Friday, December 6, 2019

Friday of the First Week of Advent

(Isaiah 29:17-24, Matthew 9:27-31)

No book of the Old Testament anticipates the coming of the Lord as much as that of the prophet Isaiah.  The first half of the work is attributed to the original eighth century seer.  He gives startling images to raise the people’s hopes.  When the Assyrian army seems headed toward Jerusalem like a category five hurricane, Isaiah could tell the people not to lose faith.  He says that God will care for them if they trust in Him.

In today’s reading Isaiah tells of the great works that God’s faithful will see.  He says that on the day of the Lord marvelous things will take place.  A whole country will become like a fruitful orchard.  The deaf will begin to hear and the blind, to see.  In the gospel Matthew tells of how Jesus fulfills the prophecy.  He gives sight to two blind men who put their faith in him.

We limit ourselves unnecessarily if our expectations of Advent are only end–of-the-year parties.  It is time to anticipate receiving from Christ a new vision.  During this season we can expect to see the earth not as a warehouse to be plundered but as an orchard to be cultivated.  We hope to see every person as well not as a rival but as a sister or a brother.

Thursday, January 5, 2019

Thursday of the First Week in Advent

(Isaiah 26:1-6; Matthew 7: 21.24-27)

The Protestant hymn “Rock of Ages” is said to find its inspiration in the reading from Isaiah today.  God is “an eternal Rock” who humbles the haughty and protects the poor.  There is a captivating story surrounding the origin of the hymn.   A humble clergyman returning home found himself caught in a violent thunderstorm.  Not being able to travel on, he took shelter in a cave.  Secure inside, the curate compared the cave’s wall to the pierced side of Jesus.  As his life was spared that day, so his soul was being saved by the blood flowing from the side of Jesus.

In today’s gospel Jesus is similarly metaphorical.  He compares the words of the Sermon which he is now ending to a building’s rock foundation.  Jesus assures that by living the “Golden Rule” and the other counsels presented, his listeners will withstand life’s greatest assaults.  Death itself will not carry them away.

During Advent we ask the Lord to demonstrate his strength.  We pray for an end to war in Afghanistan and on many city streets.  We dare to plead that we might become more patient, more peaceful, and more compassionate.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

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

Many of us have fond memories of Sunday dinner with our grandparents.  The family took their places happily around the table.  The food was already there - not gourmet but deliciously prepared.  We said grace dutifully, and those who enjoyed it poured themselves a little wine.  Our hearts long to relive those experiences.  Today’s first reading indicates why.

The passage from Isaiah describes peoples from the disparate corners of the earth eating together.  The rich food makes everyone forget past injuries.   The choice wines relax one’s sensibilities enough to overlook petty differences.  All present are at peace.

Isaiah’s vision gives rise to the hope of Advent.  We look forward to living in harmony with all peoples -- both individuals and nations.  The gospel indicates how this vision will be realized.  Jesus will provide the occasion when he comes at the end of time.  He does not have to bring any food.  Just seeing him in glory will fill us with happiness.  After all, he is the “beatific vision.” 

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, priest

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

Of the four great killers of humankind – war, disease, famine, and natural disaster – war is the hardest to bear.  Disease and natural disaster have an inevitable quality.  They may take the greatest number of victims, but there is no one to blame except, for some, God.  Today famine is mostly a by-product of war.  Armies burn up fields to starve their enemy.  Human malice brings about war and intensifies in its duration.  Once engaged in battle soldiers often perpetuate grave crimes for the sake of victory.  For this reason the prophet in today’s first reading envisions the bitterest of enemies reconciled.

The peace does not just happen.  A leader endowed with the divine Spirit comes to rule the world with justice.  He does not take advantage of the poor but gives all people their due.  He makes the arrogant cower while he comforts the weak.  Christians have seen this hope fulfilled in Jesus.  He lifted up the lowly without ignoring the better off.  His compassion acted on behalf of the poor, the sick, and the crazed.  As he tells his disciples in the gospel reading, “’Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.’”

Today the Church celebrates St. Francis Xavier.  As much as anyone, St. Francis worked for reconciliation among peoples.  He traveled to faraway places to embed himself among the poorest of the earth.  He sought Jesus in others and found Jesus to no small extent in himself.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Monday of the First Week of Advent

(Isaiah 4:2-6; Matthew 8:5-11)

Advent periscopes the coming of the Lord.  We stand in expectation throughout the year.  But in Advent we keep our eyes wide open so that we might glimpse him moving toward us.  These days become joyful because we know that the long wait is almost over. Today’s gospel relates how one man did not need the Lord to come to his house.  He trusted Jesus’ word that things will turn out all right.

The man who trusted is not a Jew with reason to believe in the prophet Jesus.  He is a Roman army officer with a good heart.  He cares enough about his servant, who is probably Jewish, that he comes looking for Jesus. He recognizes Jesus’ authority which must radiate as prominently as the beauty of a professional model. No doubt, as well, he has been informed of Jesus’ reputation as a healer.   In any case the officer does not tie up the Lord.  He only states that just as his subordinates submit to his authority so will spiritual forces submit to Jesus’.

It is time for us to renew our hope in Jesus’ authority.  He is the Lord of heaven and earth.  We only have to seek his assistance.  We can trust that he will take note of our good will and help us.