Saturday, December 6, 2025

 

Saturday of the First Week of Advent

(Isaiah 30:19-21.23-26; Matthew 9:35-10:1.5a.6-8)

As we all know, in May Robert Prevost was elected pope and chose the name Leo XIV.  He was formerly a missionary in Perú where he was made bishop.  As a missionary and now as pope, Robert Prevost is part of the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy in today’s first reading.

Isaiah looks forward to the great “Day of the Lord.”  He says that on that day the cries of the holy people of Jerusalem will be answered.  They will see their Teacher, who will guide them.  Jesus does just that, but not alone.  As the gospel today makes clear, Jesus is assisted by his disciples.  They will go in his name to proclaim the Kingdom of God.

We should not consider Jesus’ mission completed.  Rather we should see a role for us in that mission.  Like Robert Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, we are sent beyond our family and friends to bring to others a word of hope.  We may not arrive in foreign lands, but there are many needing relief and encouragement where we live.

 

Friday, December 5, 2025

 

Friday of the First Week of Advent

(Isaiah 29:17-24; Matthew 8:27-31)

Jesus’ fulfillment of the Isaian prophecy is easily seen today.  In the first reading Isaiah predicts that in “a very little while ... the eyes of the blind shall see.”  In the gospel Jesus gives sight to the two blind men who put their faith in him.  The blind men call Jesus “’Son of David’” because they see him as the long-awaited eternal king of Israel.

Jesus prompts their confession of faith with his question, “’Do you believe that I can do this (make the blind see).’”  The question and response indicate that faith not only leads to sight but is itself a way of seeing.  Followers of Jesus believing that he will give them eternal life also have this mysterious way of seeing.

The sight of faith discerns that the self or ego is not what is ultimately important.  My strength will eventually wither as will my intelligence and any moral capacity I have.  It further shows that I can depend on Jesus, physically through the Church and spiritually through the infinite means at his disposal.

Thursday, December 4, 2025

 

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.

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, priest

(Isaiah 25:6-10a; Matthew 15:29-37)

In today’s first reading Isaiah envisions an international banquet at the end of time.  Typically, the prophet sees it taking place on the holy mountain where Jerusalem sits.  Those who have learned the ways of God are honored with foods worthy of the tables of kings.  Partakers of this feast have no reason to be sad because God has destroyed death.

Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s vision in today’s gospel.  He calls all kinds of people for a gathering on a mountain in Galilee.  There he teaches them God’s ways.  The diverse learners are not from all the nations of the world but from all sectors of Israeli society.  They include “the blind, deformed and the mute.”  At the end of his lessons Jesus hosts a feast.  Participants have all the bread and fish that they want.  It is a foretaste of the supper in which Jesus will share with his disciples the bread of eternal life.

St. Francis Xavier worked as hard as anyone to realize Isaiah’s vision and to make available Jesus’ supper. As a Jesuit, a companion of Jesus, he traveled to the nations of the East making disciples.  He modeled for us the willingness to leave our comfort zones to extend Christ’s love to diverse peoples. 

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

 Tuesday of the First Week in Advent

(Isaiah 11:1-10; Luke 10:21-24)

A short story entitled “Attitude Adjustment” tells of a priest who gets hit by a train while driving.  Father Jim survived the crash because somehow he failed to clasp his seatbelt and was thrown from the car.  He was left a mess, of course.  His face was racked and his brain discombobulated. During his recuperation Fr. Jim made many mistakes from a loss of perspective.  The bishop had to retire him to doing children’s liturgies. 

At the end of the story the priest reads the parable of the Good Samaritan.  When he finishes, he asks the children why God permitted the Jewish man to get beat up so badly.  One six-year-old answers that God wanted to teach the man a lesson for hating Samaritans.  He says that the man needed an “attitude adjustment.”  Then the children start asking Fr. Jim about what had happened to him.  They show him healing concern as if they were all the Balm of Gilead wrapped in children’s clothing.  No doubt, Fr. Jim now realizes why the accident happened and why his life was spared.  God allows such tragedies so that people might look into the eyes of a stranger and find a friend.  Furthermore, God wants His children to act as healing balm to one another.

In today’s gospel Jesus cites children as understanding God’s gracious will.  He indicates that they know more than the wise and learned know how we should show concern for others.  In Advent more than preparing for Christmas, we are waiting for Jesus to come to judge us.  We know that he will give a thumbs up if we work to heal the wounds of those who are hurting.  If we require an attitude adjustment, let it be.  We have to work to heal the wounds of those who are hurting.