1ST WEEK OF ADVENT
St. Ambrose, bishop & doctor
Psalter: Week 1 / (White)
Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14
The Lord is my light and my salvation.
1st Reading: Is 29:17-24
In a very short time, Lebanon will become a fruitful field and the fruitful field will be as a forest.
On that day the deaf will hear the words of the book, and out of the dark and obscurity the eyes of the blind will see.
The meek will find joy and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
For the tyrant will be no more and the scoffers gone forever, and all who plan to do evil will be cut down — those who by a word make you guilty, those who for a bribe can lay a snare and send home the just empty-handed.
Therefore Yahweh, Abraham‘s redeemer, speaks concerning the people of Jacob: No longer will Jacob be ashamed; no longer will his face grow pale.
When he sees the work of my hands, his children again in his midst, they will sanctify my name, they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and stand in awe of the God of Israel.
Those who err in spirit will understand; those who murmur will learn.
Gospel: Mt 9:27-31
As Jesus moved on from there, two blind men followed him, shouting, ”Son of David, help us!” When he was about to enter the house, the blind men caught up with him; and Jesus said to them, ”Do you believe that I am able to do what you want?” They answered, ”Yes, sir!”
Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, ”As you have believed, so let it be.” And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus gave them a stern warning, ”Be careful that no one knows about this.” But as soon as they went away, they spread the news about him through the whole area.
Reflections
The Gospel speaks about two blind men going after Jesus calling after him in desperation: ”Have compassion on us, Son of David!” There is already an element of trust in calling Jesus and to his healing power. When they catch up with Jesus, he asks them ”Do you believe that I can do this?” Without their trust in him, Jesus cannot do anything for them. These men say they do believe. ”Your faith deserves it, so let it be done for you.” They get their sight back. They can now see. Jesus tells them not to say anything about it. Jesus is not interested in being a sensation, he does not want people to have a wrong idea of his real mission. But they ignored his appeal and went about telling everyone of what had happened. There is more here than healing here. What we have here is not just the restoration of their capacity to see. They have gained in-sight. They can really see with the eyes of faith. They can see who Jesus really is, the Word of God, the healing presence of God and they simply have to share that experience with everyone else. It is not something that they can keep to themselves. Today is a day for us to be aware of our own blindness by taking for granted many times to see our God-given blessings. If we are to celebrate Christmas properly, we must learn how to listen to God‘s Word, with understanding and acceptance, and learn how to see deeply into the meaning of his life as it is presented to us. And it starts right with the recognition of what God gives to us every day – food, health, family, friends and the beauty of the earth.
Daily Reflection 2018
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Biblical Texts are taken from Christian Community Bible, Catholic Pastoral Edition (57th Edition) The New English Translation for the ROMAN MISSAL
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