Gospel for December 17 2023 – Matthew 13:44-52
Gospel Reflections for December 17 2023
Make straight the way of the Lord
John the Baptist in today’s Gospel does exactly what the First Reading commands.
The First Reading from the Old Testament Book of Isaiah describes what the future Kingdom of God will look like and how it will come about by the actions of ordinary people like Isaiah.
The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, to announce a year of favor from the LORD, and a day of vindication by our God.
This kingdom looks like a great place! This passage was written by Isaiah at a time of intense persecution and suffering, and yet it is filled with the hope that comes from ordinary people spreading the good news of freedom and hope.
Isaiah did it in his day, John the Baptist did it in his day, and so must you in your time today. You actually are in a long line of prophets called by God who can choose to live and proclaim this message of hope.
There is much going on now that can create much sadness as the Isaiah passage indicates. Every day we see images of wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, fierce political debates, uncertain economic issues, and whatever is going on in your life.
Even in the Gospel John feels that he is a lone voice crying out from the loneliness of a desert wasteland. Yet that did stop him from spreading God’s love. Despite facing hills and valleys he made sure the message of salvation travelled a straight path to every soul.
You are called to live and proclaim this same positive message of love and hope now, even in the midst of everything going on.
You will find the strength, courage, and wisdom you need at every Mass. That is why Our Lord left this sacrament for you. Despite all that is going on you will have the peace of mind to stay steady and calm in a swirling world. Your steady faith is exactly what the world needs to see right now.
Your calling is to announce the glad tidings of Our Lord, and His enduring presence each and every day …no matter what is going on.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Dear Father Dave,
Every now as and then, I will tell a true story of how faith and prayer worked so dramatically in my life that even though it happened to me, I still do a “double take.”
To give you an example: I was driving south on the 101 in heavy rain and approaching the Atascadero Grade, which is extremely steep and curvy with a huge drop off on one side into a deep crevasse.
I’m afraid of heights and my hands began to perspire. Actually they got soaked!
So … I prayed for help and asked if God could please ease up a bit on the rain.
When I reached the highest part of the highway and began my descent, the rain completely stopped and the sun came out! It was magnificent! The surrounding mountains sparkled in brilliant greens and the sky was pink and purple. Its beauty was breathtaking and I was completely astounded.
My drive was safe and although I was still a little afraid, my hands weren’t soaked.
At the bottom of the hill in San Louis Obispo … yes, it began to rain again! Imagine!!!!
I told the ladies in my Church Group this story the other day at our Christmas luncheon, and they were amazed by God’s instant help. I was amazed also—when it happened, as well as now and undoubtedly, always.
This incident is only one of many in my life, some more serious and some not.
I think by relating this story to others, it helps to demonstrate and spread God’s great love for us.
God bless you.
Kathleen
I am so glad this happened to you but especially that you shared he story.
Even in the Gospel John feels that he is a lone voice crying out from the loneliness of a desert wasteland. Yet that did stop him from spreading God’s love.
Fr. Dave, I’m sorry to be a stickler but I think you meant to say “…that did NOT stop him from spreading God’s love.”
I know what you meant and treasure your words.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Your former parishioner from St Rose of Lima,
Yikes! You are right. I am sorry I did not catch that typo. Thanks for your sharp eye. Yes, that did NOT stop John from spreading God’s love!
Dear Father Dave,
Love attending our precious Masses and receiving the gift of Jesus and then hopefully touching others with His love!!! To touch someone with Jesus’ love every day would be a miracle of Love!!! Dick and I are trying!!! Our beautiful Kathleen Auth received a miracle from God with her precious request!! She is a beautiful, loving, Faithfilled friend filled with our Jesus’ love and I so love her!!Kathleen did some of the paintings in my precious Book, ” Mary A woman in Love!!! The precious Apparitions of our Blessed Mother!! and Father you wrote a most beautiful introduction to the book which I so love!!!!! After 13 years, I’m still giving my book to others to touch them with our precious Jesus and our Mary’s Love!! You Kathleen and Cecilia Huckestein are a beautiful part of my book and you are touching others by your beautiful beautiful pictures!!!Love you all so much!! we are so blessed by our precious Jesus our beautiful Blessed mother, our loving God!!! Let’s overwhelm our world with their LOVE!!! Love you special friends and love to the world!!!!
Thank you!
Thank you. Fr. Dave for sharing these reflections every week.
While reading Isaiah, “The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted….”
This is the strength God gives us through our baptism. God sends us out to be a light in the darkness.
Isaiah’s words apply to each of us. Your article reminds me that the choices I make matter. You said it well: “You are called to live and proclaim this same positive message of love and hope.”
I always appreciate the clarity you add to the Gospel.
You are very welcome!