December 15, 2023, Friday of the 2nd Week in Advent-B
Isaiah 48:17-19
Psalm 1
Matthew 11:16-19
I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go. Is. 48:17
Lord, I can hear the frustration in the words of the Gospel today. The Father sent John to prepare the way for you by urging the people to repent. They didn’t believe him. You came and called them to believe in you as sent by the Father. They didn’t believe you either. John’s and your messages couldn’t penetrate their closed hearts and made-up minds. You both challenged the status quo and offered a way different from the one they so rigidly held on to. Lord, I must admit that times haven’t changed much. Even I can be slow to accept your truth about what I need to change or let go of. You look into my heart and see pride, selfishness, apathy, even doubt. When I cling to these your love and truth have no place to enter. Lord, this Advent, cleanse me of any barriers you find that keep me from you. Make me open to whatever you want to plant in my heart. I trust in your teaching, Lord, so lead me to where you want me to be. Amen.