Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 122:1-9
Matthew 8:5-11
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AN ADVENT TO REMEMBER
"Many will come from the east and the west and will find a place at the banquet in the kingdom of God." —Matthew 8:11
Happy Advent and new Church year! We can grow accustomed to thinking of the Christian life in terms of small gains and large difficulties (see Mt 13:31-33; 2 Cor 4:8ff; 11:23ff). While there is truth to this thinking, the Advent readings challenge us to think big because God is doing big things. We should instead be thinking of big gains and small difficulties, since we serve an almighty God.
In the readings from the first Monday of Advent, we hear that “many will come” from all directions to the Lord (Mt 8:11). They will stream toward His house in large throngs (see Is 2:2-3). They will come to the Lord’s house rejoicing and giving thanks (Ps 122:1, 4). God will cover His dwelling with clouds of glory (Is 4:5-6). This will not be small but large and widely visible.
The Church sanctuary is bare this morning — the decorations have been stripped down from the recent grandeur of the feast of Christ the King, signifying the end of the previous Church year. It could seem like Advent is about small beginnings. However, the Advent Mass Scriptures challenge us to think big. As you listen to them allow the Lord to raise your mind to the greatness of His designs for the human race. God thinks big, acts big, and loves big. He will heal your wounded heart and raise you from defeat to glory. Make this an Advent to remember. Believe the Advent Scriptures.
Prayer: Father, pour out on me an abundance of the spiritual gift of Fear of the Lord. May I never regard You as a weak God.
Promise: "I will come and cure." —Mt 8:7
Praise: Slowly, and with much prayer, John earned the respect of his co-workers and their vulgarity diminished.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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