3rd Week of Advent 2020 - Tuesday - Conversion leads to joy

 Both of our readings today contain the common theme of contrasting responses to God.

On one hand, in our first reading, we have the rebellious city of Jerusalem whose inhabitants at the time had fallen into idolatry and grave infidelity to God. She had been sent prophets, calling her to conversion, but she refused to listen: “She hears no voice, accepts no correction; In the LORD she has not trusted, to her God she has not drawn near.” What a great line! On the other hand, Zephaniah speaks a word of hope to the faithful remnant of Israel, the people humble and lowly who headed the call of the prophets: “they shall not be disturbed”. The older I get, that promise of not being disturbed appears better and better.

Then in the Gospel, we also hear contrasting responses in the parable of the two sons. One son, who gives God “lip service” and one who gives “actual service”. The two sons are symbolic of the Jews of Jesus’ day. There were those who appeared to be saying “no” to God with their actions, the tax-collectors and prostitutes, but upon hearing the call to repentance preached by John the Baptist and by Jesus himself, turned their life over to God. 

And there were many who claimed to be saying “yes” to God, namely the Temple hierarchy, who when hearing the call to change and to believe in Jesus, they reject conversion and faith.

Half-way through Advent now, we’ve called for the Lord to enter into our life in a radical way many times now: “Come, Come Emmanuel”, “Come, Lord Jesus Come”, “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”, we’ve prayed for God to draw near to us, but we also recognize our need to draw near to God, through increased prayer, conversion and repentance, and acts of mercy.

Those who do draw near to God, shall be like those humble poor in the responsorial psalm: the praise of God fills their mouth, they look to God, and they shall be radiant with joy. Hopefully, in your advent prayer, and advent acts of charity, you’ve already had a taste of that deep abiding joy, I hope you have.

For the the Lord wishes to transform our brokenheartedness and hardheartedness into joy, but to do so, we must not just give God lip-service, but real service, in fervent prayer, sincere repentance, and devoted acts of charity, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

 

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.