Monday 12 December 2022

Today is Monday the 12th of December, in the third week of Advent.


One Hope Project sings a setting of 'In the Bleak Midwinter'. As we turn our attention to the incarnation and prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ this season, take a moment to pause and reflect on what you want to offer the Lord this Christmas.


In the bleak midwinter
Frosty wind made moan
Earth stood hard as iron
Water like a stone
Snow had fallen
Snow on snow on snow
In the bleak midwinter
Long, long ago
What can I give him?
Poor as I am
If I were a shepherd
I would give a lamb
If I were a wise man
I would do my part
But what I can I give him
Give him my heart
Give him my heart

We are getting deeper now into Advent, as we prepare for the coming. In today’s reading, we have reached a critical moment, when Jesus enters the Temple for the first time. Try and imagine the scene of today’s reading from the Gospel of Matthew.


Matt 21:23-27


When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?’ Jesus said to them, ‘I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?’ And they argued with one another, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will say to us, “Why then did you not believe him?” But if we say, “Of human origin”, we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.’ So they answered Jesus, ‘We do not know.’ And he said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

The word “authority” appears four times in today’s passage; and there is a battle between Jesus and the Temple authorities about Jesus’ authority. Who is the ultimate authority for Jesus? And for you?

As you listened to the story, what struck you about the way Jesus deals with his opponents?

Now listen to the reading again, and as you listen, ask yourself, “what is the argument really about?”

Finally, is there some way in which you might sum up your prayer today? Say something to God in your own words.

O Wisdom
Lord and Ruler
Root of Jesse
Key of David
Rising Sun
King of the Nations
Emmanuel
Come, Lord Jesus