Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever. — Psalm 72:(see 7)
Mass reading: Isaiah 11:1-10 / Romans 15:4-9 / Matthew 3:1-12
Today’s idyllic description of the flowering of the Messianic age springing forth from Jesse, father of king David, seems ever further away. Wars, terrorism and poverty continue to smother hopes of a time of peace and love. Bringing good to fruition isn’t easy. John the Baptist reminds us that it takes the fire of the Holy Spirit to bring this about.
Sacrifice is the language of love; yet it’s so hard to let God shape us. We resist the potter’s hands as we prefer to “do it my way.” The more we surrender to the Lord, the more we’re set free. Advent is a time to prepare ourselves that Christ be born anew in us.
Prayer: Pour upon us, O Lord, the gifts of Your Holy Spirit and enlighten all leaders, political and spiritual.