Liberation and Love

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to reflect on our response to the need in our community for the Hebrew understanding, of “go’el” and the bravery of the Baptist to call for transformation.

Voice in the Wilderness

The Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah proclaims The Liberator of Israel.

* [41:14] Redeemer: in Hebrew, go’el, one who frees others from slavery and avenges their sufferings; cf. Lv 25:48; Dt 19:6, 12. Cf. note on Ru 2:20. (“Isaiah, CHAPTER 41 | USCCB,” n.d.)

Psalm 145 declares God’s mighty acts show forth divine kingship.

* [Psalm 145] A hymn in acrostic form; every verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Acrostic poems usually do not develop ideas but consist rather of loosely connected statements. The singer invites all to praise God (Ps 145:1–3, 21). The “works of God” make God present and invite human praise (Ps 145:4–7); they climax in a confession (Ps 145:8–9). God’s mighty acts show forth divine kingship (Ps 145:10–20), a major theme in the literature of early Judaism and in Christianity. (“Psalms, PSALM 145 | USCCB,” n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew declares Jesus’ Testimony to John.*

* [11:11] John’s preeminent greatness lies in his function of announcing the imminence of the kingdom (Mt 3:1). But to be in the kingdom is so great a privilege that the least who has it is greater than the Baptist.

* [11:12] The meaning of this difficult saying is probably that the opponents of Jesus are trying to prevent people from accepting the kingdom and to snatch it away from those who have received it.

* [11:13] All the prophets and the law: Matthew inverts the usual order, “law and prophets,” and says that both have prophesied. This emphasis on the prophetic character of the law points to its fulfillment in the teaching of Jesus and to the transitory nature of some of its commandments (see note on Mt 5:17–20). (“Matthew, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB,” n.d.)

As a mother (and grandmother/great-grandmother), Nancy Shirley wonders what Mary thought about her future.

Those of us who are parents remember how many questions arose as we first thought about our children’s futures. Even before we saw their beautiful, wrinkled faces, we anticipated. Who would they look like? Will they be healthy? What will they be when they grow up? Did Mary deal with that myriad of questions? Did Mary have any idea of her baby’s future? Did she know the sacrifice He would make for us? So many questions in my mind of how a young, innocent girl could take on this enormous responsibility seemingly without anxiety, rather with a pure, open heart. There is only one explanation: unwavering FAITH! The same unwavering Faith that John demonstrated throughout his ministry and the same Faith that we are challenged to embrace not only during Advent but every day of our lives.

This song represents the essence of Mary so clearly that I must have it here for a December reflection: Hail Mary, Gentle Woman

Since we are close to the Nativity, I have to include my favorite version of Mary, Did You Know? It captures the many questions we have as parents about our children’s future in the unique circumstances Mary faced. (Shirley, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes The Kingdom of Heaven, by Hilary of Poitiers (315-367 AD)

"What violence (Matthew 11:12)? People did not believe in John the Baptist. The works of Christ were held to be of no importance. His torment on the cross was a stumbling block. 'Until now' prophecy has been dormant. But now the law is fulfilled. Every prediction is finished. The spirit of Elijah is sent in advance through John's words. Christ is proclaimed to some and acknowledged by others. He is born for some and loved by others. The violent irony is that his own people rejected him, while strangers accepted him. His own people speak ill of him, while his enemies embrace him. The act of adoption offers an inheritance, while the family rejects it. Sons refuse to accept their father's last will, while the slaves of the household receive it. This is what is meant by the phrase 'the kingdom of heaven suffers violence' (Matthew 11:12). Earlier expectations are being torn apart. The glory that was pledged to Israel by the patriarchs, which was announced by the prophets and which was offered by Christ, is now being seized and carried off by the Gentiles, through their faith." (excerpt from the commentary ON MATTHEW 11.7) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Isaiah 41:13-20 comments that the Israelites felt weak, hardly the kind of people who could “thresh the mountains and crush them” (41:15). But God promised to strengthen them for the journey back home.

That all may see and know, observe and understand, That the hand of the Lord has done this (43:20). Finally, know that as he refreshes you, God will also make you into a living witness to his love, just as the Israelites were. When people see you, they will see God’s own presence and strength and goodness!

“Lord, you are my help, my strength, my source of life. I put my trust in you.” (“Meditation on Isaiah 41:13-20,” 2025)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the continuation in Second Isaiah of the Lord speaking to the whole Israel that the Lord will redeem them. This message is usually in the third person but here the first person indicates intimate involvement of God in their rescue. Friar Jude notes the role of John the Baptist, the new Elijah, who functions to bring people back to God by preparing people for the Messiah like Elijah did for the Day of the Lord.

