Tuesday of the First Week of Advent

(Optional Memorial for Saint John of Damascus, Presbyter, Religious, Doctor of the Church)

Proper for the Memorial of St. John of Damascus (Damascene)

Biographical information about St. John of Damascus

“Tree of Jesse” by Jan Mostaert, c. 1500

Readings for Tuesday of the First Week of Advent [1]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]

Commentary:

Reading 1: Isaiah 11:1-10

Commentary on Is 11:1-10

Isaiah predicts that the line of David will produce the Messiah with the first verse: “stump of Jesse,” King David’s father. The stump refers to the line of David being cut back during the Babylonian Exile. For the first time in scripture, the prophet then presents the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.[4] (Note also the reference to fullness. In Hebrew numerology the number seven is the perfect number.) In the Septuagint and the Vulgate, the word "piety" is coupled with “fear of the Lord.”

The description of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is followed with a list of the just and compassionate characteristics of the messianic rule. This is followed by a picture of universal peace under the messiah’s rule. Isaiah sees the return of the messianic King as predicting that the messiah will come from King David’s line and will ultimately bring great peace. The term used, “on all my holy mountain” indicates this peace is for all the faithful, not just those in Jerusalem.

CCC: Is 11:1-9 672; Is 11:1-2 712, 1831; Is 11:2 436, 536, 1286

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17

R. (see 7) Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.

Commentary on Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17

Psalm 72 is one of the Royal Psalms. In this selection, we hear an echo of the justice and peace of the King’s rule that is reiterated in Isaiah’s prophecy (see Isaiah 11:1-10).

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Gospel: Luke 10:21-24

Commentary on Lk 10:21-24

Jesus rejoices in the Holy Spirit because his disciples have understood his role of Messiah in the kingdom. He restates his relationship as Son of God: “No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him." The inference here is that we must approach that faith with “childlike” faith and trust in order to achieve that level of understanding.

Earlier in this chapter of St. Luke’s Gospel, Jesus sent out the seventy (two). Just prior to this selection (Luke 10:17-20), they returned and reported great success in doing what the Lord asked of them. We are given in today’s passage his prayer of thanks to the Father The Lord gives thanks that God has seen fit to reveal his identity and pass on his power to these disciples of his. It is reiterated that the Kingdom of God shall be revealed to the childlike (see also Luke 8:10) and turning to his disciples, he tells them that the victory they are witnessing is the Good News hoped for by prophets and kings throughout history.

CCC: Lk 10:21-23 2603; Lk 10:21 1083

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Reflection:

As we hear the words of St. Luke today, how Jesus is caught up in the Holy Spirit and begins to pray, thanking God for his aid in the Lord’s mission, we can’t help but remember Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.  This great science fiction epic was written in 1870. At one point in the story, the infamous Captain Nemo was asked if he intended to share his great scientific discoveries with the rest of the world. He informed his prisoner/narrator, Professor Aronnax, that he would never do that because the world was not ready for so great a power. This story is recalled because Jesus rejoices for the opposite reason.

While the great knowledge and power of the mythical antagonist in the novel needs to be kept secret, the great knowledge and power of the Lord must be spread, so that all might have access to it and find hope as a result. This Advent season, as we look forward with hope to the Lord’s coming, we are reminded that this anticipation and hope are not shared by all of those we meet. Incredible as it seems to us, many of our colleagues, friends, and acquaintances think of this season only for the presents they must buy, and the orgy of commercialism that infuses the economy of the country with great strength because of all the money that is spent. They do not realize that our Advent is first devoted to preparing for the Lord’s return, when he will come again in glory!

In the Gospel, the Lord rejoices because God’s word has reached so many others. He thanks his Father that their ears have been opened by the words and works of his followers. This is the legacy we have been handed. As we prepare ourselves to join the Lord when he comes again, and to celebrate the Nativity of the Lord, we recall that we too are asked to joyfully make known the reason for the season (cliché but appropriate). Children understand this very easily, but they must hear it first. Adults need to overcome their cynicism and adopt a childlike attitude that recalls the Christmas proclamation: “Joy to the World!”

