Tuesday, December 16, 2014



Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent

(Zephaniah 3:1-2.9-13; Matthew 21:29-32)

The young woman wrote of her conversion.  While in the marines, she led a promiscuous life.  Then she changed.  She embraced the faith of her childhood and now lives it in both letter and spirit.  She experienced a conversion of the type that both readings today relate. 

The prophet Zephaniah speaks of a people who have been purged of braggarts.  They sit humble and lowly knowing both their sins and God’s forgiveness.  In the gospel Jesus mentions the marvelous conversions that John the Baptist has made.  Even prostitutes have changed their ways because of John’s preaching.

As we await the coming of the Messiah, we look for such profound change in our midst.  We must remember that it does not necessarily take place in one great step.  Rather, very often such a change is gradual and incremental.  In any case, it deserves our support and consideration.  We should be asking ourselves how we might similarly advance in virtue so to welcome the Lord.