Personal awareness: if I do not see in myself or the life of someone near or dear to me -- a relative, a friend, an acquaintance -- personal needs brought about by failures or losses, how can I truly understand the wonder of God's kingdom? Perhaps the excessive wealth many have enjoyed -- until recent times -- has blinded many of the followers of Jesus. Perhaps the true character of his house, his mountain has been overlooked. Indeed the "sprout from the stump of Jesse" that has blossomed for humankind has lost its attraction in our world.
In the gospel today, St. Luke expresses a reality that we might consider. The gifts of the Holy Spirit in life have been lost. They no longer draw some to know well the presence of God in our day-to-day moments. To his followers, to those who have a genuine yearning for an experience of the love of God, he has given his blessings.
But there are many, not just "prophets or kings" who do not see, who do not hear. They desire to hear, to see God but have become caught by idols they have created for themselves.
Come to the Holy Spirit in these Advent days of waiting. Come and seek to discover if the Lord we await is truly meaningful to us as we consider God's house and mountain that is before us.
Just for a moment try to imagine what your life would be if Isaiah's words were a part of your prayer each day:
There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the Lord, as water covers the sea. What would life be if it were "filled with the knowledge of the Lord as water covers the sea?"