We hear St. Luke relay the story once more of how the Lord was ecstatic over the success of the seventy-two in proclaiming the Good News. Now it is our turn. We must not, through our actions, seem to be like Captain Nemo, keeping the great promise to ourselves. We are called to share that glorious message, and in sharing the joy of that announcement, it will be returned to us, and we move closer to the promised peace of Christ.

Pax

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[1] The picture used today is “Tree of Jesse” by Jan Mostaert, c. 1500

[2] S.S. Commemoratio

[4] From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1831 “The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. They belong in their fullness to Christ, Son of David. They complete and perfect the virtues of those who receive them. They make the faithful docile in readily obeying divine inspirations. “Let your good spirit lead me on a level path.(Psalm 143:10) For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God . . . If children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.”( Romans 8:14,17.)

Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, Priest

“Saint Francis Xavier” artist and date are unknown.

Proper for the Memorial of St. Francis Xavier [1]

Biographical information about St. Francis  Xavier

Readings for Monday of the First Week of Advent

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]

Commentary:

Reading 1: Isaiah 2:1-5

Commentary on Is 2:1-5

This selection presents Isaiah’s vision of a time of unity, the great messianic destiny. He sees a time when all peoples will recognize God as the one true God and flock to his call. (Isaiah uses the “highest mountain” metaphor in the Hebrew context. High places were places closest to God. Mountain tops frequently where places were altars were built. “Highest” would then be above all others.) The “highest mountain” means that all other beliefs become subservient to the One God. He sees the unity of all the nations under one God and one Messiah.

The prophet sees the Law of the Lord governing all peoples, and a time of great peace as a result of the universal unity of people in faithfulness to God. “O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!” Isaiah implores the faithful of the house of Jacob (the Israelites) to fulfill his vision quickly.

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CCC: Is 2:2-5 762; Is 2:2-4 64; Is 2:4 2317

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Commentary on Ps 122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9

Psalm 122 is a song of praise that anticipates the great procession into God’s house. While the Hebrews would have used this as a literal processional song, we see it as anticipating our entry into the New Jerusalem, the Kingdom of God. It supports Isaiah’s vision of the messianic kingdom (Isaiah 2:1-5); it also points to Jerusalem as the center and source of the Law and the Davidic dynasty to rule the unified kingdom with the Lord our God providing the source of peace.

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Gospel: Matthew 8:5-11

Commentary on Mt 8:5-11

This story of the centurion is shortened by a couple of verses to focus our attention on the authority of Jesus, and the role faith can play in accessing that authority. The centurion’s description of his own understanding of authority translates to his faith that Jesus can command all things without needing to be physically present to that which he commands. In the longer version, Jesus also condemns the Jewish people for their lack of faith and heals the centurion's servant as requested.

CCC: Mt 8:8 1386; Mt 8:10 2610; Mt 8:11 543

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Reflection:

Our Advent readings start with a vision of what will come as a result of the impending birth of Jesus. Much as parents of a new baby have a vision of what that child will become, Isaiah predicts that Christ, the Messiah, will come to unify God’s children and bring peace. The Psalmist envisions that same kingdom, flowing from the dynasty of King David’s throne. And the Gospel shows us that Jesus, Christ the King and Prince of Peace, will command that kingdom. However, he does not tell us how long that will take. God’s time has always been difficult for us.

As we begin our spiritual preparation in Advent, we will use the analogy of our preparation for the arrival of a child being born into our homes. We picture our lives in the presence of such a wonder of compassion. As we do so, let us make room in our hearts, creating a warm and inviting place.

We suggest that a first step would be reconciliation, cleaning out the old bad things that might crowd the space. It is somewhat ironic that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the two sacraments of healing.  When asked, most Catholics might say that only Anointing of the Sick was a healing device.  Yet, here is what the Catechism of the Catholic Church has to say:

1422  "Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion."

Once we have fixed the damage, we must put on a new coat of paint. That paint is our prayer life. That room needs many coats to cover the natural tendencies of our human nature that try to bleed through.

If we are currently not spending much time in prayer, now is a great time to start. If we are spending some time in prayer each day, let’s see if we can’t add some time or some intentions to our list. Nothing warms the space in our heart like prayer. Prayer, constant, praising, and loving, for ourselves, our families and the world will create a warm space. 

Pax

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[1] The picture used today is “Saint Francis Xavier” artist and date are unknown.

