Preparing for Mass tomorrow, I was struck by the hope that two different prophets give us in our readings: Isaiah speaks of a shoot from the stump of Jesse that will grow and blossom by the power of the Spirit, eventually bearing fruit. That fruit is peace to every level of creation, from human enemies that will reconcile - - all the way to the animal world.
The earth will be a marvelous place. Traditional enemies like the wolf and the lamb, the leopard and the kid, calf and the lion, the cow and the bear - - all will live together in harmony. How does this all come to be? Because a "little child will lead them" who is empowered with the gifts of the Spirit - - wisdom, understanding, counsel and courage, knowledge and fear of the Lord - - and joy!
The second Prophet this week is John the Baptist whom we listen to every Advent. He cuts a strange figure, dressed in animal skin, and eating wild honey. Out of curiosity, thousands went out to the desert to listen to a stern message of repentance. "Prepare the way of the Lord." He fearlessly scolded the Pharisees for receiving his baptism for appearances’ sake only.
The message of hope and, yes, warning for me was clear after reading the accounts of the two prophets. Where will I get the power and the courage to face all of the recent sad news? What will I learn from it? Does the list of spiritual gifts that empowered the child Messiah in Isaiah sound familiar?
Today's second reading has a great line this week. It says: "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope."
May Advent hope be yours this week.
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