Dress to God's Word / "Liturgical Dress": December 4

December 4, 2013: Wednesday, 1st week, Advent

Readings

Is 25:6-10a Lord will provide a feast of rich food and choice wines; will destroy the veil, the web, and death; will wipe tears away. They'll say, “Rejoice; God has saved us!”

Ps 23:1-6 "I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life." The Lord is my shepherd, at my side giving repose, refreshment, guidance, and courage, goodness, kindness, and a dwelling place.

Mt 15:29-37 Crowds were amazed seeing Jesus curing the lame, blind, deformed, mute, and others. Jesus / disciples: “My heart is moved with pity; crowd is starved.” “How could we get enough to feed them? We only have 7 loaves and a few fish.” He gave thanks, and gave them to the disciples, who gave them to the crowds; all were satisfied, and baskets remained.

Pope Francis

Audience re "resurrection of the body" from creed: Christ gathers us so we may accompany him to the Father. The Sacraments prepare us. He wants us to share his resurrection right now; through Baptism, we're inserted into his death and resurrection and experience new life. He calls us to respect the lives of all, especially the suffering, and so experience the closeness of the Reign of God.

Gospel Joy 1.V (Evangelii Gaudium drill-down), continuing Chapter 1 of Pope Francis's exhortation (a series): A mother with an open heart: In a Church that goes forth, we should see, listen to, and stay with people, keeping our door open so people coming back can get in. Our doors—of churches, communities, and sacraments—should stay open so everyone can come in and share our life. Baptism is itself “the door,” and the Eucharist is powerful medicine for the weak, not a prize for the perfect. The Church is the Father’s house, not a tollhouse, with room for all.

We must go to everyone, starting with the poor, sick, despised, and overlooked. There's an inseparable bond between faith and the poor. I prefer a Church bruised, hurting, and dirty from being on the streets to an unhealthy one clinging to its own security. That many live without friendship with Jesus, a community of support, and meaning should disturb us. Let's be moved by fear of remaining shut up within structures that give us false security, rules that make us harsh, and safe habits—while people starve and Jesus says, “Give them something to eat.” (1.V, 46-49; pp. 39-42)

Reflections

Creighton: Share today the love we anticipate enjoying in heaven. In today's miracle, someone had to give up dinner, and people had to distribute the food. How is God calling us now to be his hands and feet, to act as our Lord’s instruments of service?

RC.net: God knows our needs, cares, abundantly satisfies our hunger.

My Heart Christ's Home/ Munger (psalm)

Universalis: St. John Damascene, priest, doctor, "last of Church Fathers," wrote clearly and effectively, made issues understandable to non-experts.

Marian retreat, day 30: St. Maximilian Kolbe recap: mystery (Mary/Spirit union, Incarnation), militia (army of people giving God greatest glory, converting selves, world), love (trusting Mary's intercession and care)