RB: Ch 61:6-14
Mass: Nb 24:2-7, 15-17a; Resp Ps 25; Mt 21:23-27
HEAR THE WORD OF THE LORD, O NATIONS; DECLARE IT TO THE DISTANT LANDS; BEHOLD OUR SAVIOR WILL COME; YOU NEED NO LONGER FEAR.
(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)
Here we are in the wake of Gaudete Sunday. It's Monday so some may be rejoicing more than others. We are in Advent though, this special "period of devout and expectant delight." We have been looking "forward to Christ's Second Coming at the end of time" through our liturgical readings, hymns, antiphons and responsories. It is tomorrow, December 17, when there is a noticeable shift in the Advent liturgies. We will welcome the "O" Antiphons and begin to see and hear Mary and images of the birth of Christ come much more to the fore. In a "more direct way", then, we will prepare for the Nativity of the Lord. May our minds and hearts be open. For today, we might consider some of the Holy Father's words from his homily this morning.
There are two attitudes typical of lukewarm Christians, of us-as my grandmother said-'rosewater Christians': Christians without substance. One puts God in a corner-either you do this for me or I won't go to Church anymore': and how does Jesus respond? 'Okay, go, deal with it yourself.'" The other attitude is to wash our hands of everything, like the disciples traveling towards Emmaus on the morning of the Resurrection. Let us get rid of these attitudes to make straight the path of the Lord who is coming.
NB. Please see Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year, 39-41.
© Gertrude Feick 2019
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