Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent

• First Reading – Isaiah 48:17-19: The Lord, Israel’s redeemer, promises guidance for their good. Following His commandments will bring abundant prosperity, endless descendants, and an everlasting name before Him.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 1: Blessed are those who avoid evil and cherish God’s law. Like a thriving tree, they will prosper in all they do, under God’s watchful care, unlike the fleeting way of the wicked.
• Gospel – Matthew 11:16-19: Jesus likened the current generation to children in marketplaces, discontent with any approach: they criticized John the Baptist for his asceticism, labeling him demon-possessed, and condemned Jesus for his sociability, accusing him of excess. He concluded that true wisdom is proven right by its outcomes, regardless of criticisms.

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.

Matthew 11:18-19

Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent offers lessons on listening to God’s guidance and recognizing His presence among us. The readings from Isaiah and Matthew invite us to consider how we respond to God’s teachings and messengers. We are called to open our hearts to God’s wisdom and follow His ways.

• God as Teacher: Isaiah describes God as the one who teaches us what is best for us. This reminds us to trust God’s guidance in all aspects of our lives.
• Peace through Obedience: Isaiah connects peace with following God’s commandments. When we listen to God’s ways, we find a deeper sense of peace and order.
• God’s Blessings: Isaiah speaks of the blessings that come from obeying God. Following God’s path leads to growth and fruitfulness in our lives.
• Rejection of Wisdom: In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus points out how people rejected both His message and John the Baptist’s. This shows how people often resist the truth, even when it is right in front of them.
• Open Hearts Needed: Jesus calls us to be open to God’s message. To truly follow God, we must let go of stubbornness and embrace His teachings with humility.
• Recognizing God’s Messengers: Both readings challenge us to recognize and accept those whom God sends to guide us. This means paying attention to the messengers God places in our lives, even when they do not meet our expectations.

The themes for Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent urge us to trust in God’s guidance and remain open to His messages. We are called to let go of resistance, embrace God’s wisdom, and welcome the peace that comes from following His ways.

Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent invites us to explore God’s guidance, His messengers, and the wisdom He offers. Through Isaiah’s words and Jesus’ teachings, we are reminded to be open, obedient, and ready for growth. As Advent continues, this day challenges us to seek God’s path, accept His messengers, and let His wisdom shape our lives.

Living Righteously Brings Growth

Isaiah speaks about the blessings of righteousness and fruitfulness. God promises these blessings to those who follow His commandments. This means that when we choose to live according to God’s ways, we can expect to experience positive growth in our lives. It may not always be easy, but a righteous life leads to deeper peace, stronger relationships, and a more meaningful journey of faith.

Following God’s ways requires consistent effort and trust. We need to let go of our own desires that might lead us away from God’s path. Instead, we focus on making decisions that align with His teachings, such as kindness, honesty, and humility. As we do this, we grow spiritually and make a positive impact on those around us.

The season of Advent is a reminder to re-commit to living righteously. It is a time to reflect on our actions and seek God’s help to align them with His will. As we do so, we can look forward to the blessings that come from being faithful to His guidance, knowing that growth and fruitfulness are part of His promises.

Being Open to God’s Messengers

Jesus points out how people often reject God’s messengers because they do not meet their expectations. This was true for both John the Baptist and Jesus, who were seen as different from what many people wanted or imagined. Yet, both carried God’s truth and called people to conversion. It shows that God’s ways are often surprising and challenge our preconceived ideas.

It’s easy to dismiss people who deliver difficult messages or who don’t fit our ideas of holiness. However, God often speaks to us through unexpected voices. These messengers may be friends, family members, or even strangers. The key is to remain open to God’s message, regardless of how it is presented or by whom.

Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent calls us to listen carefully and with humility. We are invited to set aside our judgments and focus on the truth being shared. God’s messengers may not always be who we expect, but their words can guide us closer to Him if we are willing to listen and learn.

Finding Wisdom in God’s Teachings

Both the first reading and the Gospel emphasize the importance of accepting God’s wisdom. Isaiah presents God as a teacher who leads His people to what is good and right. Jesus, on the other hand, highlights how some people resist wisdom, even when it is clearly shown to them. These readings remind us of the need to be open to learning and growing in our faith.

