The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, December 6, 2001
The First Week of Advent
St. Nicholas
Read more: http://www.christdesert.org/public_texts/martyrology/
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 26:1-6
Psalm 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27
Matthew 7:21,24-27
Full text: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/index.htm
A Reflection on Today's Scripture:
In today's First Reading we hear mention of an allegorical account of
salvation for "a nation that is just, one that keeps faith." These
scriptural words seem to speak of the longing that so many experience
-- that our nation be holy and obedient to God. It moves us from
preoccupation about our own individual quest for holiness to concern
about the faithfulness and just behavior of others -- our nation and
the world.
For many, it is a progression that seems natural, a tendency to grow
sensitive about the eternal welfare of others. It is however, an
absolute necessity that, first, we tend to our own spiritual
responsibilities of daily prayer and examination of conscience. With
prayer's illuminating light, we begin to see our own woundedness, and
the great need we have for the salvific sacrifice of Christ on the
Cross. If we fail to take account of our own behavior and actions we
may miss the point altogether and fail to recognize that, God did not
send His Son to suffer and die for the generic "other", but for you,
for me.
Once we realize that this totally gratuitous action is personal, we
begin to have the ability and opportunity to respond in kind to
others. Only then can we hope to reach out in a manner that is
genuine and efficacious.
The seed of faithfulness must first be nurtured in individual hearts.
Like Justice, it is best practiced within the "small nation" of our
families and community. Once cultivated within, may it blossom not
just for our salvation, but that of the whole world.
- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds
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