Throughout the Gospels, we see many different responses to the Lord and his call to conversion. Some, like the Apostles, drop everything they are doing to follow Jesus—they put their earthly business on hold, even walking away from it entirely, in order to follow Jesus. Some, fall at his feet to be healed by him, some climb trees to see him, some go to extreme lengths to bring others to him, like the men who lower their friend through the roof to get near him.
And then some, we know question him, try to trap him in logical arguments, and try to prove him wrong, to be a fool or liar or a madman. Some, of course, will seek to silence him and conspire against him to put him to death, as they know that his truth is a threat to their worldly power. In the Gospel today, we hear how some called him a drunkard and a glutton, seeking to discredit him.
For the most part, the name of Jesus has spread to every corner of the earth. And as it was in the Lord’s own day, so, too now, there are many responses to him. Some, recognize his truth and make his Gospel the guiding principal of their lives. Some worship him and seek him wholeheartedly and prayerfully, and strive to bring others into his presence. Some wrestle with him, like Jacob wrestling with God, they are aware of his teaching, but they just don’t want to submit; they are seeking the truth but still haven’t arrived there yet. And then, like those in the Gospel, some mock him, seeking to discredit him, so that they can ignore his teaching, and go on with their lives.
We are nearly two full weeks into the holy season of Advent, and our scripture readings challenge us in a way, to consider how we are responding to Him, to promise of His return, to the call to prepare our hearts, our minds, and our souls for Christmas. Are we taking the Lord’s call to repentance seriously, or are we dismissing it, thinking we know better, so we don’t have to change?
For many in our world, the beginning of Advent has made absolutely no difference in their spiritual lives. Sure they are shopping more, and putting up decorations of Santa and reindeer, but, their preparation from Christmas is entirely secular. For them Christmas is not about Christ, it’s about make-believe, trying to capture or evoke some emotion. Santa becomes a sort of pagan god of winter, rather than a Catholic saint who did everything he could to point others to Christ.
We do well to examine our response to the Advent call of Christ. Are we running toward him, are we running away from him, are we standing idly, lazily, dismissingly?
May we, alert and with lighted lamps, hasten to meet him, to know him, love him, and follow him, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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That the Holy Father, all bishops and priests, religious and laity may shine with the Light of Christ’s love for the lost and despairing.
That world leaders may look upon the Son of God, believe in him, and seek the peace and justice that only he can bring.
For those who have fallen away from the Church, who have become separated from God through error and sin, for those who reject the teachings of Christ, for their conversion and the conversion of all hearts.
That our young people will turn away from the evils of our culture to spread the good news of Christ’s eternal kingdom.
For those experiencing any kind of hardship or sorrow, isolation, addiction, or illness: may they experience the healing graces of Christ.
For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
O God, you know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.
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