[2] S.S. Commemoratio

First Sunday of Advent

Catechism Links[1]

CCC 668-677, 769: The final tribulation and Christ’s return in glory

CCC 451, 671, 1130, 1403, 2817: “Come, Lord Jesus!”

CCC 439, 496, 559, 2616: Jesus is the Son of David

CCC 207, 210-214, 270, 1062-1063: God is faithful and merciful

“The Triumph Of Christianity Over Paganism” 
by Gustave Doré, c. 1868

Readings for the First Sunday of Advent [2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [3]

Commentary:

Reading 1: Jeremiah 33:14-16

Commentary on Jer 33:14-16

Jeremiah predicts the continuation of the dynasty of King David (“I will raise up for David a just shoot”) in fulfillment of the prophecy made to Nathan in 2 Samuel 7:11-16 (see also Psalm 89:35ff). "The reference to the true [just] branch [shoot] of David's line draws on Isaiah 11:1-16 which portrays the righteous Davidic monarch as a branch ('tsemah') from the root of Jesse, language which is at home in the agriculturally centered world of ancient Israel." [5] To contemporaries of the period, this would have announced the restoration of Judah and Jerusalem. This selection is the second time the prophet has predicted the coming of the Messiah, the first being in Jeremiah 23:5-6. This prediction, fulfilled in Jesus, is one reason so much stress is laid on Jesus’ genealogy.

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14

R. (1b) To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.

Commentary on Ps 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14

In this hymn of thanksgiving, we hear the petition we have all made many times.  In paraphrase, it is “God tell me what you want me to do.  Tell me how to follow you.”  It goes on to say how blessed are those who have found that path. This selection gives a clear sense of the Lord’s path announced by angelic messengers, prophets and the very Law of Moses: the culmination and completion of God’s covenants in the tradition of the Hebrews.

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Reading II: 1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2

Commentary on 1 Thes 3:12—4:2

St. Paul speaks to the Thessalonians about encouraging their already fervent love for one another and the Lord. This selection (4:1ff) begins the Apostle’s exhortation on holiness and chastity. He has warned them earlier that they will be facing resistance, and that it is now necessary to strengthen themselves for what is to come. The reference to "instructions" refers to Christian morality. "Christian morality is not viewed as natural law, but as the will of God (Matthew 6:10). sanctification: This connotes a progress toward holiness, a likeness to God (3:13). [6]

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Gospel: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

Commentary on Lk 21:25-28, 34-36

Jesus finds it necessary to remind his disciples not to become complacent in their practice of the faith. It is one of his sternest warnings that the end will come without notice and judgment will be immediate. The final verses of this same Gospel reading concluded the Liturgical Year, having been used the previous day (Saturday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time) and is repeated to begin the Advent season. This dual use emphasizes that we celebrate not only the coming of Christ in his nativity but look forward to his second coming in Glory.

"It is clear from this short section that Luke (different from 1 Thessalonians) eliminated the idea of an immediate Parousia.  Sudden trials will strike everyone, and so there is need of continual vigilance.  Everyone, however, will eventually take part in the Parousia.  How a person lives now determines how he will 'stand before the Son of Man.'" [7] 

CCC: Lk 21:27 671, 697; Lk 21:34-36 2612

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Homily:

Happy new year! It is indeed the beginning of the new church or liturgical year.  We start fresh, as we do at the beginning of the new calendar year, seeking to improve ourselves through resolutions and promises.  The main differences are, in the year of our faith journey, we seek to draw closer to our Lord Jesus’ example of love for others and love of God.  We start our efforts to become more Christ-like by recalling that Jesus is coming – our Advent Season.

The Advent season is intended to be analogous to a child’s gleeful anticipation on Christmas Eve.  From a spiritual perspective, our Advent season is intended to rekindle our anticipation for Christ’s ultimate victory, coming in glory, robed in light, by reminding us of his enigmatic first coming for our salvation.

I have marveled before that for all of our reflection and prayer, for all of our questioning and study, we find that in the millennia since Christ walked the earth as man that others, graciously endowed with the gift of faith, have reflected more deeply and expressed more clearly the ideals the Lord saw fit to impart. In this case I offer the words of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor of the Church who served us until his death in 386 AD as an example:

We do not preach only one coming of Christ, but a second as well, much more glorious than the first. The first coming was marked by patience; the second will bring the crown of a divine kingdom.

