The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, December 1, 2005
Thursday of the First Week in Advent

Isaiah 26:1-6
Psalm 118:1 and 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a
Matthew 7:21, 24-27

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Advent brings a sense of freshness, of anticipation for new life. It is also a time for renewal, for reflection. The Gospel of today reminds us that not everyone who is pleading at the last minute will enter the Kingdom of God, but only those who have listened and acted on the will of the Father. (see Matthew 7:21, 24-27)

That Gospel passage epitomizes our Blessed Mother. What a role model she can be for each of us for our lives, and in particular for this Advent season. Her willingness to listen in prayer and facilitate the will of the Father served as the beginning of the redemption of humankind. Had she not agreed to cooperate with the plans of the Father our lives would be so different for all eternity. When faced with following the will of the Father, one might be tempted to say, "Oh, but I'm just one person; what difference would my life's actions make?" Mary was just one person. Look how she impacted millions of lives for all eternity!

"Mary, totally obedient to the will of the Father, pray for us."

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