Breaking the Word

2^nd Week of Advent, Tuesday – 12^th December 2023 – Isaiah 40,1-11; Mt 18,12-14

Voices of Reassurance

The first reading from Isaiah reassures the exiles that God will come and lead them along a straight and broadened highway, back to the Land of promise. As they looked back, Israelites saw only failure and sin, and so they needed encouragement. This passage presents four voices, each with a special message of hope for the needy people. The voice of pardon (40,1-2). The nation had sinned greatly against the Lord, with their idolatry, injustice, immorality, and insensitivity to His messengers. But they were still His people, and He loved them. He is merciful even in His punishments. The voice of providence (40,3-5). The Jews had a rough road ahead of them as they returned to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple, but the Lord would go before them to open the way. The image of the highway is frequent in Isaiah’s prophecy. Yet, the ultimate fulfilment here is in the ministry of John the Baptist as he prepared the way for the ministry of Jesus. The voice of promise (40,6-8). Like the grass, nations and their leaders fulfill their purposes and then fade away, but the Word of God abides forever. As they began their long journey home, Israel could depend on God’s promises. The voice of peace (40,9-11). The nation comes out of the valley and climbs the mountaintop to declare God’s victory over the enemy. The good news is the defeat of Babylon and release of the captive Jews. God’s arm is a mighty arm for winning the battle but it is also a loving arm for carrying his weary lambs. The comforting truth is, even though the people are no more than grass and flowers which wither and die, God takes an interest in them, more than a shepherd cares for the sheep.

2^nd Week of Advent, Monday – 11^th December 2023 – Isaiah 35,1-10; Lk 5,17-26

To Make Things Right

The first reading expresses the excitement and anticipation of God’s coming in our midst. This message of hope and joyful anticipation was a welcome relief to the Jewish exiles. These words of encouragement bring out the blessings which are in store for Jerusalem. We hear that the desert and barren lands will bloom and blossom, those sick and afflicted will be healed because God is coming to make things right. Here it is the Lord who is making a highway for God’s people. He is preparing a path so that the chosen people can travel back to their homeland. God’s coming is near, and He will bring healing, wholeness, holiness and salvation. God’s action in the midst of a broken and hurting people is physical as well as spiritual. We find such a prophecy constantly confirmed by the works of Jesus and foretold by him at the beginning of his public life (Lk 4,18). Coming of Christmas, i.e., the re-enactment of birth of the child is the beginning of all that is foretold by Isaiah.