Immersed in Christ: November 30, 2020
Monday of the First Week of Advent
Praise God for Previews
“Blessed are all who are invited to the wedding banquet of the Lamb.”
“I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with the saints at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven.”
Praise God for what will be. Every Mass is a preview of it.
In the Mass, humans are gathered together in peace and love. It is a moment of respite from the ordinary (and passing) world of tiring work under the constant threat of conflict and violence. For in the Mass, “the Lord’s glory is shelter and protection: shade from the parching heat of day, refuge and cover from storm and rain.” In the Mass we celebrate and we see the truth of what was, of what is, and what will be.
The Mass is a preview. When Jesus’ work is complete, “many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with the saints at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven.” All of redeemed humanity will be gathered around one table at the “wedding banquet of the Lamb. The Rite of Communion at Mass is a foretaste. Praise God for it.
What we praise, we will appreciate. Praise makes us aware. So sing out, listening to the words of the hymns. Listen and absorb. Praise God consciously during Mass for what you hear: “Blessed are all who are invited to the wedding banquet of the Lamb!” Trust in what you say: “Grant us peace!” Let praise set the tone of your day. Keep it up all week.
DAILY PRACTICE: Be aware. When you experience conflict, disagreements, or division, imagine yourself at Mass, united with everyone after Communion. Praise God for what will be.
ADVENT PRAYER: “Lord, grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom