Nov 29.pub

Isaiah 54:1-10

Psalm 30:2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12A and 13B

Luke 7:24-30

Summary

In the first reading we have a host of examples of how our God takes pity on

God's people showering them with mercy.

In the gospel Jesus speaks to the crowds about his cousin John. Jesus makes

reference to those baptized by John.

Reflection

I have a confession. I don't like to floss. Every time I see my dental hygienist

and dentist I tell them that I floss more than I do. Pretty silly. Why don't I

just floss? I'm just old enough that flossing wasn't part of my upbringing and

it's never become habit. So what does this have to do about today's gospel?

The Pharisees and the scholars of the law were at odds with John the Baptist.

John had quite a following of people who were looking for his kind of spiritu-

ality. Luke spends a great number of words describing the simplicity of

John's life. John preached about forgiveness of sins as a way to show right-

eousness with God. But the leadership of the time were accustomed to the

righteousness that they were taught. They liked it the way it was. And now

Jesus is telling the crowd that John is a prophet, forerunner of Jesus, the

greatest human being. John's message would require them to re-examine

their lives. The leadership would have to look at things differently. That can

be very uncomfortable.

The Pharisees like me, like at the old way, the comfortable way. Jesus came

to make the comfortable uncomfortable and the uncomfortable-- he has a

special place for them.

Where am I called to be uncomfortable, be-

sides flossing? At this season being less mate-

rialistic and more prayerful is ideal. Like most

Americans I enjoy the hustle and bustle of

the holiday season. I enjoy making cookies,

wrapping gifts, and visiting with family and