In general, what relates to our Lord Jesus Christ has two aspects. There is a birth from God before the ages, and a birth from a virgin at the fullness of time. There is a hidden coming, like that of rain on fleece, and a coming before all eyes, still in the future.

At the first coming he was wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger. At his second coming he will be clothed in light as in a garment. In the first coming he endured the cross, despising the shame; in the second coming he will be in glory, escorted by an army of angels.

We look then beyond the first coming and await the second. At the first coming we said: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. At the second we shall say it again; we shall go out with the angels to meet the Lord and cry out in adoration: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. (From the Catechetical Lectures of St. Cyril of Jerusalem) 

St. Cyril reminds us, as does the Gospel from St. Luke, that the Kingdom of God has not yet been fulfilled. While we most commonly use this Advent season to anticipate the triumph of the manger, we need also to be vigilant in our faith as the Lord’s second coming needs to find us diligent in our faith.

This year something new is added. For the people of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, we are embarking upon a transformation.  It will truly follow our Lord’s instructions to be faithful and vigilant.  This year we begin in earnest to change ourselves into what our leadership has imagined we can become.  This begins with our Parish Vision about which you have already heard but what will become central to the life of our parish in the year, actually the years, ahead since we cannot accomplish all we will need to in a single year.

To refresh your memories, here is the vision of what we hope to become:

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church is a welcoming community that exists to make and equip missionary disciples through a transformative encounter with Jesus Christ, the Gate of Heaven. As Spirit-filled disciples, we learn to connect and share our life in Christ, love and serve the greater community, and worship and adore the living God.

What we hope will happen, in part, is that these words will be lifted up and looked at by everyone in our parish.  We pray that each of us will do their parts to become active participants in making our vision a reality.

Since I was part of the team that crafted the picture painted by the words of our vision, I’ll share my own thoughts as to what this vision means to me.

The first part states that St. Thomas is a “welcoming community.” For me, this means that when I come here as part of our house of worship, I am warm and welcoming to each person I meet, whether they are people I have known for the past 40 years or people I am meeting for the first time.  I will put away my stress and reach out for the peace of Christ.  I know there are some who find this difficult.  But each person who comes here carries a burden and a simple smile and acknowledgement can tell that person they are welcome and their burden is shared.

Next is a statement about why we exist as a parish: “to make and equip missionary disciples through a transformative encounter with Jesus Christ, the Gate of Heaven.” There are a few definitions in this statement that can use some explanation.  First of all, a disciple is one who is a student of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  There is a very old Latin text that captures the whole concept of “missionary disciples”: Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi, Lex Vivendi.  This Latin axiom is translated loosely as: “As we Worship [Pray], So we Believe, So we Live.” Since most of us do not live cloistered lives, that means (hopefully) we take our beliefs into to world beyond these walls.  To do otherwise is hypocrisy.  So our parish exists to create in us the ability, mindful of Christ’s teachings, to express our selves as obvious Christians in a secular world.  And we can do this because we have, through our worship and prayer encountered Jesus in the Eucharist and in our welcoming body (the Living Body of Christ), in this house of worship which has inscribed (also in Latin) “This is nothing more than the house of God and the Gate of Heaven.”

The final sentence provides a summary of what we hope to become – spirit-filled – connecting with others, unified in our beliefs, expressing the love Christ through our worship and our interactions with everyone we meet, be they our fellow parishioners or people we meet at work, school, or on the street. 

Our scripture for this first week of our Advent season expresses this very thought.  So in this new year, we ask that your pledge yourselves to that ancient axiom: “As we Worship [Pray], So we Believe, So we Live.”

Pax

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[1] Catechism links are taken from the Homiletic Directory, published by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, 29 June 2014.

[2] The picture is “The Triumph Of Christianity Over Paganism” by Gustave Doré, c. 1868

[3] S.S. Commemoratio

[5] The Jewish Study Bible, © 2004 Oxford University Press, New York, NY, p. 996

[6] Jerome Biblical Commentary, Prentice Hall, Inc., © 1968, 48:23 p. 231.

[7] Jerome Biblical Commentary, Prentice Hall, Inc., © 1968, 44:149, p. 155.