Gospel: Luke 10:21-24
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
Today’s readings remind us of that great story and example of a promised world–the Peaceable Kingdom. Isaiah told of an event that will come true; not a story of an ideal but of a reality. That reality is the coming of Jesus the Christ. And what a beautiful and glorious picture he drew up for us about the baby that will be born from the Sprite of the Lord. From this peaceable and promised kingdom, Jesus ‘rejoiced in the Holy Spirit’ and reminds us that he is the one who will reveal to us, everyone, his Father. It is Jesus who tells us that God has revealed to the ‘childlike’ the knowledge of God. This is indeed good news. We, all of us, are promised through Jesus, no matter our history, to be able to see and experience a reality of God’s peaceable kingdom. Advent challenges to be ready and willing for this second coming of Christ when he will take us to this reality.
Action Step:
Many of us have heard in the media about acts of terrorism and threats that may spark war between nations. Ask ourselves, do we look forward to God’s promise of a peaceable kingdom? Offer some time today to pray for world peace.
Advent Retreat 