Thursday 10 December 2020

Today is Thursday the 10 December, in the second week of Advent.  

The nuns of Mary, Queen of Apostles, sing ‘O Come O Come Emmanuel’. As I listen, I prepare my heart for prayer…I prepare my heart to welcome Christ Jesus, the Saviour of the world.  

Matthew 11:11-15

Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with ears listen!  

Here in the Second Week of Advent we return to John the Baptist as the bridge between the Old and New Testament. What we know of John recalls the great prophets, those who spoke out against the people’s failings and pointing them towards God’s promise. Despite his recognition of who Jesus is, John never becomes a disciple of Jesus. John never fully crosses the bridge. What are my thoughts about John and his role in the Advent journey?  

There is something of a time-slip in witnessing the relationship between John and Jesus be portrayed in the weeks up to the Incarnation. Despite the greatness of John, Jesus reminds us that we are in a more privileged position. As believing Christians, we have our places in the Kingdom of God. How does this assurance seem to me?  

"He who has ears to hear, let him hear." As I listen to this very short passage again, I listen for the passion in Jesus’ voice, his desire to burst into my life.  

I ask for guidance. How may I let go of the old ways so that I can belong to the new?

O Wisdom

Lord and Ruler

Root of Jesse

Key of David

Rising Sun

King of the Nations

Emmanuel

Come, Lord Jesus