Jesus Emmanuel

December 23 Tuesday the Fourth Week

MALACHY 3: 1-4, 23-24; LUKE 1:46-56.

Click here for the complete text of today’s readings.

What are you waiting for?   

The Jews were waiting for Elijah, the violent prophet (1Kings 18:40) who would “prepare the way” for the Messiah. Jesus said John was he (Matthew 17:10). But now “His name is John” – yohanan: “Yahweh is gracious.” Kind. Merciful.

John could be tough (Matthew 3:1). But he announced Jesus: the incarnate kindness of God: “God-with-us,” Emmanuel:

When the loving kindness of our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of [our] works of righteousness, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit (Titus 2:4).

Jesus saves by acceptance. Accepting us as we are, with all our sins. Accepting death at our hands and “loving back.” Accepting our inconsistent efforts to serve him. Accepting our doubting faith, our hesitant hope, our limited love. Accepting to be “with us” until the end of time. Emmanuel.

Jesus is always available. And accessible. To talk to in our hearts. To listen to in the Bible. To experience in other people. To encounter in the sacrament of Reconciliation. To unite ourselves to in Eucharist. Waiting for us.

“Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.”

So what are you waiting for? Jesus is near. Go to him.

Pray constantly: 

“To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. Show me your steadfast love”(see Psalm 143:8).

Practice: 

Go to Jesus in every need.