Stay awake and be vigilant for the Lord is coming.
Readings for today: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120724.cfm
By Lori Winkelman
Today is Saturday of the first week of Advent, the Feast of St. Ambrose who was instrumental in the conversion of St. Augustine and the end of the first week of our preparation for the coming of Jesus.
Our readings today are all about hope and waiting. In Isaiah we read that God hears the prayers and weeping of His children and He promises His people hope. The Lord will bind up their wounds and heal them. Advent is all about hope, healing, joy and reconciliation, and the need to be watchful for the coming of the Messiah.
This theme follows in the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus sends forth his disciples – the 12 He has chosen as His apostles – into the harvest. The harvest is ready, which conveys an urgent need. His ministry promises healing and restoration. He tells them to Go to the lost sheep and cure them, drive out demons, raise the dead. Again, the message is one of healing and restoration. The kingdom of God is at hand.
Tying the readings together is Psalm 147 – Blessed are all who wait for the Lord. This is the message of Advent. The Lord rebuilds, He heals the brokenhearted, He is great in power and wisdom. This is a profound message for us as we look at our unsettled world.
Finally, we remember today the 83rd anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It is a reminder that there will be struggles in our lives, hurts and sorrows and that peace does not come easily. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Our hope is in Him.
Advent is a chance for us to refocus our lives and seek healing, peace and reconciliation. Just as the Israelites suffered and were healed, and Jesus came and healed the sick, He comes to us today. We are called to be active participants in God’s mission. The harvest is plentiful, and we are called to freely give of our time, treasure and talents which are all gifts from God to help others. The need in our community is great. In the true spirit of Advent let us be the laborer who goes into the harvest. May we find time in our schedules to reflect on the need for healing in our world, our country and our communities. Are we too distracted by the noise of the world? How are we doing on our journey toward Christmas?
Stay awake and be vigilant for the Lord is coming.
May God bless you abundantly this Advent Season. Amen.
Lori Winkelman has been a member of St. Anne since 2015 after moving to Florida from Wisconsin. She has facilitated several Bible studies at St. Anne and volunteered with some activities sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. And has a cat named Ollie.