Wednesday of the First Week of Advent
Where are the places that you see as in your life as sacred? At home there is a place I like to sit and pray. Right now there is a Little Blue Book with Advent reflections on that arm of the chair. I like to read it first thing in the morning when I awaken. Also, on the kitchen table where we eat as a family is an Advent wreath. This table and this wreath are at the center of our family activities. The light of the candles help bring a prayerful close to the day for all that can be there. Indeed the wreath and its light are symbols that draw us into a spirit of prayer.
“On this mountain” is a phrase that signals the reader of scripture that the story is set in a sacred place and something special is about to happen. In both of today’s readings the settings are on mountaintops.
The reading from Isaiah shows us a glimpse of the eternal mountain top. The beautiful imagery is of the celestial banquet, a symbol of eternal happiness. Death and tears will be destroyed forever, and we will rejoice and be glad with the one who has saved us. This beatific vision is not meant to be understood as disconnected from our lives today. It is a joy filled extension of our faithfully living with Christ at the center of our homes.
In the gospel, the crowds come to Jesus on the mountain top. After having been there together for three days, Jesus feeds the five thousand with five loaves and two fish. Even after all those people ate their fill, there were twelve baskets left over. This abundance and the miracle of feeding remind us of the Lord’s generous love and how much God desires to provide for us all.
Lord, during this season of joyful anticipation; help us make our homes a more sacred place in order to prepare Christ room. In this way we will prepare our hearts to meet you on the mountaintop and allow our homes to have Christ at the Center of our lives both now and forever. Amen!
- -Michael Montgomery