The Catholic Calendar for December 16, 2003
Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word
Zephaniah 3:1-2,9-13
Psalm 34:2-3,6-7,17-18,19,23
Matthew 21:28-32

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Anyone who ever wonders if God understands our human nature, should ponder the readings of today. We hear about listening, drawing near, acceptance, trust, seeing, changing our minds, and the cry of the poor. Our God made us, truly understands us, and was willing to become man to draw us close to Himself.

The first reading warns a people who had become hard-hearted, that their failure to listen, to draw near to God would result in a time of purification. The remnant would be a people who were humble and lowly, people who would turn their hearts towards God. The psalm is like a theme song to remind us that God hears the cry of the poor, a humble reminder.

It is of interest in the Gospel that Christ directs His questions not to the common folks, who would be the learners, but rather to the chief priests and elders, who would be recognized as the learned ones, about the ways of God. Any of us can succumb to pride, an indifference about our relationship towards God, and get caught up in the seemingly important roles of our various states in life. We can be guilty of placing God on the sidelines of our life. We will pray if we have time, if it is convenient. It is a blessing for us that God is also a patient God, but for how long? The liturgical season of Advent is a good time to ponder these readings, so lovingly placed before us by mother Church.

Mary, spouse of the Holy Spirit,
intercede for us.

- Joan of Jesus, ocds (jmurphy at utica dot edu)

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posted by joachim at 4:07 AM