Word to the Wise
Wednesday, December 9, 2015 - 2nd Week of Advent - Wed
[Isa 40:25-31 and Matt 11:28-30]WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015 WEDNESDAY IN THE SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT [St. Juan Diego] "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." [Matthew] Yesterday, Dec. 8, the Church began the celebration of the special Jubilee Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis. He has frequently referred to the Church as a "field hospital" for wounded sinners. His emphasis on mercy has caught many by pleasant surprise because our Church has often presented itself as a finger-wagging nag "teaching as God's law mere human precepts." (Mark 7:13). The words of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew today provide us with what amounts to a "mantra" for this year: "My yoke is easy, and my burden light." How can each of us find ways to lighten someone else's burden? How can each of us find a way to welcome back someone alienated from the Church? Are we afraid of God's mercy because we found the Church unmerciful in the past because of someone's over-severe and judgmental words or conduct? Pope Francis has urged pastors to find ways to make the Sacrament of Reconciliation more attractive in its administration. An intentional Advent could invite us to celebrate that sacrament not to just relieve guilt but to experience mercy that we can share. (cf. Matthew 18:21-35) We Dominicans are also celebrating a jubilee of the 800th anniversary of the foundation of our Order of Preachers. St. Dominic was famous for praying loudly at night for sinners. We are all in that condition and this Advent can be the start of something new. AMEN
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