The Advent readings speak of the restoration of the harmony that originally existed in the Garden of Eden. Before the fall of man, there were no obstacles to intimacy with God. In Eden, there was no predation. The wolf could have the lamb over for a meal of vegetables rather than lamb chops (see Is 11:6ff). Isaiah prophesies that the Messiah will not only restore the original peace and order of Eden, but far surpass it (Is 11:9). This is because the Messiah is now present with us, until the end of time (see Mt 28:20).
This Advent, as we look forward to the Second Coming of Christ, we recall that in Jesus the hopes of Isaiah have been fulfilled (see Mt 5:17). Jesus, the Lamb of God, now becomes Isaiah's promised Meal in the Holy Eucharist (Is 25:6). There is no further need of predation, for we feed upon the Lamb of God.
Right now, Jesus is revealing God the Father (Lk 10:22). Will you slow down and let Jesus reveal the Father to you? During the hubbub of preparing for the world's Christmas, resolve to be still and know that He is God (see Ps 46:10, JB). Be filled with the knowledge of the Lord (Is 11:9).
| PRAYER: | Father, may I want to know Jesus far more than I want to revel in the "holiday" celebrations of this world. |
| PROMISE: | "No one knows the Son except the Father and no one knows the Father except the Son – and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him." –Lk 10:22 |
| PRAISE: | Although St. Francis Xavier was shot by robbers, had his bed set afire, and was threatened by wild boars and tigers, his greatest sufferings came from loneliness and isolation. Yet he persevered in his mission and brought the Good News of Jesus to hundreds of thousands of people in the Far East. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College