The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, December 4, 2004
Saturday of the First Week of Advent
St. John of Damascus, priest, doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 30:19-21,23-26
Psalm 147:1-6
Matthew 9:35--10:1,6-8

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's Gospel sees an exhausted Jesus enlisting the help of his disciples even before Pentecost. The harvest was abundant then, and it is equally so now. What is Jesus saying to us? Isn't He sending us to lost sheep and hungry lambs? Jesus did not wish to do it alone then, and He doesn't wish to do it alone now. We who are baptized in his blood are called to be witnesses to the Good News--some of us are even consecrated by a further sacrament. So what are we waiting for?

If we're to enjoy the peace, harmony, and abundance promised in the first reading, then we must first work to the best of our abilities, making use of the time and place in which God has placed us. Those in Holy Orders are indeed weary, yet we must set the example and help to enable those who are most used to seeing themselves as sheep rather than as shepherds.

It isn't yet time to bask in the quiet love of the small Baby as He lies in the manger; because first, doing violence to chronological time, we must work with the adult Christ in a mission of compassion and enlightenment. After Advent prayer & work, we can then rest in Christmas joy. How rich and rewarding it could be for us this Christmas! Consider it!

- Msgr. Paul E. Whitmore
(smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)

____________________

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

posted by joachim at 7:53 AM