Homily First Tuesday of Advent (Isaiah 11:1-10) “If the Lamb and the Wolf Can Get Along Shouldn’t We?”
Homily First Tuesday of Advent (Isaiah 11:1-10) “If the Lamb and the Wolf Can Get Along Shouldn’t We?”
Throughout the Advent season we will read from the prophetic works of scripture. What is a prophet? Were they just religious figures who predicted the future? Perhaps they have something to say to us in the present. Many times, they call on people to repent.
Often, they offer social commentary. The prophets of old looked at the difficulties in society and they pointed out how problems were caused by social sin. If social sin could be corrected the prophets point out, then, much of the difficulty in society could be remedied.
The Advent prophet is most often the Prophet Isaiah. Really the Book of the Prophet Isaiah was written by three authors. The first writer wrote before the time that the people of Israel were taken into exile. Second Isaiah wrote at the time the people were living in exile and third Isaiah wrote when God’s chosen people had returned to their home.
The section of Isaiah that we read on the First Tuesday of Advent is written by First Isaiah. He writes looking forward to the time when a new king will be raised up who will be a righteous leader. He sees the corruption within the government. First Isaiah sees how people have turned away from the one true God. He looks over the horizon and he sees war and all the consequences that come with war.
But a prophet is not a prophet unless his words are tinged with hope. A future king will rule with a sense of justice. He will be faithful to the one true God. As a result of true justice, peace will come in the land. A peace so pervasive that natural enemies will lay down to rest side by side.
In this time when there is so much polarization in our society it seems like division, misunderstanding and even hatred is growing. If people don’t agree with us, we can write them out of our life. Isaiah assures us today there will be a better future.
Reflection Questions:
- Am I feeling despair right now? Why do I have a reason to hope?
- Do I feel like I am missing out on a lot as we kick off the Advent Season? What are the things that I will not miss?
Dear Parishioners,
Next Tuesday evening I will be hosting a livestream session on Facebook at 7 p.m. Since we cannot have any continuing education in person this year, we will make use of technology. Advent is a penitential season. For that reason, it seems like a good time to explore the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The first session we have will concern the history of Sacrament of Reconciliation. When we reflect on history we always are put in touch with the “why” behind things. Why do we have this sacrament? Many times, people ask that question.
I will give more information in upcoming days about this Advent series. Hopefully, we can interact with each other while staying safe.
May Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you.
Fr. Mark