Artwork by Micah Collins

Remember, Marker on paper

THE READINGS

Psalm 45 · Isaiah 9:8-17

2 Peter 1:12-21

12 Therefore I intend to keep on reminding you of these things, though you know them already and are established in the truth that has come to you. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to refresh your memory, 14 since I know that my death will come soon, as indeed our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.

19 So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

Luke 22:39-53

39 He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. 40 When he reached the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.” 41 Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” [[43 Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. 44 In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.]] 45 When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.”

47 While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; 48 but Jesus said to him, “Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?” 49 When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, “Lord, should we strike with the sword?” 50 Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? 53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!”

MEDITATION

We need to be Reminded…

As we reach to this advent day we know that God exists and we are sinners, that our Father God sent us his beloved Son, Jesus Christ to be our Lord and Savior, and that the Holy Spirit powerfully and mysteriously accompanies us until the day of Jesus’ second coming.  On a daily basis we have the tendency to forget the fundamental facts of our faith and our commitment; that’s why we need to be reminded of these things (cf. v. 12.15). It happens because we live –spiritually speaking- in a dark world, as Jesus said to his enemies before he was unjustly condemned to die on the cross: “… but this is your hour –when darkness reigns” (Luke 22:53).

When we believe in Jesus, we know that the ‘the morning star rises in our hearts’ (2 Pe: 1:19), and we are not his enemies anymore.  Jesus is that morning star, and once he shines in our lives we become a part of the crowd of witnesses of his majesty (cf. v. 16). Being his witnesses means that we are called to be his followers in such a way that people who see us, see Jesus in us, because his life and joy are shining in all we say and in all we do.

We need to be reminded daily of this amazing truth and grace. But how will it be? Through prayer and continuous and intentional contact with the Holy Scriptures, because in them we find the very Word of God (cf. v.21), that delivers us the mercy and life of Jesus.  This is the best way to prepare ourselves for his second coming, when we will see him as victorious, gracious and righteous Judge and Savior. To him alone be praise, honor and worship, now and forever. Amen.

-Juan and Maria Marentes

PRAYER

Spend some time “remembering,” recalling to God who He is and the great things that He has done for us.