Fr. Mike Schmitz notes how Felix remained unmoved by Paul's teaching despite being compelled by it initially, showing us that unless we act on what we believe, there is no change. As we begin reading St.Paul's letter to the Galatians today, Fr. Mike highlights Paul's explanation of the role of Jewish law in the Age of the Church, clarifying that through baptism, we are all one in Christ and heirs to the promises of the Father regardless of our backgrounds.

James Finley considers how a dark night can transform our humanity and introduces spiritual director Therese DesCamp who has witnessed within herself an ongoing desire to serve others, even in the midst of a dark night.

But if I’m experiencing a dark night, I will still be able to see the humorous side of life. I will be capable of laughter. I may feel deeply the sadness, confusion, and horror of these times—and I may not expect things to get much better. But I can laugh, and most often at myself. I take myself lightly.

Even more clearly, I will be capable of compassion. The dark night does not reduce our capacity to care for others. Rather, it increases that capacity. In fact, some days, caring for others may be the only thing that relieves the suffering of having lost my bearings.

Dark nights don’t involve a diminution of self, but rather a shift in focus away from the ego and onto others. I may no longer have the consolation of feeling like I’m a good person or experiencing the closeness to the “God” that I used to know so intimately. But daily life will be filled with the awareness of the preciousness of all life…. The dark night heightens our connections to all living beings. In a dark night, I feel deeply the sorrow—as well as the joy—of the other. It may be dark in here, but it’s full of love. [2] (Finley, n.d.)

Father David Gierlach offers an Advent Sermon on John the Baptist and the “refining fire of compassion”.

We seek the enlightenment of the Spirit as we apply our Baptismal Anointing as priest, prophet, and leader to our actions to heal and console as spiritual heirs to Jesus Way.

References

Finley, J. (n.d.). Becoming Light for Others. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved December 11, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/becoming-light-for-others/ 

Isaiah, CHAPTER 41 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 11, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/41?13 

Matthew, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 11, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/11?11 

Meditation on Isaiah 41:13-20. (2025, December 11). Word Among Us. https://wau.org/meditations/2025/12/11/1443671/ 

Psalms, PSALM 145 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 11, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/145?1 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). He Is Elijah Who Is to Come. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved December 11, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Shirley, N. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved December 11, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-december-11-2025 

Custom Yoke of Love

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today remind us of the human folly of reluctance to seek help, especially for our spiritual needs.

Yoked for Support

The Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah proclaims the Promise of Salvation.

* [40:1–55:13] Chapters 40–55 are usually designated Second Isaiah (or Deutero-Isaiah) and are believed to have been written by an anonymous prophet toward the end of the Babylonian exile…

 

* [40:26] Created: see note on Gn 1:1–2:3. By name: for he is their Creator.

* [40:27–28] The exiles, here called Jacob-Israel (Gn 32:29), must not give way to discouragement: their Lord is the eternal God. (“Isaiah, CHAPTER 40 | USCCB,” n.d.)

Psalm 103 praises God for personal benefits and mercy toward all the people.

 

* [Psalm 103] The speaker in this hymn begins by praising God for personal benefits (Ps 103:1–5), then moves on to God’s mercy toward all the people (Ps 103:6–18). Even sin cannot destroy that mercy (Ps 103:11–13), for the eternal God is well aware of the people’s human fragility (Ps 103:14–18). The psalmist invites the heavenly beings to join in praise (Ps 103:19–22). (“Psalms, PSALM 103 | USCCB,” n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew proclaims The Gentle Mastery of Christ.

* [11:28–29] These verses are peculiar to Matthew and are similar to Ben Sirach’s invitation to learn wisdom and submit to her yoke (Sir 51:23, 26).

* [11:28] Who labor and are burdened: burdened by the law as expounded by the scribes and Pharisees (Mt 23:4).

* [11:29] In place of the yoke of the law, complicated by scribal interpretation, Jesus invites the burdened to take the yoke of obedience to his word, under which they will find rest; cf. Jer 6:16. (“Matthew, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB,” n.d.)

Mary Lee Brock shares about being inspired by Jesus to turn my back on the hubris of taking on all the responsibility for the agency and choosing instead to become meek and humble of heart, I found the strength to be a true peacemaker for people grappling with conflict. But how is it that such a life-changing lesson can be forgotten?

There have been many times when I have felt I was carrying a burden alone before remembering God is with me. The reading from Isaiah reminds us: They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint. This brings me hope when I feel exhausted and overwhelmed by devastating local, national, and world events. God is asking us to truly live our faith. To take action when possible. To listen to learn. To advocate for those who need support. With God, we will have renewed strength to meet life’s challenges.

