Saturday of the 1st Week of Advent
1st Reading – IS 30:19-21, 23-26
Psalm PS 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 Blessed are all who wait for the Lord.
Gospel MT 9:35–10:1, 5A, 6-8
At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them
because they were troubled and abandoned,
like sheep without a shepherd. – Matthew 9:36
No longer will your Teacher hide himself,
but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher,
While from behind, a voice shall sound in your ears:
“This is the way; walk in it,”
when you would turn to the right or to the left. – Isaiah 30: 20-21
How often do we long to know what is the “right thing to do”? How often do we say, “If God would just tell me what He wants, I’d do it!”
Sometimes I get caught up in the “if only’s” – IF ONLY God would tell me what He wants, I’d know what to do; IF ONLY I could get that job, our financial situation would be better; IF ONLY I could make this person love me, I’d be happier; IF ONLY I could write a book, I would feel successful; if only, if only, if only.
It can be a never-ending loop.
And Jesus looks on us with love and pity
But the gospel reading goes on to remind us that WE are the ones whom God has sent out to help the helpless, to gather the lost, to feed the hungry, to give love to the lonely. We have already been given every spiritual gift and blessing – as St. Paul likes to remind us in many of his letters. And from the wealth of God to US, we are to give to others.
As the gospel reminds us in the last verse: Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.
Fun Fact #1 – we are at the end of the 1st week of Advent! Already!
Fun Fact #2 – Tomorrow is the Feast of St Nicholas. Celebrate in the traditional Dutch way by having your kiddos leave their shoes out tonight. Maybe St. Nicholas will fill them with a few fun candies or small fun surprises!
