3rd Sunday A. Advent 2022
Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10
Psalm: 146:6-7, 8-9-10
James 5:7-10
Matthew: 11:2-11
Breaking News: At Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, “the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.” This is life in the Kingdom of heaven on earth and blessed is the one who takes no offense at Jesus, son of Maria.
The good news of St. Matthew is that disciples make present in time and place, the Kingdom of heaven. Disciples engaged in the mission of Jesus are good and faithful servants. Disciples who
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that Jesus commands”, these are the ones who hear and do the will of the Heavenly Father of Jesus, Matt. 28:19-20; 7:21.
.
To such disciples Jesus the just judge will say, “ Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
For I lived in a food desert, and you changed the desert to a garden. I drank toxic water in Camden and you confronted NJ American Water. I was stuck at the border in Texas but like a New Colossus you “lift your lamp beside the golden door!”
I was unprotected and you clothed me in life, liberty and justice. I was ill and ill-treated and you promoted domestic tranquility for my general welfare. I was imprisoned and you joined me in prison.
What you did to the least, you did to me, (Matt.25:34b-36).
“Blessed is the one who takes no offense at me”, says the Lord.
Within yourself, you who believe yourselves to be disciples of Jesus, review within yourselves:
Touched by your encounter with Jesus, his word his holy spirit where once you were blind do you now see?
Where once you were lame, do you now walk maybe even fly?
Where once you were unclean have you been washed clean in the blood of the Lamb?
When once you were deaf, do you now hear the voice of the Good Shepherd?
Where once you were dead, do you now live?
Where once you were bad news are you now good news?
Strengthen Oh Lord, the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak.
Disciples. Be strong! Fear not!
Here is your God. God comes with vindication! God comes to save us!
Open your blind eyes and see!
Clear your deaf ears and hear.
Leap like a stag , sing like Whitney.
Let sorrow and mourning flee,
As you put on the crown of everlasting joy!