Divine love is perfect peace and joy, it is a freedom from all disquiet, it is all content and happiness; and makes everything to rejoice in itself. Love is the Christ of God; wherever it comes, it comes as the blessing and happiness of every natural life, a redeemer from all evil, a fulfiller of all righteousness, and a peace of God, which passeth all understanding.
- William Law
(Open your heart and mind to divine love this day.)
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ZEP 3:1-2, 9-13; PS 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19 AND 23
MT 21:28-32
Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people:
“What is your opinion?
A man had two sons.
He came to the first and said,
‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’
The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’
but afterwards he changed his mind and went.
The man came to the other son and gave the same order.
He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go.
Which of the two did his father’s will?”
They answered, “The first.”
Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you,
tax collectors and prostitutes
are entering the Kingdom of God before you.
When John came to you in the way of righteousness,
you did not believe him;
but tax collectors and prostitutes did.
Yet even when you saw that,
you did not later change your minds and believe him.”
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Reflection on the Scriptures |
In this season of Advent, we have been awaiting the coming of Jesus in Bethlehem. Among the images that come to mind for me as I ponder the absolute wonder of what we await is a picture of a mother - and father-to-be. I imagine them, carrying in their hearts the uncertainty and exceptionality of what had entered into their lives. And yes, of course, I imagine a nativity scene with Jesus, Mary and
Joseph.
These images, though predictable for the liturgical season, are a departure for me from what I typically envision when I think of Jesus. Usually, I imagine him as a man. I am sitting with him, listening to him, and seeing him in his ministry. I imagine myself as his companion. This is why today's reading from Luke is so striking for the season. It shows Mary as Jesus' companion; indeed, his first companion. As
Mary proclaims God's greatness to Elizabeth, Jesus is there. Though still carrying him in her womb, Mary has already been transformed by Jesus' presence within her. Invoking God's promise, her trust is complete.
As we await Jesus' coming at Christmas, let us pray that such trust enters into our hearts as it did for Mary. Let us pray, further, that we demonstrate and share the joy that this trust brings to those we meet, just as Mary shared with Elizabeth. Let us share this joy with one another.
- by Scott McClure
How to Pray
- by Reuben Archer Torrey
Chapter 1: The Importance of Prayer
An eminent historian has said that the accidents of personal character have more to do with the revolutions of nations than either philosophic historians or democratic politicians will allow. This truth has its application in full to the gospel of Christ, the character and conduct of the followers of Christ--Christianize the world, transfigure nations and individuals. Of the preachers of the gospel it is
eminently true.
The character as well as the fortunes of the gospel is committed to the preacher. He makes or mars the message from God to the community. The preacher is the golden pipe through which the divine oil flows. The pipe must not only be golden, but open and flawless, that the oil may have a full, unhindered, unwasted flow.
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