Friday of the Second Week in Advent
(Isaiah 48:17-19; Matthew 11:16-19)
Metanoia is the
Greek word for repentance. It literally means a change of mind. Of course, metanoia is the great theme of Lent. Nevertheless, both readings today convey the
idea.
The reading from Isaiah promises abundance if the people
would only follow the Lord’s commandments.
God will give them plenty, it
says, but they have to obey His law.
Jesus sounds exasperated because the people always find a way to avoid
the ways of righteousness. His reference
to John the Baptist’s ascetic lifestyle should be heard as a metaphor for John’s
preaching “fire and brimstone.” But the
people ignored John anyway. Jesus has presented
the call to repentance in an opposing way.
His “eating and drinking” should be taken as proclaiming God’s goodness
to those who turn to Him. By suggesting God’s
graciousness, Jesus echoes Isaiah in the first reading. The people, however, still do not care.
The Christmas season serves as a testing ground for our
repentance. As everyone knows, it is the
most materialistic time of the year. If
we have repented of the world’s ways, we will not desire to either receive or
give luxurious gifts. Our aim will be to
welcome the Lord by showing kindness and joy to all.
