Memorial of St. Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Isaiah today: The Lord will give you the bread you need and the water for which you thirst.
No longer will your Teacher hide himself, but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher,
Jesus sends out his apostles: “Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”
The Lord provides, “the bread you need, and the water for which you thirst.” The season of Advent celebrates this Savior who saw the crowds in need “like sheep without a shepherd” and brings healing, comfort, hope, forgiveness. For whatever we hunger, or thirst, or seek, we turn to the Lord who comes and who give us hope.
One of the great hymns of Advent, Wake O Wake and Sleep no longer, calls us to be alert to the coming of the Lord—Come Lord, Save your people.
Wake, O wake, and sleep no longer,
For he who calls you is no stranger.
Awake, God’s own Jerusalem!
Hear, the midnight bells are chiming.
The signal for his royal coming.
Let voice to voice announce his name!
We feel his footsteps near,
The Bridegroom at the door–
Alleluia!
The lamps will shine with light divine
As Christ the savior comes to reign.
(Philipp Nicolai, 16th century)
Reflection by Fr. Peter Ullrich, OSB
Posted in Articles for Advent, Articles for Advent, Daily Reflections