Virtual Retreat

Daily scriptural reflections by Fr. Rory Pitstick, SSL from Immaculate Heart Retreat Center in Spokane, WA
Also available via daily email

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Daily Retreat 12/18/08

2008 Dec 18 Thu: Advent Weekday (O Adonai)
Jer 23:5-8; Ps 71(72):1-2,12-13,18-19; Mt 1:18-25

From today’s readings:
“Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David....  Justice shall flourish in His time, and fullness of peace for ever....  Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home....”

O Adonai!

An Historical and Prayerful Perspective

Jesus was an historical person, but our preparation and celebration of His historical birth is much more than a mere historical commemoration or even re-enactment.  Our celebration of His birth is enshrined in thanksgiving for His present presence, and our celebration is additionally gilded in anticipation of His future presence, which will be even more intense.   This was the Lord’s message through Jeremiah’s prophecy that instead of merely focusing on what God had done in the past (such as the liberation from the slavery of Egypt), the Lord’s chosen people would also come to celebrate His present and even future mercy.

As Christmas draws ever nearer, this is the time to make sure our festivities in honor of our Sacred Lord are three-dimensional, reflecting an awareness of the loving and merciful presence in the past, present, and future of our sacred Lord.