Advent is for making a stand in Christ

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The Lord Is My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Friday, Memorial of St. Lucy, Virgin & Martyr, 13 December 2024
Isaiah 48:17-19     <*[[[[><  +  ><]]]]'>     Matthew 11:16-19

Forgive us, Jesus,
in refusing to make a stand in you,
for being blind in recognizing you
among our brethren,
for being deaf to your words and
dictates within us to be true and just,
for being afraid of sufferings
and discomfort,
for choosing to be always in control:
let us learn from you, Lord,
about what is good and where we 
must go (Isaiah 48:17).

Many of us have become
indifferent in this age so divided
by so many labels and ideologies,
thinking it is making a stand 
to be in the middle,
to be blind and deaf and mute
than dare to witness what is
true and just.

Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’” (Matthew 11:16-17)

Grant us the courage of St. Lucia,
who at a very young age
stood for you, Jesus,
for your gospel,
for what is true and good and just;
enlighten our minds and hearts to
seek and follow you always,
 even to the Cross!
Amen.