St. Ambrose

Friday of the First week of Advent

Commentary of the day
Hildebrand : "Son of David, have pity on us!"

Reading

Is 29,17-24.
But a very little while, and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard, and the orchard be regarded as a forest! On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book; And out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. The lowly will ever find joy in the LORD, and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. For the tyrant will be no more and the arrogant will have gone; All who are alert to do evil will be cut off, those whose mere word condemns a man, Who ensnare his defender at the gate, and leave the just man with an empty claim. Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of the house of Jacob, who redeemed Abraham: Now Jacob shall have nothing to be ashamed of, nor shall his face grow pale. When his children see the work of my hands in his midst, They shall keep my name holy; they shall reverence the Holy One of Jacob, and be in awe of the God of Israel. Those who err in spirit shall acquire understanding, and those who find fault shall receive instruction.


Ps 27,1.4.13-14.
Of David The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom do I fear? The LORD is my life's refuge; of whom am I afraid?
One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek: To dwell in the LORD'S house all the days of my life, To gaze on the LORD'S beauty, to visit his temple.
But I believe I shall enjoy the LORD'S goodness in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the LORD!


Mt 9,27-31.
And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed (him), crying out, "Son of David, have pity on us!" When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I can do this?" "Yes, Lord," they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, "Let it be done for you according to your faith." And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, "See that no one knows about this." But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.


Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB



Commentary of the day

Hildebrand (13th century), Cistercian monk
Treatise on contemplation

"Son of David, have pity on us!"

Blessed Jesus, my hope, my expectation and my love, I have something to speak to you about, something concerning you, a subject full of sorrow and wretchedness. You who are the only Word, created by the uncreated Father, become flesh for my sake; Word who has emanated from the Father’s heart, Word whom God has uttered once for all (cf Heb 9,26), Word through whom your heavenly Father has spoken to me in these last days (Heb 1,2): graciously hear, O Word of God, the words that the fullness of my desire causes to spring from my heart. Hear and see: my soul is sad and altogether troubled when people say to me each day: “Where is your God?” (Ps 42 [41],4). I have nothing to say in return; I fear you are not there; I do not feel your presence.My heart is burning; I long to see my Lord. Where now are my patience and resolution? It is you, O Lord my God, and what shall I do? I seek you and find you not; I long for you and do not see you; I pursue and do not catch hold of you. What strength have I with which to stand firm? How much can I bear? What could be more sorrowful, more wretched than my soul? What more afflicted? Do you think, my love, my sorrow will be turned to joy when I see you? (Jn 16,20)… “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening,” (1Sm 3,9). O that I might hear what you are speaking within me, Lord my God. Say to my soul: “I am your salvation!” (Ps 35 [34],3). Say even more, Lord, and speak in such a way that I may hearken: “My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours,” (Lk 15,31). Ah! Word of God the Father, it is this that I wanted to hear.