17 Nov • From Maccabees to Christ: God's Compassion in Israel's Repeated Story
In today's first reading, we begin the Book of Maccabees, the final chapter in Israel's repeated story of turning from and returning to God. This historical context sets the stage for the coming of Jesus, who responds not with judgment, but with profound compassion, as seen in the Gospel's blind man story. This reflection reminds us that God sees us not as a harsh judge, but desires to heal our self-inhibiting ways. Our very humanity is good enough for God to embrace, to enter our imperfections, and to save, heal, and restore us. As we approach the Feast of Christ the King and Advent, let this message fill us with burgeoning hope, declaring Christ our King once more.
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Timestamps:
0:00 Beginning the Book of Maccabees
0:17 Israel's Repeated Story: Covenant & Turning Away from God
0:39 Maccabees: The Final Chapter Before Christ's Coming
0:59 Approaching Christ the King & Advent
1:12 We Sit Like the Maccabees, Awaiting Christ
1:18 The Gospel: Jesus Encounters a Blind Man
1:29 God's Response to the Maccabees & Every Era of Israel
1:44 Jesus Sees Suffering, Comes to Them, and Says "Your Faith Has Saved You"
1:56 Setting Up for Christmas: God Sees Us Not Just as a Judge
2:13 The Goodness of Our Humanity: God Himself Puts It On
2:26 God Declares the Goodness of Humanity Face-to-Face
2:42 God Will Come to Save, Heal, and Restore
2:47 Crossing Valleys & Entering Our Imperfection Without Fear
2:55 This Causes Disciples (and Us) to Praise God
3:04 Ending Ordinary Time with Burgeoning Hope
3:08 Declare Christ Our King Once More
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