Daily Reflection – Nov 29, 2016
Tuesday 29 November 2016
First Reading:
Isaiah 11:1-10
Responsorial Psalm:
Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever
Psalm 71(72):1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
Gospel Reading: Luke 10:21-24
Today’s Note: Tuesday of the First Week in Advent
Gospel Reading:
Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said,
“I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to the childlike.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father.
No one knows who the Son is except the Father,
and who the Father is except the Son
and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”
Turning to the disciples in private he said,
“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.
For I say to you,
many prophets and kings desired to see what you see,
but did not see it,
and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”
Reflection:
The passage from Isaiah is the source of a very important part of Catholic tradition, namely the doctrine of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and the fear of the Lord.
From the earliest times, the Church Fathers already taught this doctrine: in receiving the Holy Spirit, we receive these seven gifts for our spiritual advancement. Of course, only Jesus possessed these gifts in their fullness, for the Spirit descended on him in his humanity when he was baptised in the Jordan.
At Pentecost Jesus, in union with the Father, sent the Holy Spirit upon the disciples gathered with Mary, the Mother of Jesus and so created the Church. As a result, we individual Christians received the Holy Spirit in the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation.
The coming of the Holy Spirit also means that we receive the seven gifts, to form and deepen our spiritual lives and our sense of morality and help us to live moral lives which bring us holiness. During Advent, let us prepare for the celebration of Christmas by reflecting upon our openness to the Holy Spirit, our appreciation of the seven gifts and so renew our commitment to Jesus.
“Come, Holy Spirit, by Your gifts lead us in the pathways of Christian joy and peace, truth and commitment.”
