Homily: Tuesday of the First Week of Advent
Tuesday of the First Week of Advent (Isaiah 11:1-10) “Save the Children”
One of the religious pictures we see on Christmas cards is a depiction of the Lion and Lamb laying down together. In the background can be a baby in diapers that is playing next to a snake. There is no aggression or violence in the scene. Of course, we as Christians, say that Jesus is the prince of peace.
We think of the coming of Jesus during this time of year. Maybe we wonder what good his arrival has done. We especially wonder about this as we look at the place of Jesus’ birth.
As I write this reflection the war between the army of Israel and the army of Hamas continues to rage. A cease fire that seemed like blessed reprieve has broken down. Right now, there seems to be more war than peace in the world.
The other day a representative from UNICEF was on the radio. She reflected a grim reality which is that the segment of the population that suffers more than anyone else in modern warfare are children. The stories that came from Gaza about children who are carried out of collapsed buildings in body bags reminds us that too often the cobra strikes at the children of the world.
When terrorists attack children get in the way. When bombs fall children are the collateral damage. Children suffer from the insanity of adults.
But Advent is about hope. It has been said that human beings are the only creature that can feel hope. This is true because we have a sense that there is a future that we move toward. We can hope for small things that are assured so we will not be disappointed. We can hope for big changes that seem impossible.
Our children have more of a future than those of us who have lived a long time. We must have high hopes for them this Advent. We must do what we can to make sure that those hopes are realized if we are believers in Jesus.
Reflection:
Is world peace a possibility? Should we continue to pray for that intention?
What are my hopes for my children and grandchildren? Do I put their interests first when I make decisions about the use of resources, voting, etc.?
Dear Parishioners,
This Friday is a Holy Day of Obligation. We have several Mass times so that people will have an opportunity to attend. Thursday afternoon we will have Mass at 5:30 p.m. Friday we will have Masses at 6:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. Friday evening, we will have a Mass at 6 p.m. With that schedule, is there anyone who does not have time to celebrate Eucharist? It might mean losing a little sleep or stopping by after work but isn’t the sacrifice worth it?
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is our national feast. What better day is there to pray for our divided country? What better day is there to pray for peace? The Blessed Virgin is a powerful intercessor.
May Our Lady Pray for us all,
Fr. Mark