photo #8839765

How many times have you told someone that they should have listened to you or been told just that? I told you so is a tough thing to hear, even when it’s not said out loud! Isaiah preached his message to the people of Judah and they wouldn’t listen and so they spent many years in exile in Babylon. All they needed to do was trust in God and follow the commandments. All we need to do is trust in God and follow the commandments. We probably think that we are following the commandments if we only stick to the letter of the law. After all, most of us don’t kill anyone. But trusting in God is often harder because we are taught to be self-reliant and independent. The basic commandment we fail in so often is not one of the ten, but the command of Jesus to love others as he has loved us. Love is a difficult task at times. We live in a world of diversity, but it doesn’t have to be divisive. Love accepts those we don’t always agree with. Jesus cured the centurion’s servant – a Roman – and the daughter of the Syrophoenician woman, and the Samaritan leper. These were not people acceptable to the Jewish leaders. And everyone was horrified that he ate with sinners, especially Zacchaeus the corrupt tax collector. Jesus didn’t ask us to love the loveable, just to love. Love produces unity and unity is what keeps us safe in the long run. Jesus prayed at the Last Supper that we all would be one; love is the way to begin.Prayer: Merciful Lord, you keep trying to tell us how to live a happy fulfilling life, and we keep closing our ears to your message. Open our ears this Advent season so that we will be better able to welcome your son on Christmas. Amen.