Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Intention: That all people will hear in the story of the birth of the Christ Child the call to increase our attention to the needs of children throughout the world.
Today’s Gospel | Matthew 11:16-19
Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by her works.”
A Reflection for the Second Friday of Advent
Throughout his ministry, Jesus had to contend with persons who opposed him because his message did not meet their expectations or serve their purposes. His call to conversion demanded a way of living that went far beyond mere piety or strict observance. In time, they would reject him, feeling so threatened by him that they decided to have him killed. There are many parallels between this biblical scenario and ones that we experience today. Persistent struggles between trust and fear, community and polarization, gratefulness and greed, all seem to push us to extreme and destructive places. Ultimately, this raises the same question: Do we long for a world that seeks wisdom and strives for integrity, or one that encourages ignorance and justifies brokenness? Do we embrace the Gospel in humility and with creative fidelity, or do we seize upon it in self-righteousness and with uncharitable intent? Christmas is at its core a call to transform our world by first transforming ourselves. Advent is a time for us to walk away from the temptation to succumb to our weaknesses and to work together to rise to our best and truest selves.
Prayer
Eternal Father, as on the night of your Son’s birth, we never know when you will surprise us with your presence. Teach us to recognize you in the many ways in which you come to us each day. May we respond to you with openness and trust, confident that, in doing your will, we are helping you to heal our broken world. In this time of Advent, as our souls wait in silence for the sound of your voice, help us to remain awake and ready. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.