The Hand of the Lord Has Done This

The Hand of the Lord Has Done This

December 13, 2012

Memorial of Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr

I will open up rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the broad valleys; I will turn the desert into a marshland, and the dry ground into springs of water.  I will plant in the desert the cedar, acacia, myrtle, and olive; I will set in the wasteland the cypress, together with the plane tree and the pine, That all may see and know, observe and understand, That the hand of the LORD has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it.  Isaiah 41:18-20

"Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he."  Matthew 11:11

Piety

The LORD is good to all, compassionate toward all your works.  All your works give you thanks, LORD and your faithful bless you.  They speak of the glory of your reign and tell of your mighty works, Making known to the sons of men your mighty acts, the majestic glory of your rule.  Psalm 145:9-12

Study

Where do you want to live?  Just think of the last (or next) time you have to move.  What factors do into deciding where to live?

How close do you need to be to your job so you have a manageable commute?  Yet if you are retired or retiring, you may  rather to be closer to the beach, the golf course, or other preferred facilities.

What are the quality of the schools where your children will attend?  Yet if your children are grown or you do not have any children, then schools are not a concern.  Your priority might be on adult education, classes you can take, Elder-hostel, or other programs.

How much do the houses cost to either buy or rent and what will taxes and other fees add to your monthly budget?

What about the aesthetics?  Do you want to live in the city, the mountains, the beach, or someplace in between?

Today, Isaiah paints a vivid picture of where God wants to dwell and the verdant, lush landscape that the Lord has carved out of the barren, violent desert that surrounds us.  Yet God not only dwells in the land, the Lord also dwells within each of us.  Jesus is sent to evict the violent and attend to the needs of the afflicted.

Action

What kind of dwelling place are you preparing for the Lord this Advent season?  If the Lord provides such goodness to us in the desert of the world, what will He find when he comes to dwell with us?  Certainly we need some spare room in our lives.  He cannot be crowded out by material possessions, entertainment, workaholic tendencies, addictions, and other selfish pursuits. 

Do you we room in our "inn" for self-LESS endeavors that open up space for the Lord to move?  How can we create space in our mind, our heart, our life and our soul that is reserved for the Lord just as He is good and provides nothing but good for all of us?