The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, December 3, 2000
The First Week of Advent
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:4-5,8-10,14
1 Thessalonians 3:12--4:2
Luke 21:25-28,34-36
Full text: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/index.htm
A Reflection on Today's Scripture:
We either pity or harshly judge those who, through weakness or
psychological trauma, seek escape from their inner pain through
drugs, sex or alcohol. Yet, many who consider themselves healthy, are
often narcotized, addicted to "all that glitters." A poet once echoed
Christ's Gospel warnings by writing, "The world is too much with
us... getting and spending we lay waste our powers."
Today a growing number expend their entire mental and physical
energies gathering this world's goods: they climb corporate ladders;
build dream homes; flaunt status; relish the envy of neighbors; adorn
themselves lavishly; indulge their every desire. They believe
affluence has gained them freedom, when actually it has enslaved them
to their possessions, to guarding and multiplying them. While
outwardly rich, they remain inwardly destitute, ever hungering, for
only God can fill their inner void.
One day, divested of this world's riches, we will stand before The
Son of Man. What gift can we bring Him? Looking into our souls, He
desires to see His own image reflecting divine truth and love, the
goodness we received from Him and shared with others; this alone
follows us into eternity. Each new Advent invites us to receive
Christ anew in increased measure, that we may offer His redemption to
a stricken humanity.
Heavenly Father,
teach us the humility of the Infant Jesus;
open us to receive His gift of divine life.
Amen.
- Marie L. Bocko OCDS ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
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