Thursday 15 December 2022

Today is Thursday the 15th of December, in the third week of Advent.


The Gaudete Ensemble conducted by Eamon Dougan sing 'O Clavis David' by Margaret Rizza. "O Key of David and sceptre of the House of Israel; you open and no one can shut; you shut and no one can open". What does this music stir in you as you begin your time of prayer today?

O Clavis David et sceptrum domus Israël,
qui aperis, et nemo claudit;
claudis, et nemo aperit

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 7:24-30

When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who put on fine clothing and live in luxury are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,
“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.”
I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.’ (And all the people who heard this, including the tax-collectors, acknowledged the justice of God, because they had been baptized with John’s baptism. But by refusing to be baptized by him, the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God’s purpose for themselves.)

We are listening here to a comparison between Jesus and John the Baptist. What is the message for you in this dialogue? What stands out to you?


Who comes out best in this passage, the “tax-collectors” or the “Pharisees and lawyers”? What does this tell you?

Now listen as the passage is read once more. What is the idea that most touches you here?

Finally, can you sum up all that you have experienced during these few minutes, in the form of a prayer to God or to Jesus?

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