Reflections for Sunday, December 11, 2016, Third Sunday of Advent
Meditation and Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
Mass Readings:
1st Reading: Isaiah 35:1-6, 10
2nd Reading: James 5:7-10
Responsorial: Psalm 146:6-10 Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11
Activating Your Spiritual Instincts
They will see the glory of the Lord. (Isaiah 35:2)
Do you want to see “the glory of the Lord” this Advent? Of course you do! One of the ways to find this “glory” is by activating our spiritual instincts. We were all born with these instincts, and it’s something that the Holy Spirit wants to bring to life in us every day. While we have many instincts, let’s focus on just two of them.
First, we all have aesthetic instincts. Aesthetic instincts help us appreciate a beautiful work of art or the majesty of a snowcapped mountain peak. During Advent, we can ask the Spirit to help us see the beauty in that dank and unwelcoming manger. Picture the manger scene, and see what happens as you dwell on the baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Second, we have contemplative instincts—instincts that come alive when we focus on a work of God. Do you remember how Mary pondered and treasured everything that happened when Jesus was born (Luke 2:19, 51)? When we ponder God’s word, perhaps in the Christmas stories in Matthew or Luke’s Gospels, our spiritual instincts will come alive, and the Holy Spirit will give us new insights into his love for us.
When you receive the Eucharist today, imagine yourself at the manger. Then pray, “Lord, show me your glory.” If you feel a sense of happiness or a desire to bow down and thank God or an impulse to reach out to someone who is hurting, take this as a sign that the Holy Spirit is enlivening your spiritual instincts.
As these instincts come to life, they will influence the way you think and act. You’ll find yourself becoming more loving, more forgiving, and more peaceful—especially in difficult times. God wants all his people to look to him and have their instincts awakened. And that includes you!
“Holy Spirit, come and bring my spiritual instincts to life. Lord, I want to see your glory!”
Questions for Reflection or Discussion:
1. In the first reading, we hear these prophetic words about the coming of the Jewish Messiah who will: “Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God; he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing.”
• In what ways did the Lord Jesus fulfill these prophetic words?
• Do you see yourself as one of those who the promised Messiah has strengthened and healed? In what ways?
2. The first reading ends with these words: “Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy; they will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.” These words tell how the Israelites will rejoice over the salvation God will bring them.
• Every time we receive the Eucharist, Jesus reveals himself to us. Why is that a cause for us to rejoice in the Lord at Mass?
3. Similar to the first reading, the responsorial psalm describes our Lord’s actions on behalf of the oppressed, hungry, captives, blind, strangers, fatherless, and widows.
• As Christ’s disciple, are there any of these that the Lord is asking you to serve during and after Advent? What about this week?
4. The second reading begins as follows: “Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord.”
• Do you tend to turn to the Lord for help, wisdom, and guidance when problems arise or do you often just rush ahead yourself?
• What can you do to be more patient in responding to situations, and to be more open and sensitive to the Lord’s leading?
5. St. James also tells us not to complain or be judgmental.
• How often do you fall into one of these categories during the day?
• What steps can you take to improve in taking “captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5)?
6. The Gospel reading opens with these words: “When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?’” In response, Jesus tells John’s disciples that he is the one who has fulfilled all the messianic promises, including those described in the first reading and responsorial psalm.
• If you were asked why you believe that Jesus is the Messiah sent by God to heal us and set us free from sin and death, how would you answer?
7. The meditation begins with these words: “Do you want to see ‘the glory of the Lord’ this Advent? Of course you do! One of the ways to find this ‘glory’ is by activating our spiritual instincts. We were all born with these instincts, and it’s something that the Holy Spirit wants to bring to life in us every day.” The meditation goes on to describe two types of spiritual instincts, aesthetic and contemplative. It ends with these words: “As these instincts come to life, they will influence the way you think and act. You’ll find yourself becoming more loving, more forgiving, and more peaceful—especially in difficult times. God wants all his people to look to him and have their instincts awakened. And that includes you!”
• What are some additional steps you can take in the remaining weeks of Advent to activate your spiritual instincts, especially prior to and during Mass and in prayer?
8. Take some time now to pray and ask the Holy Spirit for the grace to make your spiritual instincts a greater reality in your life. Use the prayer below from the end of the meditation as a starting point
“Holy Spirit, come and bring my spiritual instincts to life. Lord, I want to see your glory!”
