“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”
5th December 2017.
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TUESDAY, FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT
Reading 1: Is 11:1-10 God’s loveliest promises of the Messiah to come are made known. The Messiah to come is of the line of Jesse, father of David; on him the Spirit of the Lord will come to rest.
Res. Psalm: Ps 71:1-2,7-8,12-13,17 echoes the prophecy: “Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.”
Gospel:Lk10:21-24 Jesus claims that by his words and deeds he fulfils the ancient prophecies: “Blest are the eyes that see what you see.”
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CHILDLIKE DISCIPLESHIP
Today's Gospel opens with Jesus rejoicing in the Holy Spirit. The cause of his joy is that simple persons, even children, can understand the Good News. While study and learning are obstacles to the Gospel, Sometimes, the attitudes generated through higher education could lead some to think that "I know it all," and lead them away from the truth. God, the font of truth and knowledge, cannot be influenced or motivated by anything outside himself, least of all by human intellects which he has created. We cannot understand the mystery of God, but we can share in his life. Jesus suggests that the ''childlike" can easily receive his revelations. The minds of children are filled with wonder. They are readily amazed at the world's marvels. Children may more ably penetrate the mysteries of the kingdom than learned adults. He suggests the adults to be open to the Master in trusting faith, which is authentic simplicity. And thus we too can share in the beatitude of today's Gospel: "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see."
The first reading reveals to us about the coming of the messiah who is filled with the Holy Spirit and who will be the great ruler of earth and heaven as the Prince of peace. Christ has already accomplished him mission (already), but we who come at a point of time, have to still accept the salvation offered by Him (not yet). The prophet, in the first reading announces a new era that would be inaugurated by the Messiah. And then comes the expected king, Jesus.
The disciples return from their first missionary journey. They are exuberant: “Even the devils submitted to us in your name, Lord!” Jesus responds by thanking his heavenly Father for having revealed his power through these ordinary folk, his disciples, and not to the learned of this world. Jesus calls them ‘little children’, for they were simple, and perceived the action of the kingdom in the common things of life. The disciples experienced this gift of God when they invoked the name of Jesus in their preaching and healing. Today, Jesus invites you and me into a close relationship with him and his Father. He calls us “friends, not servants” for he has told us everything about himself; and he asks us to call God “our Father”, just as he himself does.
Prayer: Lord, give me the simple and humble faith of a child. Help me to see You as You are and to allow Your presence to penetrate my life. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen