First Tuesday of Advent

Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father.  No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.” Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”

We are blessed in many ways. We have the Word of God proclaimed to us in the Good News of the New Testament. In addition, we are able to see and partake in the Body and Blood of Christ every time we go to Mass. How many people do not get the chance to see the cross or hear Christ's message of hope? God also offers us the opportunity to cultivate child-like spirits, which will help us to know, love, and serve Him with fidelity and humility. In today’s world it is frowned upon to “need” someone for anything, but we all need our Heavenly Father and the love and protection He offers us each and every day. We can’t be servants of God if we do not first choose to be His children.

Do we have child-like spirits? If not, then how can we cultivate our spirits so we can be true children of God and heirs to His Kingdom? Do we keep our eyes open and our ears peeled for the Good News wherever it might be found?

O Lord, let us give praise to our Heavenly Father for all that He has revealed to us.

Amen.