J.M.J. In commenting upon today's Holy Gospel from Saint John (1:6-8, 19-28), Father Gabriel of Saint Mary Magdalen, O.C.D., in Divine Intimacy, wrote:
"John, a man of faith, was telling the Jews with full conviction that Jesus had been living among them for thirty years and that they did not know Him because He had not yet manifested Himself by miracles." (Page 45)
On this the Third Sunday of Advent, we listen carefully to Father Gabriel's continued reflection.
"His words have value for us, too; Jesus is really present in our midst: present in our tabernacles by the Eucharist, present in our souls by grace. But who recognizes Him? Only those who believe. Revive, then, your faith; you will find Jesus, and will know Jesus according to the measure of your faith in Him. Sometimes He conceals Himself from you, and you think that you will never find Him, never feel Him again. This is the time to redouble your faith, to walk 'in pure faith.'" (Ibid.)
Our author concludes:
"But Mary did believe, and by her faith, God's words were accomplished in her. And so shall they be in you; you will see all your hopes fulfilled, you will be able to realize your ideal of intimate union with God--if you have faith in Him and in His promises." (Ibid.)
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