WORD REFLECTION November 27, 2022

WORD

"All nations shall stream toward it; many peoples shall come and say:

"Come, let us climb the LORD's mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob,

that he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths."

(First Reading

OBSERVE

The vision of Isaiah showed the unification of the whole world under one God, the God of Israel, whose presence is physically represented by the Temple in Jerusalem.

The people of the world is invited to come to the house of God and be instructed in God's ways and to walk in his paths.

Jesus claimed that he is the "New Temple," the words of Isaiah takes on new meaning which means that the world is invited to approach Jesus and be instructed by him.

The new task, therefore, is to invite people to come to Jesus.

Better still, our task is to bring ourselves to Jesus and be instructed by him.

The Advent Season marks the "preparation" or the "waiting" period before the Joyous Season of Christmas.

However, this Season differs from Lent.

Our waiting is marked by "creative tension" of excitement for the "Word" who will make his dwelling among us.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, as we anticipate with excitement the celebration for the birth of your Son, we are reminded that Jesus has made his dwelling among us,

He is the visible sign of your continued providence.

May our churches and chapels be a reminder of your presence in our midst,

and our lives a reflection of your grace.

Teach us to walk humbly in your ways,

and may our hearts be opened to prepare a path for Jesus, Amen.

DISCERN

The Philippines is refuted to have the "longest Christmas celebration" in the world.

For Filipinos, the decorations and lights we set up during this time of the year evokes joy in our hearts.

Some may say that this is so, because it is the Filipinos way of escaping the realities of living in a poor country.

However, I would like to take it as a sign that Filipinos deep in our hearts are a people of joy.

In some countries, Lent is a more elaborate celebration like in Spain, the Christmas Season in the Philippines is more anticipated.

During this Advent Season, you will hear a lot about "preparing the way of the Lord" and "vigilance."

While this is true, it is misses one essential element in our faith, the Lord has already arrived!

He has already made his dwelling among us!

He is Emmanuel, God with us!

This Season is not about waiting for the Lord's unexpected coming, rather it is about how to make his presence, the beauty and joy of his presence visible to the world.

It is about making the Light of Jesus shine forth, so that in this light other will come and find joy in his house, in his presence.