1ST TUESDAY HOMILY OF THE ADVENT — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: “A shoot springs from the stock of Jesse…on him the spirit of the Lord rests…”
BY: Bishop Anthony Ewherido
Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 71(72):1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Luke 10:21-24
Today, Isaiah gives us the prophecy of the coming Messiah, Son of David, with his many attributes. He is characterized as one filled with the Spirit of God, with its seven gifts, symbolizing the fullness of God’s Spirit. He also shares that gift with us.
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His reign will be marked by an abundance of provision, especially for the poor and underprivileged, by justice, love, mutual coexistence, equity, wellbeing and peace, like no one or generation has ever known. The imageries of peace evoke a sense of complete harmony and solidarity amongst God’s creation; a certain brotherhood (sisterhood) that excludes non and includes all, without any taking advantage of the other; a universal reign that will bring all peoples under God’s rule. In Isaiah’s time, these prophetic reassurances were given in the midst of turmoil, and people hardly recognized God’s hand in his proclamation and did not believe his message. Worldwide, we live in very terrible times as well, with wars and insecurity menacing human existence. The pressure and intensity of the horrific and devilish ways and powers that have besieged our world, economically, socially, politically, morally, spiritually and ecologically are so enormous. Yet, God’s promise of restoration is renewed for today’s world, with an invitation for all to repent and be reconciled to God and to one another. The gospel reading suggests that if humanity is to become aware of God’s workings amongst us, it must submit itself humbly and totally to God’s sovereignty. That is when our eyes will experience the blessedness of seeing the realization of things promised long ago. Recognizing the promised one as the Lord of creation and the one in whom God’s goodness becomes manifest in our world again is the recipe for the resolution of today’s mess. Even where the world refuses to respond accordingly, individuals, families and communities stand to benefit from that total surrender to Christ, with a plea for him to renew the face of the earth. That must be our Advent prayer and the Holy Spirit will help us in that regard.
Today’s Advent Challenge: seek the virtue of hope and give hope to others (or give others reason to hope) amidst the despair that marks the lives of people around us. Cultivate a better relationship with the Holy Spirit, so we may be more fully imbued with his gifts.
Lord, Son of David, give us your spirit and your peace. Amen.
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