The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, December 12, 2004
Third Sunday of Advent
(Gaudete Sunday)

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 35:1-6,10
Psalm 146:6-10
James 5:7-10
Matthew 11:2-11

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:


"in. . . ."

Jesus said that there has been none greater than John the Baptist. So Jesus characterizes this most virtuous soul born of a woman: 'Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you -- the way of repentance and good deeds. Jesus continues: "...yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."

"...in the kingdom of heaven...."


"...in. . . ."


The tremendous gift to behold, is to be "in" the kingdom of God.

Jesus distinguishes this amazing union at the beginning of His ministry and continues this in His last prayer before the passion. This is the same prayer He has from before all time, His very mission, "Father, I pray that as you are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us." (see John 17:20,21)

Advent reminds us of this perpetual Truth expressed in Eucharist: we are 'in' the 'communion' in the Triune One, in the kingdom, and it is in us as the "I Am" -- incarnate as Eucharist. We will to remain 'in' the kingdom of heaven, joined to, with and 'in' Him, in all we are, and are about -- and the kingdom of heaven remains "in" us. As St. Julian consoles, "He has taken up His dwelling within us and He will not leave..."

Lord, may we will to be one in One, when we will Your Will.
May we become what You are in us,
and like our Lady, hasten to present Him to all.
Amen

- Mary Williams
(www.impactbydesign.biz)

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posted by joachim at 6:45 AM