Breaking the Word

3^rd Week of Advent, Monday – 18^th December 2023 – Jeremiah 23,5-8; Mt 1,18-24

Righteous Branch

The first reading from the prophet Jeremiah portrays the Messiah as the one who will bring justice. Jeremiah speaks to the people at the time of Babylonian exile what God promises that He will send one who will be of the royal family of David. He is the offspring of Judah, of the royal lineage of David. He will bring salvation to His people and justice to the oppressed. He will be greater than the mighty Moses. Here the upright member is identified as ‘Branch’, which is used as a messianic title. This title is used elsewhere, Zerubbabel meaning ‘branch/shoot of Babylon’ was one of the leaders in the return of the Jews from exile. He was also a descendant of David. The promised Messiah, unlike any previous descendant of David, will be the ideal king. He will sum up in himself all the finest qualities of the best rulers. He will rule responsibly before God as a real king and not as a puppet like Zedekiah whose name signifies ‘the Lord is my justice’. Although Zedekiah did not live up to his name being righteousness, the new Lord of righteousness, the Messiah will bring many blessings to his people and will give them all that they need. He will be a true shepherd for his people, free from corruption found in so many of Judah’s rulers.

2^nd Week of Advent, Saturday – 16^th December 2020 – Sirach 48, 1-4.9-11; Mt 17,10-13

Herald of Repentance and Reconciliation

The first reading from the book of Sirach is a reminder that the prophet Elijah is to come back before the Day of the Lord. In focusing on Elijah, it is directing to the advent of the Lord Jesus Christ. The reading echoes the commonly held belief that prophet Elijah was miraculously taken from the earth in a fiery chariot and he will return before the end of the world that would signify the imminent coming of the Messiah. As a prophet, Elijah preached a message of ‘metanoia’, the Greek word for repentance. It means change of one’s mind, heart and life. He preached repentance from Israelites idolatry and other sins that broke their relationship with God. He sought to reconcile the people with God, even if that reconciliation came with a great price – a severe judgement for the people’s infidelity. Elijah is acclaimed to be herald of repentance and reconciliation. Those who would see his return would also see the Messiah who will follow him.