The Catholic Calendar for Friday, December 10, 2004
Friday of the Second Week of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 48:17-19
Psalm 1:1-4,6
Matthew 11:16-19

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"To what shall I compare this generation?"

We are still like the people of Israel. Jesus tells us that we're like children who sitting in the marketplace say, "We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn." That is to say, we are happy with nothing.

Like the people of Israel, our complete freedom from the tyranny of ourselves and our desire has been bought at enormous price. And like the Children of Israel we look upon the gift and say, "Send us back to the fleshpots of Egypt where we at least had enough to eat."

People are never satisfied with what they have. There is never enough, or it isn't the right color, or the right texture, or the right temperature. There is always something wrong with whatever is presented. If only we could recognize this restlessness for what it really is--an expression of desire for God. And then we could turn to Him more fully and invite Him in.

In the book of Revelation, Jesus tells us, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Whosoever answers the door, I shall come into his dwelling and sup with him." The door of the heart has a handle only on the inside. Jesus can break down the door, but most often will not. So in this Advent season, we must make ready to hear His knock, and prepare our hearts to receive Him so that we are not always looking for something better. There is nothing better than Jesus, so any such search is in vain.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2004 The Way, The Truth, The Life

posted by joachim at 4:32 AM