Daily Reflection – Dec 15, 2015
Tuesday 15 December 2015
First Reading: Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13
Psalm Response:
The Lord hears the cry of the poor
Psalm 33(34):2-3, 6-7, 16, 18-19, 23
Gospel Reading: Matthew 21:28-32
Today’s Note: Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent
Gospel Reading:
Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people:
“What is your opinion?
A man had two sons.
He came to the first and said,
‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’
The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’
but afterwards he changed his mind and went.
The man came to the other son and gave the same order.
He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go.
Which of the two did his father’s will?”
They answered, “The first.”
Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you,
tax collectors and prostitutes
are entering the Kingdom of God before you.
When John came to you in the way of righteousness,
you did not believe him;
but tax collectors and prostitutes did.
Yet even when you saw that,
you did not later change your minds and believe him.”
Reflection:
This reading from Matthew is a hopeful one for sinners.
In short, it is hopeful for all of us. It tells the story of two sons, both of whom are invited to go to the vineyard and help their father on a certain day. One chooses to go, but never arrives. The other chooses not to go, but later regrets his decision and goes to the vineyard.
Most of us have our own version of this parable, where we have chosen the wrong way, where we have said we would do something and maybe not fulfilled our promise. Perhaps we have a story of a misspent youth? Perhaps we have struggled with sin in a particular area. Maybe we have overcome serious sin in our lives, and doubt whether we could ever be forgiven.
This reading gives witness to the enduring mercy of God. For even though we frequently err, God is constantly inviting us back, to follow him.
“See, the Lord is coming and with him all his saints. Then there will be endless day,” writes Zechariah. This is the same antiphon that opened our December 1 liturgy.
The communion antiphon is from the New Testament: “The Lord is just. He will award the crown of justice to all who longed for his coming.” The Lord in the New Testament is the cosmic Christ.
How have you changed, grown in wisdom and grace since the beginning of Advent? What do want the cosmic Christ, working in and through his Spirit, to do for you, with you, through you? Spend some time just longing for and savoring his presence.
“We long for you, O Lord! (twice) Risen savior, king of glory, come today in mystery. Let us share your death and rising till you come in majesty.” If you know the tune, sing this frequently today.
