Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for 1st Sunday of Advent: November 27, 2022
 
Isaiah 2:1-5: This passage opens with a proclamation by Isaiah of a vision of safety, peace and prosperity for Judah and Jerusalem.  The prophet indicates that this vision of a prospering Zion is a vision of the future. Isaiah emphasizes the primacy of the Lord’s house by describing the Lord’s house as being on the top of the highest mountain or point of land. This linguistic symbolism alludes to the sovereignty of the Israeli God over all other Gods, as well as over all other people. We’re told that all nations and many peoples “will stream toward “the Lord’s mountain;” symbolically, the Jewish/Christian faith.
 
The unity of pilgrims from many lands, forming a multi-national united group in honoring and praising God is presented as a focus for placing our hope and trust in the God of Israel. The Temple is described as being, in future, a central religious pilgrimage destination or a center of faith for all the nations; especially for those seeking spiritual wisdom, a just system of law and a peaceful social order that is based on peace and justice for all. This passage creates a stark prophecy of a very hopeful future for us all; albeit after a predicted time of turmoil and trial, beforehand.
 
Psalm 122: “Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord!”  We continue our pilgrimage to Jerusalem with today’s psalm. The psalmist shares the rejoicing and thanksgiving of a pilgrim who has reached his or her goal… the Temple in Jerusalem. The second verse gives thanks for the security, safety and unity of Jerusalem. The psalmist remarks that giving thanksgiving to God is expected of Jews and that they do so in response to a Divine Command. Jerusalem is also proclaimed as a place of justice and judgment; with a government known for promoting fairness and equity. We are encouraged to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. That plea is still timely in our day; 2022. We must all continue to pray for peace in the Holy Land, as well as all over the world.
 
Romans 13:11-14: Furthering our theme of pilgrimage, Paul’s words remind us that many pilgrims re-commit themselves to their faith and rejuvenate their spiritual lives by taking up more ardent efforts to step up the practice of their Christian faith. In our case, (Catholics), pilgrims often attend Mass and avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation more often and with more devotion. They also might participate more in both private and public devotions such as the Rosary, the Stations of the Cross, the Divine Mercy Chaplet and other special prayers honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus or the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
 
Matthew 24:37-44: Today, both St. Paul and Jesus warn us that our time left on Earth could be very brief. We must always live, so as to be prepared for death, such that we’ll die in a state of grace that will help us to enter Heaven more easily and expeditiously. This is what Advent is all about… preparing spiritually for a life of grace and service as well as for the end of our earthly lives and the beginning of our lives in eternity.
 
Jesus’ own words call us even more urgently than Paul’s exhortation. Jesus warns us not to be complacent and self-satisfied, as our individual deaths and the final judgment might be coming much sooner than we could ever imagine. Know that each day, for some individuals, the date for meeting Jesus, as Savior and judge, will be today! 
 
Yours, ponderously,
Deacon Matt