Saturday, December 19, 2015

Saturday of the Third Week of Advent – December 19, 2015

(Judges 13:2-7.24-25a; Luke 1:5-25)

It is said that for Jews the first commandment is not: “Thou shalt have no strange gods before me,” or even: “Love God with all your heart…”  No, their first commandment comes from the initial words God speaks to humans: “Be fruitful and multiply.”  Thus, Zechariah and Elizabeth – two God-fearing people – feel “disgrace” both naturally and religiously for their not having born a child. 

Luke punctuates the fact that Zechariah seeks a sign from the angel who bore the news of his son’s unlikely conception.  The request is reminiscent of people in the gospel demanding a sign from Jesus. These skeptics are unsure about Jesus even after he demonstrates his divine authority time and again. 

What God calls forth from Zechariah -- and from us as well -- is trust.  He gives his word to Zechariah that Elizabeth is going to bear him a child.  A wise person might admonish the priest, “Enough; believe it, Zechariah, and give praise to God.” Jesus speaks similarly to us. He tells us in the early days of Advent to prepare for his return.  This means that we are to care for the needy, to pray for those who persecute us, and to thank God continuously for everything we have.  Now with the celebration of his coming so near, trust means to have confidence that he will save the world from its folly.  ISIS will be defeated.  Abortion will come to an end.  Our personal pride, lust, and sloth will be overcome.  

Friday, December 18, 2015

Friday of the Third Week of Advent 

                                              

(Jeremiah 23:5-8; Matthew 1:18-25)

Listening to the poor may provide a whole new concept of “Christmas gift.”  Once, a missionary went to the highlands of Honduras to celebrate mass on the day following Christmas.  Arriving early in the evening, he went to the church where the youth group was holding a meeting.  The adult moderator asked the missionary to address the adolescents.  Not having anything particular to say, the missionary asked the children to tell him about their Christmas gifts.  But they did not seem to understand.  Rather than describe a toy or clothing article that they received, they talked about how they planned to be more obedient and prayerful.  Then the priest realized that he was the one who lacked understanding.  The children’s parents were too destitute to provide material gifts for them.  “Christmas gifts” were what they all did to show Jesus how much they love him.

           

In the reading today from Jeremiah, the prophet provides us with a similarly new concept of “the Promised Land.”  He foretells that the descendants of Israel now in Babylonian exile will take up residence on their own rightful land.  Jesus fulfills this prophecy by giving his followers, the “new Israelites” because of their relationship with him, the Promised Land.  But the lot that Jesus has in mind is not an acre of Israel.  No, Jesus provides a place in God’s kingdom for those who practice his care for all.

The promise of a place in God’s kingdom may sound like a shady deal to some.  They will ask, “Why should we change our ways just for the promise of some peaceful place in the distant future?” But those more chastened among us will not dismiss the offer.  We are the ones who realize that those Honduran highlander children have better Christmas gifts than kids receiving the latest version of IPad.  We also know that a share in the kingdom, which begins with authentic love right now, is better than any real estate on earth.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Thursday of the Third Week of Advent

(Genesis 49:2.8-10; Matthew 1:1-17)

Genealogists study genealogies.  They know how to ferret out data from records that most of us overlook.  Genealogists tell us that all of us have famous ancestors.  They claim that we are all descendants of Julius Cesar or any other famous figure of the ancient past.  They say that satisfaction comes not from that fact but from proving it.

No one is a physical descendant of Jesus because he did not have children.  But we can all claim him as a relative in two ways.  By the wide net of relationships that genealogies make, everyone on earth is a descendant of some ancestor of Jesus.  More importantly, we can claim him as a relative when we act like him.  When we make an effort to proclaim the Father’s love like he did by acts of mercy, our relationship with Jesus can be physically seen.

Today’s readings speak of genealogy.  The first foretells David’s and also Jesus’ being descendants of Judah, a strong man who defeats his enemies.  It indicates that they too will overcome all opposition.  The gospel traces Jesus’ lineage through David and Judah to Abraham.  It shows us that God has carefully planned the coming of His Son.  Likewise it assures us that staying in relationship with Jesus will bring us God’s favor.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

(Isaiah 54:1-10; Luke 7:24-30)

John the Baptist sounds confused in regards to Jesus.  He preached that the Messiah would come winnowing fan in hand to burn evil-doers.  But Jesus sits down with sinners to talk with them about the love of God.  “What’s going on?”  John seems to ask, “Are you the one who is to come?”   The question is similar to what many today ask: “Is Jesus really our savior?  Or perhaps we should put our faith in science to save us from death?”  Trusting in science would mean that we put personal welfare first.  If they call us to lend a hand at the night shelter, we should refuse because of our need of a full night’s sleep.  We would also support embryonic stem cell research for cures to threatening ailments even though it means the destruction of another’s life.

Jesus tells John’s emissaries to observe the works he has been performing.  His healing of infirmities and casting of demons attest to his being sent from God.  We followers of Christ note the best way of giving testimony to his Lordship is by imitating his care for others.  It is not so important that we live fifty years or hundred as long as we leave a legacy of genuine love.  A young family demonstrates this kind of care when they attend a lay ministry formation class together.  The father asks if he might bring into the lecture hall his daughter debilitated with cerebral palsy.  The younger son stays just outside the door happily playing by himself.  The mother explains during the course of the day that the girl becomes agitated if neither she nor her husband is close by.  Their continual presence is a burden born in love.  The family enjoys peace of heart as each member strives to help one another.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Tuesday of the Third Week in Advent

(Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13; Matthew 21:28-32)

Eddie Haskell was a subordinate character in the ancient television series Leave It to Beaver.  He acted as a foil to the main character Theodore, the Beaver.  Eddie was not really a bad boy, but he did enjoy mischief-making.  When his schemes were discovered, he would try to sweet-talk his way out of the trouble.  His manner differed decidedly from the innocent sincerity of the Beaver.  Although the two were not brothers, their different modus vivendi could be seen as similar to that of the two brothers in Jesus’ parable today.

Jesus is describing what God looks for in people.  He divides humanity into two groups, both of which are comprised of sinners.  Those in the first group, he says, make no pretensions about trying to please God.  They do whatever they wish but then come to repent of their selfishness.  The second group tries to fool God by paying Him lip service.  They end up falling far short of fulfilling their commitment.  Of course, it is the first group that pleases God. 

We must emulate its members.  The holiday season may test us in this regard.  We can get everyone gifts, go to church, and even donate to charity.  But this does not mean that we have pleased the Lord.  We need to change our focus.  We have to do what is right not to vaunt ourselves but to assist others in their need.  Only then will we be pleasing to God.