MONDAY IN THE FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT
Mystery of the day: Joyful
Table of the Word: Isaiah 2:1-5; Matthew 8:5-11.
The WORD: "It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, and many peoples shall come, and say: "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." (see Isaiah 2:1-5)
Theme: It shall come to pass...
Inspiration: Advent is a season of joyful waiting. Firstly, for the commemoration of the nativity of the Child Jesus. Secondly, the great return of the Son of man (Parousia), which St. Cyril of Jerusalem in his catechesis described it as "glorious." It is a four week of intense preparation which revolves around Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Each of these is being displayed in the readings within this four weeks of preparation.
On this day in the first week of advent where we reflect on hope. Today's first reading taken from the prophecy of Isaiah which is an extract from first Isaiah, which was written before Babylonian's exile recounts the beautiful scene awaiting Israelites as found in the promises made by God to their fathers. Here prophet Isaiah exhorted the Israelites to be hopeful as the Lord will make everything new at the appointed time, when he says:
"It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, and many peoples shall come, and say: "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." (see Isaiah 2:1-5)
The mountain here refers to eternal home where we all anticipated, that the new born King promised those who listen to the Word and keep it. Just as the centurion we found in today's gospel pericope who heard the Word and kept it in faith (cf. Matthew 8:5-11).
Beloved in Christ Jesus, as we wait in Joyful hope for the comung of the new born King, let our hearts not be troubled for God will certainly calm every storm of our lives. Indeed, it shall be well with us, as all shall come to pass at the appointed time. As we put on candle of hope this week, our hope in God will never fail us. There is no lateness in God, keep your faith and hope high for the Lord will certainly make everything beautiful in His time.
Peace! Be with you.
Let us pray
Keep us alert, we pray, O Lord our God, as we await the advent of Christ your Son, so that when he comes and knocks, he may find us watchful in prayer and exultant in his praise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son and our Redeemer who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
(c) The ARCHIVE 04122023.
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