Homily: First Friday of Advent

First Friday of Advent (Isaiah 30:19 ff.)  “Lord, help me to See”

Predictions and fulfillment. During these early days of Advent, the readings have a lot of this. We read from the prophets in the first reading each day and they speak of the end to sickness and physical challenges. We then read a Gospel story which speak of Jesus healing those who have the very afflictions the prophets describe.

Today, for example, the prophet Isaiah write that the eyes of the blind will be opened. In the Gospel Jesus restores sight to two blind men that call out to him for assistance. They call out to Jesus using one of his Messianic titles, “Son of David.”

What does all this say to you and to me? We probably are not blind in a physical sense. I know there is a fear of losing sight that we all have. I remember my mother worrying about this when she was in her eighties. She loved to read and the thought of not being able to do so was very distressing. Her world grew small as she found it harder to travel and move around. When cataracts started to form on her eyes, she wanted them addressed right away.

We went through the process of having the cataracts removed. This involved several trips to the doctor. The first surgery did not go well. The eye became irritated. She had to wear a clear contact for a few days and finally things got better. The second surgery went without complication.

The day before my mother died, I went to see her as she was finishing with the surgeon. I kissed her good-bye as she got on the bus to go back to the nursing home. She was marveling at how well she could see. Unfortunately, she died suddenly the next day. My consolation was that she was able to see the world clearly right before she left it. What a gift that was!

We are all blind is some way. We have things about ourselves that we need to change that we refuse to change. We pray that we will see clearly as Advent continues.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Is there a physical difficulty I have? Is it discouraging?

2.    Do I look forward to a day when that burden will be lifted? How might that happen?

 Dear Parishioners,

           Remember that on December the 8th we will celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This Feast comes in the middle of Advent. We are distracted by a lot of other concerns, but I hope people will attend Mass on this Holy Day of Obligation.

          Our days can take on a familiar pattern that can lead to a spiritual tepidity. Holy Days remind us that all time is not the same. Some time is more sacred. Hopefully, the feasts of the church year break up the monotony of life and cause us to think of mysteries that reassure us that God is with us.

          Mary was the first to hear the good news of Jesus birth. May she be with us in a special what during these Advent days.

          May our Lady of Peace watch over us,

          Fr. Mark