Thursday in the Second Week of Advent

Scripture Readings: Is 41:13-20; Mt. 11:11-15

Once there was an old schoolmaster who always began classes by bowing profoundly before his young students.  When asked why, he replied,   “Because among my students there may be some who will do great things for God.”  John the Baptist was such a child.

But in his greatness, John put Jesus first and himself last: “He must increase and I must decrease.” John is the perfect example of St. Bernard’s teaching on the three most important virtues, namely, humility, humility and humility!  Put God first in everything. 

G.K. Chesterton expressed it this way: “In recent years I have put my faith not in politics, but where it belongs, in God. I have been far more joyful and peaceful.”

 

Thursday in the Second Week of Advent

[Scripture Readings: Is 41:13-20; Mt 11:11-15]

Once there was an old schoolmaster who always began classes by bowing profoundly before his young students. When asked why, he replied, “Because among my students there may be some who will do great things for God.” John the Baptist was such a child, but his greatness was not apparent to those who saw him clothed in rags, and imprisoned in King Herod's dungeon.

Our Fr. Francis who died at age 91, did not appear to be a great man either. He was worn out by old age, almost deaf, and a bit eccentric. But during the past week since his death we have been receiving phone calls, e-mail messages, and visits from those who had witnessed the great things he did for God during his 45 years in diocesan ministry. Many are calling him a saint.

It is a beautiful grace to reverence everyone, not because of appearances, but because we are all called to be saints, and to do great things for God, even you.