+ Jesus was perhaps the first to
use the familiar phrase “The proof is in the pudding” although
he put it in other terms: But wisdom is
vindicated by her works. There can be crafty and well-intentioned arguments
on both sides of any issue, but the proof is in the reality behind the arguing,
the crafting, even the conniving – the proof is in the degree of resemblance
any situation or person has to the love which is God. In the first reading
today from the Prophet Isaiah, God tells his people to resemble his love, act
and speak out of true love for one another, so that prosperity could abound for
them – for this is God’s command – not a harsh or unreasonable command, but one
emanating from his love and his peace which he wants everyone to experience!
But the people over and over again, down to our own day, first agree, but then
disagree and disobey with this commandment (this request of love); and God was
forced to use his last resort card: his only Son, Jesus, sent to enflesh and
demonstrate this attitude, this commandment, this love in person. And the Word became flesh and was born on
Christmas Day.
May we
reflect in our lives today the fact that we need not be obsessively demanding
people – arguing incessantly over the theology and philosophy of religion (or
anything else) – but may we simply enjoy our status as God’s loved, favored,
chosen sons and daughters who belong to an incredible worldwide and heavenly
family of grace and peace!
The Lord (our Brother) will come; let us
go out to meet him! He is the prince of peace.
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