The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Tuesday of the First Week of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
Luke 10:21-24

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Each Advent we are blessed to read again from the Book of Isaiah. It always seems that the readings come just in time to buoy up sagging hearts and waning determination. Even while we profess faith in God's providential plan, we often have times of despair that come from our damaged human nature and the circumstances of our lives and world.

How desperately we are in need of reassurance, a heavenly pep talk so to speak. That is what today's Advent reading provides. Don't lose hope, what seems improbable and impossible, is what God has promised. He will restore what is lost and heal all that is broken.

Let us then receive with grateful hearts all the grace God offers us in this Holy Season. Let us again allow ourselves to be overcome by the reality of the coming of Christ, the Word Made Flesh. Turn to the Living Word of God in Holy Scripture, see His image in every person, celebrate in prayer and sacrament and begin anew: to “Prepare Ye The Way of The Lord.”

- Donna Raye Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hotmail dot com)