Rejoice

12-12-2021Weekly Reflection© J. S. Paluch Company

The prophetic writings we hear in today’s scriptures call us to rejoice and celebrate the goodness ofGod. Zephaniah, Isaiah, Saint Paul, and John theBaptist in Luke’s Gospel all follow the rich tradition of the Biblical prophets, a tradition that reachesfull expression in Jesus. The prophets warn that human failings have truly disastrous consequences.

All are summoned to repent, and to change theirlives. Today we hear the Good News that God’sgracious love exceeds and overcomes all humancorruption. God has not given up on us. Indeed,God keeps pursuing us, and eagerly seeks to reconcile with us. God’s initiative to set the world arightculminates with Jesus, whose coming John the Baptist announces. John’s prophetic message summonsus to join in God’s reconciling work, by living generously and justly in our daily lives. As we rejoicein God’s grace, we then extend the fruits of thisgrace to all.