Advent Meditations: Thursday 21 December
| Thu
Dec 21 |
am: 50, 59, 60 pm: 33 |
Isa 9:18-10:4 | 2 Pet 2:10b-16 | Matt 3:1-12 |
ON THE LITURGICAL CALENDAR 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 – As I reflected on the scope of Psalm 60, I thought this is a Psalm for our time because just as David does in the beginning of the Psalm we can look around and be filled with grief and horror as we consider the times and world we are in. War in the Holy Land and Ukraine, militarization on the rise in other places, climate concerns, and food insecurity are just a few that stir this up within us Despite this, the Psalm reminds us to be mindful of God’s actions. Even in these terrible circumstances can we remember that the Lord as sovereign over all things. The lands of Ukraine may be torn and shattered by invaders. The situation in Asia may seem grim. Powers such as the USA are in a state of shock and confusion almost like being drunk. Yet the Psalm reminds us that the Lord is in control. and he is sending us his son again to lead and heal His people. This is the call to us at this point in Advent to not just prepare but for us to become the people who live this way.
– O Oriens –-O Antiphon’s of the Day
Come, Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: shine on those lost in the darkness of death!
(O Oriens, splendor lucis aeternae et sol iustitiae: veni, et illumina sedentes in tenebris et umbra mortis)
O Come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thine advent here; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death’s dark shadows put to flight.
PRAYER: Ever living God, who strengthened your apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in your Son’s resurrection: Grant us so perfectly and without doubt to believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that our faith may never be found wanting in your sight; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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 WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE: “He who is humble easily obeys everyone, fears to offend anyone, is at peace with everyone, is kind with all.” ~ St. Thomas the Apostle
SONG FOR THE DAY – The Night I Met Jesus by Jacob Rudds
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