Archive for December 7, 2013

December 8th 2013 – Second Sunday in Advent

Posted: December 7, 2013 by CatholicJules in Sunday Reflections
0

Sunday Bible Reflections by Dr. Scott Hahn

Kingdom Come

Readings:
Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
Romans 15:4-9
Matthew 3:1-12

“The kingdom of heaven is at hand,” John proclaims. And the Liturgy today paints us a vivid portrait of our new king and the shape of the kingdom He has come to bring.

The Lord whom John prepares the way for in today’s Gospel is the righteous king prophesied in today’s First Reading and Psalm. He is the king’s son, the son of David – a shoot from the root of Jesse, David’s father (see Ruth 4:17).

He will be the Messiah, anointed with the Holy Spirit (see 2 Samuel 23:1; 1 Kings 1:39; Psalm 2:2), endowed with the seven gifts of the Spirit – wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.

He will rule with justice, saving the poor from the ruthless and wicked. His rule will be not only over Israel – but will extend from sea to sea, to the ends of the earth. He will be a light, a signal to all nations. And they will seek Him and pay Him homage.

In Him, all the tribes of the earth will find blessing. The covenant promise to Abraham (see Genesis 12:3), renewed in God’s oath to David (see Psalm 89:4,28), will be fulfilled in His dynasty. And His name will be blessed forever.

In Christ, God confirms His oath to Israel’s patriarchs, Paul tells us in today’s Epistle. But no longer are God’s promises reserved solely for the children of Abraham. The Gentiles, too, will glorify God for His mercy. Once strangers, in Christ they will be included in “the covenants of promise” (see Ephesians 2:12).

John delivers this same message in the Gospel. Once God’s chosen people were hewn from the rock of Abraham (see Isaiah 51:1-2). Now, God will raise up living stones (see 1 Peter 2:5) – children of Abraham born not of flesh and blood but of the Spirit.

This is the meaning of the fiery baptism He brings – making us royal heirs of the kingdom of heaven, the Church.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 7, 2013 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
0

image

I used to take my faith for granted Lord, content just to be baptized, to be a namesake Christian, not growing in the knowledge of You nor bearing fruit worthy of You.

Then I asked myself, what if I never knew about You? What would life be without You? Then I opened my eyes and looked around in the world to see that there are many who are depressed, who are without hope, who are suffering alone in poverty, sickness and old age.

Some have hope because others though not many have responded to Your call. To love and serve their brethren in Your name. Let me do likewise Lord, lead me and show me the way. Fill me with the necessary Graces and strength to do Your Will. Amen

FIRST READING
Isaiah 30:19–21, 23–26

GOSPEL
Matthew 9:35B10:1, 5a, 6–8

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, AThe harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”

Then he summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness.

Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”