Daily HOMILY for December 4, 2013: Wednesday of 1st Week of Advent, Cycle A

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In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute.  Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more:  https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/

Wed 1^st Week of Advent

St. Luke Institute

December 4, 2013

THE LORD WILL PROVIDE… ++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  As a minister of the Gospel, have you ever told someone, “Don’t worry, the Lord will provide?”

Ø  According to Isaiah, the way the Lord will provide is seen as the day the hand of the Lord rests on the mountain

Ø  This prophecy is fulfilled in Matthew when Jesus becomes the hand of the Lord, healing and feeding those who join him on the mountain

Ø  Yes, the Lord provides

… ON THE MOUNTAIN… ++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  The mountain imagery in this reading is of a physical place that requires effort and strength to climb

Ø  We know that In the act of climbing, movement forward is an upward motion

Ø  Anyone not physically fit definitely needs assistance to make this upward journey

Ø  This physical journey up the mountain can highlight a physical need, such as the healing of an illness or a psychological need such as regaining self-esteem

… OF OUR HEART… ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  If we use the mountain as a symbol of our inner life, we find that our heart can be a holy mountain

Ø  The mountain of our heart we need to climb may be (1) Our struggles with relationships, (2) Our fear about the future, or (3) Our worrying about the present

Ø  I have witnessed mothers who comfort their distressed infants by placing a hand on their heart to calm them

Ø  Our troubles can be stacked so high on our heart that we believe they are insurmountable

Ø  At such times it is important to realize that we cannot rise above troubles without someone’s assistance  

CONCLUSION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  We become living examples of the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy when we allow Jesus to lay his hand upon our heart (1) To heal us, (2) To comfort us, and (3) To feed us

Ø  Yes, the Lord will provide and continues to do so

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++