Reveal among us the light of your presence, that we may behold your power and glory.
Readings: Isaiah 41.13-20 | Psalm 145.8-13 | Matthew 11.11-15 |
The Overshadow When we think of God, and So there is surprise in the air What is happening under that She is astonished and afraid; even in Of her hair; she knows that Prayer Blessèd are you, Sovereign God, our light and our life; |
"Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." Matthew 11:11 The Beheading of St John the Baptist (1608), St John's co-Cathedral, Malta. Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571–1610) made at least eight paintings of John the Baptist, some frankly homoerotic and others shocking, such as this. It reminds us that the Advent story has its moments of horror and trouble as well as joy. Yet … "The Lord is gracious and compassionate" (Ps 145:8) — Bridget Moses. |
May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting. Amen.