Advent Meditations: Thursday 21 December
| Thur Dec 21 |
am: 50, 59 pm: 60, 33 |
JUDGES 6:36–40 | EPHESIANS 4:7, 11-16 | JOHN 20:24–29 |
Thursday Advent III
Notes on the Liturgical Feast for Today – Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle St. Thomas, the disciple who at first did not believe, has become for the Church one of the first witnesses to the faith. While Thomas is a saint most associated with Eastertide, because he makes his proclamation of faith: “My Lord and my God.” Thomas known as the doubter is not just an example to consider at Eastertide. He is quintessential for Advent as well. The doubt we may experience at this time of year is not that Jesus was born but what he was born for. He was not born to make people better or make the world a better place but to redeem people and the world. Is it possible we doubt that and as such do not embrace the witness this holy season we are called to?
It is known that St. Thomas preached the Gospel in Asia beyond the frontiers of the Roman Empire, probably in Persia and possibly as far afield as India. St. Thomas’ feast was formerly celebrated universally on December 21 while some traditions in the West now celebrate it on July 3rd.
Biblical Meditation : In today’s OT lesson Gideon is testing the waters to ascertain if he is going to serve God. He is looking for a sign or a wonder to affirm something that he senses at the least or already knows at the most. He could be an early day St. Thomas… Lord let me see and I shall believe. In both these men we learn a great deal about the human person and the possibilities of belief and faith.. On one hand who are we that we think God should respond to our testing? We must have a pretty high opinion of our selves. But perhaps we do so because we are afraid. Afraid that the risk will be great. Afraid that we will be different than the pack. Yet this season he very message is to fear not for a great joy is coming that will give light and life to all people. So why the test? Why the hesitation from Gideon, Thomas or us?. To begiven the opportunity to serve under hiss grace does not occur by our natural gifting’s,
The O Antiphon – O Oriens
PRAYER: Grant, almighty God, that we may glory in the Feast of the blessed Apostle Thomas, so that we may always be sustained by his intercession and, believing, may have life in the name of Jesus Christ your Son, whom Thomas acknowledged as the Lord. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Spiritual Discipline /Activity: – Prepare some baked goods and home cooked foods and offer it to those who will be feeding the poor and disenfranchised this holy season. Along with this is the custom to observe this as “pie day”, with meat pies baked for the family, then cooled and frozen. They are saved for the feast of the Epiphany, and are thawed, reheated and eaten and shared with others in an Epiphany feast. December 21 is usually the shortest day of the year, yet this day usually commenced the Christmas preparation of cleaning and baking. In England, this was a day of charity, when the poor women went a “Thomasing” or begging. Wheat was cooked and distributed for the poor
Ancient Words/Present Grace: Faithfulness in little things is a big thing. — St. John Chrysostom
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