Thursday of the First Week of Advent
(Isaiah 26:1-6; Matthew 7:21.24-27)
Today’s reading from the prophet Isaiah resembles the
Canticle of Mary in the Gospel of Luke. Like Isaiah Mary proclaims the mighty tumbling down and
the poor being exulted. Both biblical
texts find fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Today’s gospel concludes Jesus’ momentous Sermon on the
Mount. In it Jesus echoes Isaiah by saying
that his words are like rock. Followers
can safely base their lives on them. He emphasizes, however, that following
requires more than calling him by name or – it might be added – reading his
words. No, following Jesus means to
imitate his love and mercy.
During Advent we who have heeded Jesus’ words await the
manifestation of his glory. We hope to
see narcotraffickers upended and poor children liberated from abuse and
violence. We also pledge to allow his
teaching to purify our minds and hearts.
