Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent

Today's Mass Readings

Today's first reading from the Book of the Prophet Zepheniah goes well with the Gospel reading from Matthew's Gospel, although they may not at first appear to go together at all. In the Gospel reading for today, Jesus informs his audience, the religious leaders of His time, that tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of the religious leaders. Tax collectors and prostitutes were outcasts in the society of Jesus' time. And so were shepherds.

When we read the first reading from Zepheniah, the fact that shepherds were outcasts is important to keep in mind. God's remnant are to be found, among other places, with the lowly shepherds who pasture flocks. It is no mere coincidence that at Jesus' birth, the angels appear to shepherds.

As we prepare for Christmas, who are the outcasts we find in our midst? Why don't we think of some kind deeds to do for the outcasts around us. God is present to us in them. Perhaps we are feeling like outcasts ourselves. Today's readings should give us hope, for unto us a savior will be born. He has been born, He is risen, and He intercedes for us before the throne of God in heaven.

Jeff Morrow