Matthew 3: Seek Newness
Monday, November 4, 2024
As we look forward to the Advent season . . .
In becoming human, Jesus shows us that our humanity is not an obstacle to our communion with God, but rather the only path to our divine destiny . . . If my heart is not begging, “Come, Lord Jesus” in my ordinary life today, then I cannot pretend I would have recognized him when he first came, and I cannot expect truly to welcome him at is glorious return. That is why the church gives us this season of Advent, to recognize the longing in our hearts for a salvation which we cannot give ourselves, but for which we can beg today and for ever, “Come, Lord Jesus”. Fr. Richard Veras, November 28, 2010, THE MAGNIFICAT ADVENT COMPANION (17)
What is this newness that is ours in our humanity?
What is this divinity we have been gifted as part of our destiny?
What is this fulfillment of salvation that we cannot give ourselves?
Today our Noontime takes us to the proclamation of the new kingdom, the baptism of Jesus, and God’s announcement that he is well pleased with the beloved son.
Today we have the opportunity to think about our own place in the divine plan as a human creature.
We have the opportunity to open ourselves to the newness of the season and the cyclic beginning again of a calendar year.
We have the opportunity to make ourselves ready – as Jesus made himself ready – for the days ahead.
Let us heed the words we hear in today’s Gospel . . . So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come (Matthew 24:44) .
We will want to receive this newness that brings hope – Come, Lord Jesus.
We will want to be open to this healing that mends mortal wounds – Come, Lord Jesus.
We will want to experience this divinity that manifests in the obstacles of our humanity – Come, Lord Jesus.
And we will want to be awake and ready for the salvation with which we have been graced, the peace and serenity that are our heritage – Come, Lord Jesus . . . and fulfill this longing in our hearts . . .
Written on November 28, 2010 and posted today as a Favorite.
Image from: http://markjberry.blogs.com/way_out_west/2007/04/newness.html
The Noontimes 