Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent
The Prophet Isaiah emphasizes the greatness of the Lord God and the foolishness of placing our trust in any other gods— “I am the LORD, there is no other.” Throughout salvation history, God performed powerful signs and wonders and saved His people, yet they turned from Him again and again. God’s presence is readily seen in the beauty of all creation—God established it, “not creating it to be a waste, but designing it be lived in.” In Isaiah’s beautiful and poetic words, there is a consistent refrain: There is no other God!
Why do we live as if God’s presence is uncertain or as if we should look for another? John the Baptist summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” While John is confirming Jesus as the Messiah, it seems that far too easily doubt creeps into our minds and hearts and we start to “look for another?” Think of the many ways this is possible: We become restless or agitated in our faith life and we look for alternatives to bring us satisfaction and comfort—control, entertainment, and pleasure. The problem lies in our conviction that a created goodwill bring us happiness and fulfillment in this life.
Here’s the reality both Isaiah and John convey: There is no other! Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, and we find ourselves unsettled and distressed insofar as we forget this foundational truth. Giving our lives entirely to Christ brings about a profound inner-peace that even suffering and trials cannot shake.
Reflection Question: What is the “other” that I most frequently turn to when I find myself not turning to God and trusting in Him?
Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB
Posted in Articles for Advent, Articles for Advent, Daily Reflections