Thursday of the Second Week of Advent

Today's Mass Readings

 

Sometimes the Bible can spark a vivid image. When I hear today’s readings announcing a world-changing event, I can imagine a stirring drum roll with a soaring fanfare coming from a long line of golden trumpets.

The overarching announcement about the Messiah began with the words of Isaiah the Prophet promising a world-changing Redeemer. After about 700 years, we zoom in to the time of Christ. All prophetic times are coming to a pinnacle. John the Baptist, only three months older than Jesus, has become the greatest of all the prophets calling people to repentance. Says who? Jesus says so!

No one would ever knowingly sleep through such an important announcement, not only because of the sheer volume of the fanfare but because of the meaning of the moment. Advent is our community’s and our personal wake-up call. We live in a world with crises and, therefore, with choices. We ask ourselves, is now a critical time to deepen my faith and decide to do something to make a real difference for others?

In the long view of history, is this what the world has been waiting for? We wake up and realize that the Spirit of the Risen Lord truly abides in the heart that is eager and open to God’s abundant love. Are we ready?

Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB

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