Saturday of the Second Week in Advent
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 17: 9a, 10-13
As they were coming down from the mountain, the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
A Reflection for the Second Saturday of Advent
Throughout human history, societies have contended with the reoccurring phenomena of movements aimed at somehow institutionalizing selfishness. It usually takes the form of what has been called the cult of the individual, where nothing can or should supersede one’s right to do and be as he or she chooses, independent of the needs or best interests either of others or the society. Life is ordered around a worldview that considers cooperation and community to be at best a limited socio-economic strategy and at worst an Orwellian conspiracy. One of the crippling effects of defining human freedom and fulfillment in these terms is that it blocks our path to the true God-given experience of both. In this scenario, we come to know others only in terms of being in disagreement with and therefore incompatible with us. Commenting on this, author Marilynne Robinson wrote, “To value one another is our greatest safety, and to indulge in fear and contempt is our gravest error.” Among the lessons of the life of Christ is that our redemption lies in our relationships, in the acceptance, compassion, and dignity that we freely and unconditionally give to and receive from one another. The time of Advent is a time when we all can rediscover what it means and what it looks like to be one people in God.
Prayer
Eternal Father, as we prepare during this Advent to celebrate the gift of our Lord, we remember that he taught us to live lives of faith, humility, and compassion. For us, redemption is a gift that we receive together, as one people in you. It is in being with one another that we come to know our true selves, the persons that you created us to be for the purposes that you have made holy and right. May we always be mindful of our need for the saving grace of community and fellowship as your children. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.