The Word today, Advent1B23
- Admin
- Dec 1, 2023
- 3 min read
December 04 - December 09, 2023
St John Damascene, priest and doctor
Isaiah 4:2-6 The weekday readings of Advent open on a note of hope for healing and restoration. This reassuring reading invites us to acknowledge our need of bring washed clean, our need of the healing of the presence of the Lord.
Matthew 8:5-11 The faith of the centurion is indeed remarkable: “just give the word.” What “word” from the Lord do I need at this moment in my life?
Isaiah 11:1-10 The human hope for harmony is portrayed in this reading as a harmony in nature itself, even among the most unlikely animals.
Luke 10:21-24 Jesus pronounces a remarkable prayer in today’s gospel, a very encouraging prayer: we all stand before the mystery and mercy of God, thank God!
St Nicholas
Isaiah 25:6-10 This reading is familiar from funerals, but not confined to those sad occasions. On the contrary, the invitation, open all the time, is full of joy and hope.
Matthew 15:29-37 The compassion of Jesus is outstanding in this reading: it is he who names the need and supplies the food. What hunger does he identify in us today? How are we nourished by him?
St Ambrose, bishop and doctor
Isaiah 26:1-6 As you listen, you may notice all the words to do with protection: strong city, gates, rock, citadel, forming a great call to faith and trust in God.
Matthew 7:21, 24-27 It is always tempting to think that once you’ve said your prayers, you’re done. The prophets regularly pillory such complacency and so does Jesus. In addition, awareness of local geography adds over to his words. In the Judean desert, there are dry river beds called wadis, subject to flash floods. To build on such an exposed foundation is the very height of foolishness.
Immaculate Conception of the BVM
Genesis 3:9-15, 20 The early stories in Genesis explore common human experiences , including sin, shame and the “ o u t s o u rc i n g ” o f blame! All very human, of course. The serpent symbolises something more sinister—the power of sin, against which we need the grace of God.
Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-2 The great hymn from Ephesians explores God’s grace in Christ, thus inviting us to engagement gratitude.
Luke 1:26-38 Mary’s yes is in contrast to the “no” of Adam and Eve...and all the rest of us of course! It is great to hear again that “nothing is impossible for God.”
St Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin
Isaiah 30:19-21,23-26 The prophet raises the hopes of his hearers with a grand vision of peace and prosperity, a gift of God himself. Such harmony and well being come from following the way offered by God. Their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. (Psalms 1:2–3)
Matthew 9:35-10:1,5,6-8 Again, it is the compassion of Jesus which is outstanding. He feels and he acts and he sends out. Our need for the word of compassion and the healing touch of God is great. Perhaps I too am being called to some ministry in the community of faith or in society at large?
References
-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2023t, December 3). First Sunday of Advent. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120323.cfm
-Sunday readings. (n.d.-o). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/
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