Immaculata University Advent Reflection Booklet

What can I say about the people that live today? What are theylike? The people today are like children sitting in the marketplace.One group of children calls to the other group, “We played flutemusic for you, but you did not dance; we sang a sad song, but youwere not sad.” Because John came, and he did not eat (like otherpeople) or drink wine. And people say, “He has a demon insidehim.” The Son of Man came eating and drinking wine, and peoplesay, “Look at him! He eats too much and drinks too much wine.He is a friend of tax collectors and other bad people.” But wisdomis shown to be right by the things it does.Would we have recognized the Messiah if we had been there with himthat day? Would we have recognized John as the “new” Elijah. The socalledspiritual leaders of Jesus’ time were spiritually dull and slow to hearGod’s voice. They were totally indifferent to the appeal of God whetherit came in one way (from John) or another (from Jesus).Would we be liken to those who are guilty of listening to the Gospeltruth and, like children, have mindless back-and forth squabbling witheach other about their meaning or their messenger? Sadly, our age ismarked by indifference in regards to the things of God. Even churchescan forget their purpose and pamper to their congregations with an entertainmentmentality that leads to biblical ignorance.The message of God is simple in that God’s love and grace is extendedto all who will simply believe that our Messiah has come and has paid theprice for our salvation! If we believe in Him and follow Him, live ourlives for Him, and share his grace to all, then we will be proving that wisdomis shown to be the Way of life.Heavenly Father, open our ears to hear the good news of Your Kingdom and set ourhearts free to willingly love and serve You. Give us receptive and believing hearts thatwe may delight in Your Word and live our lives in tune with Jesus’ simple message ofhope and salvation. AmenElisa DingerOffice of the Dean, CUSDecember 9, 2011Second Friday of Advent