Daily Mass Readings 12/02/2014 or P.D.O. Productions Presents, The Twelve Apostles; A One Man Show!

"Turning to the disciples in private he said,
“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.
For I say to you,
many prophets and kings desired to see what you see,
but did not see it,
and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.” -Luke 10:21-24

12/02/2014 Tuesday of the First Week of Advent

Jesus was telling his disciples that they were witnessing world changing history. They had front row seats to the prophecies that had been anticipated for thousands of years among their people. But in a lot of ways, his words fell on deaf ears with them. You see, even though the disciples believed that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah, even their group was subject to some of the same human frailties that we see today.

We hear stories about ambitious disciples jockeying for position around Jesus when he would take his throne as king. I have no doubt that there was gossiping and private conversations behind Jesus' back questioning his leadership in moments of doubt. We hear of an over-zealous Peter cutting off the ear of one of the guards sent to arrest Jesus. And of course, there is Judas' ultimate betrayal in the garden for thirty pieces of silver.

As we prepare our hearts for the baby of Bethlehem's arrival at Christmas, let's use this Advent to clear out the same junk that plagued these disciples. I know I have been every one of them at one time or another. I have tried to exult myself like the brothers jockeying for their place by the throne. I have had conversations that I would not have had if they were face to face with the person I was talking about. I have been so zealous in my defense of the faith that I have injured others. And every time I willingly choose sin I betray Christ. I have a good friend who told me one day that we are the scourging pillar; our sins are the stripes on his back. My friend is very well read so I apologize if he read it somewhere and I missed a footnote, but as far as I'm concerned, I heard it from him. But in those moments of sin we betray Jesus many more times than Judas.

So I will try to be child like and innocent in my belief without the grown-up jealousy, envy, greed and pride. I will enjoy the season for its own sake and savor every moment I can. You try as well, and let me know how it goes.

God Bless,
P.D.O.