The Catholic Calendar for Monday, December 4, 2000
The First Week of Advent
St. John of Damascus
Details: www.christdesert.org/public_texts/martyrology/
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 122:1-9
Matthew 8:5-11
Full text: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/index.htm
A Reflection on Today's Scripture:
Jesus is surprised by the faith that He finds in the Centurion. In
this surprise a small message comes from the Father through Him, a
message meant for us all. We too, will be surprised that many whom we
would never suspect, will find their places at the banquet in heaven.
God's kingdom is such that we do not readily see it. Strangely it is
not a kingdom of this world, but it is a kingdom very near at hand.
We cannot see it. We see only shadows and reminders of it. But as we
recall last week--we are graciously granted a vision of its King. He
walked among us, lived as one of us, and taught us by His life and
His death.
Christ's Kingship is a kingship we can either accept or deny. In so
doing we either accept our place in heaven or we deny it. Jesus tells
us that faith, belief, reliance on Him assures us a place in His
kingdom. So, as we look ahead to that kingdom which is to come to
pass in this world, let us ardently yearn for it, wish for it with
all of our strength. By so yearning and wishing, we will be willing
our feet to step in the paths of it, and our minds to think the
thoughts of it. By yearning, wishing, and praying, we bring the
kingdom that is to come to life for those around us. Shalom!
- JuandelaCruz, TOC
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