Tuesday of the First Week of Advent

Reflection Questions

"Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid;  The calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them."  When have you seen peace between two people or groups that typically don't get along?  What was the change that brought it about and where was God in it?  Can you think when you saw a child show wisdom through their innocence?

"Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever."  What do you consider God's justice to be?  How does it look different than our human understanding of "justice"?  Does peace always flow out of justice or only out of God's justice?

"...for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike."  How often has a childlike perspective helped us see things in a new, fresh light?  What is it about being childlike that helps us see the hidden things that God might have placed in our lives?  What is the difference between being childlike and being childish?

"Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.  For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it."  When has there been a time when we have missed the things God given us?  How can we be more aware and attentive to God's voice to us this Advent season?

Prayer
God of justice and peace, we pray that we may have the eyes to see and eyes to hear the beauty You place in our lives every day.  May we be always aware of Your loving presence in our lives and may we be open to receiving the many gifts You give us each day.  Help us be instruments of Your peace and justice and be attentive to those who are poor and suffering around us.  Give us the wisdom of a childlike heart as we continue to prepare for Your coming anew this Advent. May Your justice flourish and the fullness of Your peace be upon us! 

Scripture
First Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
Gospel: Luke 10:21-24

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website