Sunday Scripture Readings

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first sunday of advent,

december 2

Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122;

Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:37-44 OUR GOOD NEWS: The Lord proclaims his return, bringing peace and joy to those prepared for the unexpected. The Advent season divides into two periods, corresponding to its twofold character and reflected in the two Advent prefaces used during this season. From First Sunday through Dec. 16 we direct attention to Christ's Parousia ("Presence"). Originally describing a Roman emperor's state visit to one of the provinces, in the New Testament this word refers to the Lord's Second Coming. Advent is not Lent, and its primary focus is not penance, but joy and spiritual expectation. During this time we eagerly await final consummation of God's promises, recorded, along with their partial fulfillment, in Old and New Testaments. "In days to come, the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established as the highest mountain." Isaiah's vision (first reading) is "eschatological": concerning an event in the indeterminate future, brought about by causes exceeding capacities of this world. Nonetheless, this Kingdom, which is God's gift rather than human achievement, has now become a present reality in Christ Jesus. Isaiah's description is not just a promise concerning the future (heavenly life), but a program for present implementation. Our witness is not to human talent, ingenuity or hard work but to the divine power of love transforming all who are willing to be saved. "All nations shall stream toward it ..." Ancient myths told of a world-mountain, a center where earth and heaven meet. From this unique point of contact the divine truth and order necessary for genuine peace and prosperity would radiate out to all humankind. Mount Zion, site of the Jerusalem Temple, corresponds to this mythic expectation insofar as it symbolizes the Church, mediator of God's presence and blessing in fulfillment of universal hopes. " ... That he may instruct us in his ways" - World mastery consists not in domination but in service, providing an "instruction" that not only spells out but empowers our full obedience. No force other than attraction operates to create a worldwide pilgrimage and worldwide attentiveness to the divine will. "He shall judge between the nation ..." God doesn't condemn the human race for past rebellion but "judges" by settling disputes formerly resolved through warfare. Advent sentiments we are to foster include gratitude to God, who showed unreserved esteem for the material world and human race in sending his Son as one of us. Trust the world; don't be afraid! A second disposition to be encouraged is humble pride in the Son of God who became Jesus our brother. We share the intimacy of family with the Lord! Finally, now is the time to renew our commitment, meeting exalted expectations put upon us, made possible by divine grace through the Coming One, who will come again!