Thursday of the Second Week of Advent
Intention: That all people will embrace the story of the birth of the Christ Child as a call to increase our attention to the needs of children throughout the world.
Today’s Gospel | Matthew 11:11-15
Jesus said to the crowds: “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force. All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”
A Short Reflection for the Second Thursday of Advent
Throughout history, every age has seen its share of social progress, that steady march of steps that we like to think moves us toward a more satisfying and satisfied world. However, our common experience suggests that the progress that makes our life better does not always make life itself better. A problem arises when we idolize our capabilities and view progress as an instrument of our whims. By forgetting the source and purpose of our talents, we pursue progress out of personal ambition, stripping our works of their power to serve our best qualities and our shared humanity. Somehow, we must learn how to stop allowing the nuts and bolts of daily living to become disconnected from our sacred identity. The photographer Ansel Adams once wrote, “Millions have lived to fight, build palaces and boundaries, shape destinies and societies; but the compelling force of all times has been the force of originality and creation profoundly affecting the roots of human spirit.” Progress is about our collective journey toward discovering and realizing our best and truest selves. This Advent, may we remember what it means to be a people rooted in our origin in God and committed to creativity that expresses his divine and redeeming will for us.
Prayer
Eternal Father, your grace has been from age to age. In the birth of your Son, you blessed us with the fullness of your presence and the good news of your salvation. As we prepare in this Advent to celebrate his coming, may we continue to hear and live this good news each day. Help us to bring out the best in ourselves and in each other and transform our world into a place of wholeness and peace. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.