“A
strong city have we; he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us. Open up the gates to let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith. A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in you.” Isaiah 26:1-3
Jesus
said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter
the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in
heaven. Matthew
7:21
Piety
Child Jesus, you who wished to be born poor and in a
stable in Bethlehem, make my heart your home this Christmas. Take it and receive
it, so that it may provide hospitality to those born today in our world under
the same circumstances as you 2,000 years ago. Give me your love and your
grace, and help me to be in solidarity with others, especially those who need
it most. Amen. (From CRS Prayer resources http://crs.org/prayers/ultimate-incarnation.cfm)
Study
We become strong in the Lord both through our faith and
by doing the will of the Father literally and figuratively through this Advent
season.
The image conveyed by Isaiah of a strong city is not
based solely on the weapons of the army but on the faith they exhibit in God
and the justice they display toward others.
In this season, we are preparing much. House decorations, wreaths and Christmas
trees have begun to come out of basements, attics and closets and adorn our
living rooms. Just as we prepare a space
for the Lord in our homes, we have four weeks to prepare a space for the Lord
in our hearts and minds.
While popular culture equates the proverbial visit of “Kris
Kringle” with December 25, tomorrow is the feast of St. Nicholas. Both the Eastern and Western Churches honor St.
Nicholas. According to various websites,
after the Blessed Virgin, he is the saint most pictured by Christian artists. Nicholas was a bishop during the fourth
century in Lycia. According to the
website American
Catholic: “Perhaps the best-known
story about Nicholas concerns his charity toward a poor man who was unable to
provide dowries for his three daughters of marriageable age. Rather than see
them forced into prostitution, Nicholas secretly tossed a bag of gold through
the poor man’s window on three separate occasions, thus enabling the daughters
to be married. Over the centuries, this particular legend evolved into the
custom of gift-giving on the saint’s feast. In the English-speaking countries,
St. Nicholas became, by a twist of the tongue, Santa Claus—further expanding
the example of generosity portrayed by this holy bishop.”
Action
In some Christian families, they move gift-giving up to
December 6 in honor of Saint Nicholas. The
page above devoted to St. Nicholas also suggests that we utilize the lesson
taught by his legendary charity to look deeper at our approach to material
goods in the Christmas season and seek ways to extend our sharing to those in
real need. That also is in keeping with
the theme of today’s readings – a theme of justice and of carrying out the will
of the Father – making His will our will.
Consider how your charity can continue to assist these
special intentions especially in areas struck by natural
disasters. For example, The Philippines
have been struck by two natural disasters in two months. Jesus, too, would be
moved with pity for these people as they face the mountain of rebuilding ahead. As victims struggle to recover from the
earthquake and typhoon, prayerfully reflect on how your family can help by
donating to relief efforts.
You can make this not only a Giving Friday but also
make every day of Advent a day of prayer, thanksgiving and charity.
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