Advent and Christmas Wisdom with St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787))
22 December
The sorrow that the ingratitude of humankind has caused Jesus
“Consider that Saint Francis of Assisi, during the days of the holy Nativity, went about the highways and woods with sighs and tears and inconsolable lamentations. When asked the reason, he responded, “Why should I not weep when I see that love is not loved! I see a God who became human for the love of humanity and humanity that is ungrateful to this God.” Now, if this ingratitude caused so much sorrow in the heart of St Francis, consider how much more it must have afflicted the heart of Jesus Christ. The loving infant does not deserve this response. He came from heaven to suffer and die for us, so that we might love Him. How can we remain ungrateful?
O my Jesus, I love You and will always love You. Inflame my heart every day with the memory of Your love for me. Mary, my mother, help me to live a life grateful to God, who has loved me, even after I have so greatly offended Him.”
Scripture
“…For he who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is his name.”…Luke 1:49
Prayer
O KING OF ALL NATIONS and keystone of the Church come and save man, whom You formed from the dust!
Advent Action “The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” Mary looks back to the beginning of her song, where she said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. Only that soul for whom the Lord in His love does great things can proclaim His greatness with fitting praise and encourage those who share her desire and purpose, saying – ‘join with me in proclaiming the greatness of the Lord, let us extol His name together.'”…St Bede the Venerable (673-735) – Father & Doctor
Have you ever been overcome by the goodness of God? Today’s Scripture presents the images of Hannah and Mary, who are both overcome by God’s goodness. Lord, today, I too want to join Your mother in her hymn of thanksgiving. On the threshold of Christmas, this is the best prayer that we humans can raise to the Almighty God. Let us make this song our own – our continual song of gratitude! Together with Mary, let us rejoice for the fulfilment of the promise of which You, already in her womb, are the fruit and proof. Lord, make us too partners in the revolution that You begin, with Your incarnation – the revolution that pulls down the mighty and exalts the poor and the powerless.
(via Advent and Christmas Wisdom with St Alphonsus Liguori - 22 December)