Memorial of Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Today's Readings

Today, we are reminded by the words of the Prophet Isaiah in our first reading that states, “They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagle’s wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.” In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 11, verses 28-30, we read, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” These readings today remind us that we can rely on our Lord and Savior for His strength so that we may find rest in Him, knowing that He has everything under control that we give to Him.

With the birth of the child Jesus coming soon, may we be reminded of the verse in today’s Gospel Acclamation that reads, “Behold, the Lord comes to save his people; blessed are those prepared to meet him.” In the same way that all final exams and final assignments are coming up and require much preparation for good grades as the college semester soon ends, we are expected as disciples of the Lord to prepare our hearts and quiet our minds, and to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ that has allowed for the Kingdom of Heaven to be opened for us as His followers, saving us from our sins. We are reminded from today’s Gospel Acclamation verse that regardless of whether we are ready, our Savior will be born into the world. In the same way then that we prepare for our final exams to feel ready for them when they come, we must prepare our hearts for the coming of the child Jesus into the world. May we do this with joy this Advent season, as the theme for this coming Sunday which is represented when we light the rose-colored candle on the Advent wreath, so that we may feel prepared when the Lord comes and be called ‘Blessed’ as today’s Gospel Acclamation verse promises us.

Daniel Cutrone, SFC '24