The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent
St. John of the Cross, religious, priest and doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 45:6c-8, 18, 21c-25
Psalm 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14
Luke 7:18b-23

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Turn to me and be safe, all you ends of the earth,
for I am God; there is no other! (Isaiah 45:22)

Through the liturgical year I always thought the time of renewal was Lent. As I have matured I now know that the entire year is a time for renewal and constant conversion and I have come to feel that Advent should be a real time of renewal of my faith as the Church begins her new year and quickly approaches the celebration of the Lord's birth.

Throughout human history, God has called His people back to be renewed. In today's First Reading from Isaiah we have a wonderful message for us during Advent. Here, God, through the prophet, is calling His people back, although with a warning to those who show anger to the Lord; "Before Him in shame shall come all who vent their anger against Him."

In today's Gospel we hear a similar message. John the Baptist began calling people to repentance before Jesus started His ministry and was there to announce the beginning of the Lord's work on earth. To show his followers that Jesus was the Messiah, John sends them to Jesus where they witness wonderful signs and see the faithful being called to healing, life and renewal. Unlike the message of the prophet that ends with a warning, Jesus ends his testimony with a blessing: "And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me" -- a blessing for all those who see Him as Messiah and Lord.

Now is the time for renewal as we move toward Christmas. With it comes countless blessings. What a wonderful, loving God that call us back repeatedly, to join Him in His love!

- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)

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