Friday - 2nd Week of Advent 2017 - Freedom from self-delusion

In yesterday’s Gospel, Jesus proclaimed that “among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist.” He praises John for his humility, his service, his willingness to undergo suffering for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. And then in today’s Gospel, Jesus compare’s John’s attitude, with these noisy, disagreeable children, foolishly parading through the marketplace, mocking Jesus, and missing the point of his presence among them.

Jesus is saying, John gets, but many don’t: John rightly identifies Jesus as the Son of God, others misidentify Jesus as just another charlatan or entertainer; John prepares well for the coming of the Messiah, many remain unprepared, foolishly parading through life, mocking Christ’s message.

This foolishness has continued through the ages, and continues in our own day. Holy Church prepares rightly for the Advent of Christ, the world plays foolish games; Holy Church repents, engages in works of mercy, prayers more fervently, the world acts continues down its road of self-delusion, self-indulgence, and self-destruction.

Yet, there is certainly a challenge for all of us to consider the games we play with God: instead of repenting, instead of praying more fervently, instead of seeking out volunteer service opportunities, what games do we play with God, what excuses do we make?

Our games do not bring peace of soul, gentleness, or joy; they perpetuate restlessness, family division, and addiction. As Jesus says, “Wisdom is vindicated by her works”. God sees through our games, through our self-delusion. But we can be sure that God desires nothing more than to free us from them.

21st century Christians must be very careful, that our attitude towards Advent, our attitude towards Jesus, doesn’t mimic the moral and spiritual laxity of our age, but follows the wisdom of the saints, the humble seriousness of John the Baptist, the solemn surrender of the Blessed Mother.

May our Advent devotions bring us freedom from the foolish and selfish attitudes of our age into a deeper and more authentic faithfulness to the Gospel for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
 
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We raise up our prayers of petition, as we await with longing the Advent of Christ the Lord.

That Advent repentance and devotion may prepare us rightly for Christmas joy.

That our president and all civil servants will carry out their duties with justice, honesty, and respect for the dignity of every human life.  We pray to the Lord.

For the conversion of those who reject Jesus and His Church, those who have fallen into serious sin, and those who have fallen away from the Church.

That Christ may banish disease, drive out hunger, and ward off every affliction.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Almighty ever-living God, who brings salvation to all and desire that no one should perish, hear the prayers of your people and grant that the course of our world may be directed by your peaceful rule and your Church rejoice in tranquility and devotion. Through Christ our Lord.