“SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER”
Daily Spiritual Reflections
17th December 2021
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FRIDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT – O Wisdom (O Sapientia)
Gn 49: 2,8-10; Ps 72:1-4,7-8,17; Mt 1: 1-17
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GATHERED TOGETHER TO RECEIVE A BLESSING
Today, we enter into the second part of Advent: the 7 Golden Nights featuring the O Antiphons, which count down to the seven days before the night of Christmas. The liturgy today invites us to reflect on the fulfilment of the promise of God. In the first reading we have Jacob, also called Israel, who gathers his sons and blesses them. We are presented with Judah. Jacob calls him a lion’s whelp; i.e., a young lion who is full of life, active and brave. His bravery moves the people to obey him.
In the gospel, Matthew presents the genealogy of Jesus, from Abraham the patriarch to Joseph the husband of Mary. This genealogy is presented as a testimony to the fulfilment of the promise of the Father. What does it teach us? Firstly, it tells us that the plan to send the Messiah is a design of God and it is he who takes the initiative to save us. Secondly, Abraham is chosen by the Lord so that this plan may be fulfilled. From Abraham to King David, from King David to Jechoniah, and from him to Joseph the husband of Mary, we see how the Lord concretely works and fulfils his promise made to Abraham and the whole of Israel.
As we approach the commemoration of the Lord’s birth, what inspiration can we draw? The person of Jacob can be compared to the Church. At every holy mass and at other liturgical celebrations, the Church gathers her children. Once gathered together in faith, we are asked to listen to the word of God. We also receive blessings as Jacob blesses his sons. What we need to ask ourselves is this: Does the Church take pride in me and of my presence, as Jacob did in his children? Am I like Judah, strong in faith, active in love and brave in hope? The gospel reading assures us that the Lord we believe in is the Lord who is faithful to his promises. He will never abandon us. Let us live as people of such a sure faith, and prepare our hearts and minds to receive our Lord this Christmas.
Response: In his days shall justice flourish and great peace forever.
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