Friday of the Second Week of Advent
If you’ve ever been in a situation where you felt that no matter how hard you tried you just couldn’t please someone, you know just how Jesus feels in our Gospel today. As parents, we encounter this with our kids regularly (especially the 3-year-old) - sometimes, we just cannot win. Jesus warns, “We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn” (Mt 11:17). Jesus points out that John was criticized for not eating and drinking while the same people criticize Jesus for eating and drinking. The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard…’ Criticism is inevitable in all situations, good or bad; people will always have something to say; likewise, we only believe what we choose to believe. Advent is here! Jesus is coming! Now is the time for preparation; now is the time for attention. Our gospel antiphon today says, “The Lord will come; go out to meet him”. Are you ready? Are you paying attention? “He is the Prince of Peace”. What will we choose to believe?
Isaiah shares, “I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go. If you would hearken to my commandments…” (Is 48:18). Our actions reflect our values. How are we spending our time? Where are we investing our energy? God lays out the commandments and shows us, through Jesus, Mary, and the communion of saints, how to live in virtue. Thérese of Lisieux said, “Jesus does not demand great actions from us but simply surrender and gratitude.” When we believe that the story revolves around us, we lose sight of the signs in front of us. Do we prefer to be deceived rather than to face a difficult reality that requires us to be different? What must we do to recognize Jesus? Listen to him, and live in a way that reflects as such; be gracious and compassionate. “Whoever has ears ought to hear” (Mt 11:15). John the Baptist cried out this past weekend “Prepare the way of the Lord”. Especially in this Advent season, when we know the Lord is coming, what will it take for us to live our faith?
The season of advent is full of anticipation and preparation; both very exciting and tasking, yet also centering and cleansing. We are offered an opportunity to prepare to gather with family and friends--exciting, tasking, cleansing (hosting a group usually serves as a great incentive for cleaning the house). It also offers us the opportunity to reflect on our lives and prepare our hearts for the incarnation of Jesus--centering, cleansing (and exciting!). As we continue to journey through Advent, let us pursue opportunities to be impacted by the presence of love in our lives. May we choose to believe Jesus, Emmanuel; the one who was, who is, and who is to come.
Blessings,
Brandon Meyer