+ 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 and conspiring – 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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