OXYGEN

09 Dec – Memorial for St John Diego, Hermit

John (1474-1548) was born an impoverished free man in a strongly class-conscious society. He was a farm worker, a field labourer, and a mat maker. He became a married layman with no children. Even as a pagan, he was a mystical and religious man and became an adult convert to Christianity at around age 50, taking the name Juan Diego. He was widowed in 1529.

He was a visionary to whom the Virgin Mary appeared at Guadalupe on 9 December 1531, leaving him the image known as Our Lady of Guadalupe. On 20 December 2001, a second miracle attributed to Juan Diego’s intervention was decreed by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and was approved by Pope John Paul II. He was canonized on 31 July 2002.

- Patron Saint Index
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Isaiah 40:25-31

‘To whom could you liken me
and who could be my equal?’ says the Holy One.
Lift your eyes and look.
Who made these stars
if not he who drills them like an army,
calling each one by name?
So mighty is his power, so great his strength,
that not one fails to answer.

How can you say, Jacob,
how can you insist, Israel,
‘My destiny is hidden from the Lord,
my rights are ignored by my God’?
Did you not know?
Had you not heard?

The Lord is an everlasting God,
he created the boundaries of the earth.
He does not grow tired or weary,
his understanding is beyond fathoming.
He gives strength to the wearied,
he strengthens the powerless.
Young men may grow tired and weary,
youths may stumble,
but those who hope in the Lord renew their strength,
they put out wings like eagles.
They run and do not grow weary,
walk and never tire.
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Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus exclaimed, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’
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They run and do not grow weary, walk and never tire.

The story of Job is perhaps one of the more famous ones of the Bible, especially since it is about the suffering of a righteous man. It is a timeless tale that would appeal to everyone, since suffering is a part of our human lives. The remarkable thing about the story is that even in the face of extreme personal circumstances Job does not become resentful and turn his back on God. In the end, he is rewarded for his faith amidst his trials.

In the first reading of today, the Israelites are greatly discouraged by their state of exile, feeling that God has abandoned them. They are reminded that God is omnipotent, all-knowing, and an eternal source of strength and support. With such confidence, “they that hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).

The message of Advent is one of hope. Hope always involves a certain amount of waiting. Even when the situation appears bleak and hopeless, our God is a God of wonders, and nothing is impossible for Him. Take Mother Teresa for example. For someone who wrote that she did not experience God’s presence for the last half of her life, her life and work is an inspiration and example of hope indeed.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Edith Koh)
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Prayer: Lord Jesus, the burdens of life often make us weary. Help us to find our rest in Your loving arms.

Thanksgiving: Thank You, Lord, for the encouragement and spiritual nourishment that Your word gives us.

Upcoming Readings:
Thu, 10 Dec – Isaiah 41:13-20; Matthew 11:11-15
Fri, 11 Dec – Isaiah 48:17-19; Matthew 11:16-19; Memorial for Damascus I, Pope
Sat, 12 Dec – Zechariah 2:14-17; Luke 1:26-38; Memorial for Our Lady of Guadalupe
Sun, 13 Dec – Zephaniah 3:14-18; Philippians 4:4-7; Matthew 11:16-19; Third Sunday of Advent