Word to the Wise
Friday, December 7, 2018 - 1st Week of Advent - Fri
[Isa 29:17-24 and Matt 9:27-31]On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book; and out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. [Isaiah]
DECEMBER 7 ST. AMBROSE [bishop and doctor of the church]
Promise and fulfillment take place for two blind men in the gospel scripture today from the Gospel According to Matthew. Jesus "opens the eyes" of two blind men: "'Do you believe that I can do this?' 'Yes, Lord,' they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, 'Let it be done for you according to your faith.' And their eyes were opened.'" The words of Isaiah come to fulfillment in this moment for them. They could now see the "day of the Lord" physically as well as in faith.
Again and again the early Christian community could find in the words and deeds of Jesus the fulfillment of the prophetic messages of old. The Gospel According to Matthew is an example of that collective memory. But it is not just a memory (important as that is), the "Day of the Lord" can become a reality for all the blind and deaf, the hungry and the thirsty, the naked and the imprisoned when we respond to their cries for help. This is particularly poignant in this season when we are exhorted to "buy and give" over and over again. The gospel doesn't challenge us to become Santa Claus. It challenges us to be true Christians! That "Day" occurs every day. Advent is our reminder to be both promise and fulfillment. AMEN