Monday, December 10, 2012

 

TUESDAY 2ND WEEK OF ADVENT – YEAR II

DECEMBER 11, 2012
MEMORIAL, ST DAMASUS
TUESDAY 2ND WEEK OF ADVENT – YEAR II

Is 40:1-11 / Mt 18:12-14

ISAIAH 40:1-11
Be comforted, my people, be strengthened, says your God. Speak to the heart of Jerusalem, proclaim to her that her time of bondage is at an end, that her guilt has been paid for, that from the hand of Yahweh she has received double punishment for all her iniquity. A voice cries, "In the wilderness prepare the way for Yahweh. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley will be raised up; every mountain and hill will be laid low. The stumbling blocks shall become level and the rugged places smooth. The glory of Yahweh will be revealed, and all mortals together will see it; for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken." A voice says, "Cry." and I say, "What shall I cry?" "All flesh is grass, and all its beauty as the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower wilts, when the breath of Yahweh blows upon it. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will forever stand." Go up onto the high mountain, messenger of good news to Zion, lift up your voice with strength, fear not to cry aloud when you tell Jerusalem and announce to the cities of Judah: Here is your God! Here comes your God with might; his strong arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and here before him is his booty. Like a shepherd he tends his flock: he gathers the lambs in his arms, he carries them in his bosom, gently leading those that are with young.

MATTHEW 18:12-14
What do you think of this? If someone has a hundred sheep and one of them strays, won't he leave the ninety-nine on the hillside, and go to look for the stray one? And I tell you: when he finally finds it, he is more pleased about it than about the ninety-nine, that did not get lost. It is the same with your Father in heaven: your Father in heaven doesn't want even one of these little ones to be lost.

REFLECTION
Today's Gospel, short though it be, perhaps more than any other scripture passage portrays the intensity and the warmth of God's love and the care He longs to bestow on us. We're not speaking here of God's love for us as a group, as His creatures or His children, but rather as individuals. God's willingness to forgive and welcome us back into relationship with Him time and again is recorded in this Gospel in strong lines and sharp colors.

Similarly, today's message from Isaiah reveals a God who goes to great lengths to redeem His beloved people. God is intimately involved in the lives of His Chosen People, caring for them as a shepherd cares for his flock.

All throughout his Book of Prophecy, Isaiah portrays God as a God of power, might and majesty. With His might He levels mountains and makes the rough land straight and flat. The responsorial psalm speaks of this same majestic God who comes to His people in glory, working marvels among them, bringing them salvation. The land and the sea, the plains and the heavens, the nations of the world and all their peoples come together and exult before the Lord, the king.

This king of might and power is seen is seen in today's Gospel also as a humble and dedicated shepherd who searches through the rocks and the brambles until he finds his stray. Then the shepherd-king's mighty hands gently lift the stray to his breast and to his shoulders, rejoicing that he is found safely.

As we contemplate the incredible generosity of God, manifest in Jesus' Incarnation, what can we do to show our gratitude for His magnificent gift to us? This is our challenge as we prayerfully move through the next few weeks before Christmas.

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn.
… for the speedy recovery and healing of
- Mommy Carmen
- Mon Torres
- Fleur Torres
- Ditas dela Paz
… for those affected by Typhoon Pablo
… for the eternal repose of the souls of
- Dolores Tan
- Chhaya Nandi
Eternal rest grant unto them and may perpetual light shine upon them. May they and all the dearly departed rest in peace.
… for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.
- Birthday: Antonio G. Evidente
- Birthday: Joana Mari G. Villanueva
- Birthday: Mark Allan C. Camposagrado
- Birthday: Gloria Calotes
- In Memoriam (+): Guadalupe Dnay
… for families who are in need of healing
… for world peace and reconciliation.

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.

Have a good day!

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