When we are feeling alone or exhausted or demoralized or angry or shame, we can find comfort in the image of God in today’s Psalm. He pardons all your iniquities; He heals all your ills. He redeems your life from destruction; He crowns you with kindness and compassion. What a beautiful promise!

In this season of Advent, I reflect on these questions: How can I help someone know they are not alone? What will help me remember that God will renew my strength? Where can I take action to make a difference, knowing that I am not carrying the burden alone?

And today I pray for the grace to appreciate God in the small, quiet moments of my life.

Merciful and gracious is the LORD, slow to anger and abounding in kindness. (Brock, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Grace bear us,” by an anonymous early author from the Greek church.

"'My yoke is easy and my burden light.' ... The prophet says this about the burden of sinners: 'Because my iniquities lie on top of my head, so they have also placed a heavy burden on me' (Psalm 38:4)' ...'Place my yoke upon you, and learn from me that I am gentle and humble of heart.' Oh, what a very pleasing weight that strengthens even more those who carry it! For the weight of earthly masters gradually destroys the strength of their servants, but the weight of Christ rather helps the one who bears it, because we do not bear grace; grace bears us. It is not for us to help grace, but rather grace has been given to aid us.' (excerpt from INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY, the Greek fathers). (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 11:28-30 comments that as we walk beside Jesus, we are learning from him (Matthew 11:29). Since he is right next to us, we can enter into his relationship with his Father. We can take on his way of thinking, and we can begin to look at the people around us through his eyes. We can learn how to walk as he walks, in mercy and justice and compassion. This is how we fulfill the Law: we come to Jesus and listen, we come to him and learn, and we come and walk beside our perfect Teacher.

What burdens are you carrying today? Whatever they are, come to Jesus and take up his yoke. Let go of perfectionism or self-sufficiency. Let go of feelings of shame for not measuring up. Jesus is calling you to walk beside him, yoked to him. He is calling you to stay close to him and learn from him, to grow in likeness to him. As you draw close to his meek and humble heart, you will find that his “yoke is easy, and [his] burden light” (Matthew 11:30).

“Jesus, I am overjoyed to be yoked to you. Thank you for loving me, guiding me, and walking every step with me.” (“Meditation on Matthew 11:28-30,” 2025)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the Book of Isaiah continues a strength message in the Babylonian exile when the people wondered if God was weaker than the Babylonian god Marduk. God created all things and strengthened them to soar on eagle’s wings. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus invites “Come all who are burdened”, to accept the custom carved yoke for two that is made for Jesus to carry with us and avoid crooked farrows with a lighter burden. Jesus wants our involvement in the work of salvation as collaborators with God. Friar Jude invites us to carry our share of the load.

Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on the thorn in Paul's side, a weakness that he struggled with and begged God to take away. Fr. Mike invites us to reflect on our own thorn that God doesn't seem to take away, and to remember that God's grace is sufficient for us. Today's readings are Acts 23, 2 Corinthians 12-13, and Proverbs 29:8-11.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that John of the Cross describes the doubt that disrupts a soul in the dark night, when all sense of knowing God is absent. Mirabai Starr translates from John’s classic work Dark Night of the Soul.

The soul might continue to have qualms about wasting time. She may wonder if it would not be better to be doing something else, since she cannot think or activate anything in prayer. Let her bear these doubts calmly. There is no other way to go to prayer now than to surrender to this sweet ease and breadth of spirit. If the soul tries to engage her interior faculties to accomplish something, she will squander the goodness God is instilling in her through the peace in which she is simply resting….

The best thing for the soul to do is to pay no attention to the fact that the actions of her faculties are slipping away…. She needs to get out of the way. In peaceful plentitude, let her now say “yes” to the infused contemplation God is bestowing upon her…. Contemplation is nothing other than a secret, peaceful, loving inflow of God. If given room, it will fire the soul in the spirit of love. (Rohr, n.d.)

When our burdens take precedence in our consciousness, we might Stop, Take a breath, Observe our environment and Proceed in the acceptance of Jesus invitation to yoke with us on our journey.

References

Brock, M. L. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved December 10, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-december-10-2025 

Isaiah, CHAPTER 40 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 10, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/40?25 

Matthew, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 10, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/11?28 

Meditation on Matthew 11:28-30. (2025, December 10). Word Among Us.

Psalms, PSALM 103 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved December 10, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/103?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved December 10, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/surviving-doubt/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Come to Me and I Will Give You Rest. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved December 10, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/