Tuesday of the
Third Week of Advent
(Zephaniah 3:1-2.9-13; Matthew 21:29-32)
The young woman wrote of her conversion. While in the marines, she led a promiscuous
life. Then she changed. She embraced the faith of her childhood and
now lives it in both letter and spirit. She
experienced a conversion of the type that both readings today relate.
The prophet Zephaniah speaks of a people who have been purged
of braggarts. They sit humble and lowly
knowing both their sins and God’s forgiveness. In the gospel Jesus mentions the marvelous
conversions that John the Baptist has made.
Even prostitutes have changed their ways because of John’s preaching.
As we await the coming of the Messiah, we look for such
profound change in our midst. We must
remember that it does not necessarily take place in one great step. Rather, very often such a change is gradual and
incremental. In any case, it deserves
our support and consideration. We should
be asking ourselves how we might similarly advance in virtue so to welcome the
Lord.
