was profound! Such is
the scriptural message for today, but in the past tense:
"Oh that you had obeyed My commandments."
The message leads us to a feeling of expectation and yet, reflection.
Such are the feelings of Advent: expectation and reflection. The
people in the village with Mary and Joseph were aware of the
consequences of sinful lives. They were very much burdened and
oppressed and impatiently awaiting a Messiah who would set them free.
Time passes and in the Gospel of St. Matthew we hear the frustration
of Christ regarding the inability of the people to hear His word and
follow His teachings. He starts with asking "How shall I describe
this generation?"
It is still a good question. How does Christ describe our times? We
have been taught by Christ, the apostles, the Church, our parents and
teachers. It is not that the message is not out there among us. Is it
instead that now, as in the time of Christ, we don't want to hear the
message, accept the Gift? God is a merciful God -- but might not the
people of our generation be even more accountable now that Christ has
walked among us?
Open our eyes Lord, to see what You wish...
Open our ears Lord, to hear your word ...
Open our heart Lord, to love You in others....
That we may "BE GOOD" in You!
- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
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