Wisdom is more than knowledge; it involves understanding and applying God’s teachings in daily life. It requires us to be humble and recognize that we do not have all the answers. By embracing God’s wisdom, we can make better choices, avoid unnecessary mistakes, and live more peacefully.

Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent encourages us to seek God’s wisdom through prayer, reading Scripture, and being open to correction. As we prepare for Jesus’ coming, we can ask God to help us understand His teachings more clearly. With an open heart and mind, we can receive the wisdom He offers and let it shape our lives for the better.

---

The reflections for Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent emphasize living righteously, welcoming God’s messengers, and embracing His wisdom. Advent is a season of preparation, calling us to grow closer to God. Let these themes inspire us to make changes that lead to peace, growth, and a deeper relationship with God.

Prayer

Lord, help me to live righteously, seek Your wisdom, and welcome Your messengers with an open heart. Guide me to follow Your path and bear good fruit. Grant me the strength to change and the courage to grow in faith. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can I embrace God’s guidance in my daily choices?
• Are there people in my life whom I might be dismissing as God’s messengers?
• What steps can I take to grow in righteousness during this Advent season?
• How open am I to learning from God’s wisdom, even when it challenges me?

Word on Fire: The Convivial Christ

In Bishop Barron’s reflection for Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent, he interprets Jesus’ life and ministry through the symbolism of sacred meals. Jesus, who began life in a manger and ended it with the Last Supper, symbolizes nourishment for a spiritually hungry world. His public ministry focused on inclusive meals, welcoming all, including sinners and outcasts, reflecting God’s desire for fellowship. This practice contrasted with perceptions of John the Baptist’s asceticism and critiques of Jesus as indulgent. Barron connects these meals to the Passover, a remembrance of liberation from slavery, embodying both the bitterness of captivity and the sweetness of freedom. The Eucharist anticipates eternal fellowship with God, existing between Christ’s death and His anticipated return.

USCCB Reflection: Sometimes You Just Can’t Win

This USCCB video reflection for Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent points out that pleasing everyone is impossible, even for Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew describes critics contrasting Jesus’ lifestyle with John the Baptist’s austerity, neither finding favor. Jesus highlights this fickleness, likening critics to children unhappy with both dancing and mourning. This passage, reflecting on wisdom vindicated by works, invites us to see God’s revelation through Jesus’ actions, including his association with sinners. This challenges our preconceptions, urging us to accept the full scope of Jesus’ message and mission, not just parts that suit our preferences. As part of Advent, it’s a call to align our expectations with God’s, embracing Jesus’ teachings in their entirety.

What date is Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent?

The next date is Friday December 13, 2024.

What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent?

The Mass readings for Friday December 13, 2024 are:
First Reading – Isaiah 48:17-19: The Lord’s Guidance and Promise
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 1: The Way of the Righteous
Gospel – Matthew 11:16-19: Unheeded Messages

What is the main message of Isaiah’s reading for Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent?

Isaiah describes God as a teacher who shows us what is best. The message is to listen to God’s guidance and follow His commandments, which lead to peace.

How does God bring peace?

God brings peace when we obey His teachings. When we follow God’s ways, we experience a more ordered and calm life, free from chaos.

What blessings are mentioned in Isaiah’s message?

Isaiah speaks of blessings like righteousness and fruitfulness. This means that following God’s ways brings positive growth and a better life.

What does Jesus mean when He says people reject wisdom in the Gospel for Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent?

Jesus points out that people often ignore God’s message, even when it is clear. It shows that sometimes people resist God’s truth because it challenges them to change.

How can we recognize God’s messengers?

God’s messengers may not always fit our expectations. We need to be open-minded and attentive to those who share God’s truth, even if they are different from what we expect.

Why is it important to be open to God’s teachings?

Being open to God’s teachings helps us grow in faith. It allows us to receive God’s wisdom and make better choices in our lives.

What does Jesus mean by comparing the people’s reaction to Him and John the Baptist?

Jesus compares their reactions to show how people criticized both Him and John for different reasons. It teaches us that God’s messengers may not always meet our personal preferences, but their message is still from God.

How can we apply these readings for Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent in our daily lives?

We can apply these readings by being more aware of God’s guidance and trying to follow His commandments. This means listening to God in prayer, reading Scripture, and being open to His messengers.

What can we learn from Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent?

We learn the importance of listening to God’s guidance, being open to His teachings, and welcoming His messengers. It reminds us that peace comes from following God’s ways.