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Today's Gospel: Matthew 17: 9A, 10-13

We have all heard before, our preparation for the coming of Christ should not only be the work of Advent. I am neither the first person to share this brilliant revelation nor the last, so why are more people not heading these words?

God sends messengers such as Elijah, John the Baptist, and of course angels to alert us to prepare our hearts and souls for the coming of Christ, to the presence of God, to repentance, and to be ready to receive Him in our present life and in His coming. Yet, again and again we ignore these messages. Are we oblivious to exactly what we are being asked, or are we boldly defiant?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks not only of our ignorance but our arrogance. Elijah came and “they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased.” Furthermore, John the Baptist came and they thought him crazy and then beheaded him. Jesus himself was mocked, beaten, and crucified. The prophecies that should have led to preparation -- did not. What were they waiting for? What would have convinced them that the messengers were speaking truth, or that the man standing before them, Jesus of Nazareth, was truly the Messiah? How about us?

Ponder:

As I prepare for Christmas, as I shop, send cards, wrap gifts and decorate my house, how am I preparing myself for the coming of Christ? I do not wish to be ignorant nor arrogant, as those who first heard of Jesus’ coming. What am I including in my preparations, especially with my children, to teach them how to prepare their hearts and spiritual homes for the coming of Christ?

Pray:

Jesus, as I prepare my house and heart for the coming of Christmas, I pray for the courage to believe that you are present with us today and that you will come again. I pray for the fortitude to keep you in the center of my family’s Christmas, despite all the pressure of the world around me. I pray to be among those who recognize you and do what pleases you. I pray to be ready and aware, this day and every day. Amen.

Copyright 2014 Allison Gingras