“Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

Two days ago, we entered The Book of Consolation from Isaiah, supported yesterday by the power of our Creator to save us. Today, Isaiah quotes God telling us, “It is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’”  Today’s gospel ends with Jesus saying, “Whoever has ears ought to hear.”  As Aggregates (Associates), we experience a need to respond to these callings.

In our Advent of preparation, we need confidence as we approach Christmas. Yes, we will excitedly celebrate the commemoration of Jesus’ birth, reliving all the things he taught us to be as his followers. Yes, from there we will remember Jesus walking the lands of Israel and Galilee, traversing Samaria, and fulfilling the Father’s will, bringing us to him in Jerusalem, and receiving his personal gift of self in the Eucharist. We will recall the stories of his healings, of his teachings, and of his calling us to follow him in his Resurrection. But none of that would be remembered without his sacrifice on the cross.

All of this is preparation for us to fulfill our calling: for us to place ourselves into his hands; then to be his hands for others, to bear witness to the message of the Gospel today. With the outpouring love Jesus gives us, revealed by his obedience in dying for us, how can I better witness to such love?

Let Us Pray:

Loving Father, we stand in your presence, supporting each other, and we also stand to challenge those who deny you and reject your love, ignoring your loving mercy. As we progress towards Christmas, give us the courage to turn the other cheek, to minister to those in need, to live our calling to eternal life. Amen.