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The normal response to a surprise is amazement, gratitude, and delight. By definition, we don’t anticipate surprises. Their occurrence reminds us that we cannot always guess or shape the future. Granted, we do what we can do; we attend to the daily tasks, as we must. For grace is surely here in the mundane, and God is in the details. But God is in the happy surprises, too.
Today’s readings are filled with startling developments. We hear the clarion cry of one of those rare prophets announcing the coming of the Lord. Isaiah proclaims startling, surprising images of the nearly impossible reconciliation of opposites: calf and lion, leopard and young goat, child and serpent. Isaiah’s vision sees all of these creatures living in harmony. This is Eden again; this is paradise. It is God’s
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La reacción normal frente a una sorpresa es asombro, gratitud y deleite. Por definición, las sorpresas no suelen anticiparse. Cuando ocurren, nos damos cuenta que no siempre podemos adivinar o moldear el futuro. Por supuesto, hacemos cuanto podemos; llevamos a cabo nuestras tareas diarias como es nuestro deber. La gracia está ciertamente aquí en la esfera de lo mundano y Dios está en los detalles. Dios está también presente en las gratas sorpresas.
Las lecturas de hoy están repletas de asombrosas novedades. Es el clamor de la trompeta de uno de esos extraordinarios y únicos profetas anunciando la llegada del Señor. Isaías revela asombrosas y sorprendentes imágenes de la casi imposible reconciliación de los contrarios: el lobo y el cordero, el puma y el cabrito, el niño y la serpiente. La visión de Isaías muestra todas esas criaturas viviendo en armonía. Esto es de nuevo el Edén; esto es el paraíso. Esto es la sorpresa y la promesa de Dios.
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PASTOR'S MESSAGE
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Reflecting on God’s Word—Second Sunday of Advent. John the Baptist’s cry reaches out to us on this Second Sunday of Advent: “Prepare the way of the Lord.” How do we recognize the
way of the Lord? Isaiah gives us a glimpse of this way. When this reading is proclaimed at Mass today, allow the richness of its imagery to transport you to God’s holy mountain, where we catch sight of the way of the Lord. This reading is the very definition of the way of peace and justice that is the kingdom of God. Once again, we must express our sadness and lament the fact that our weary world seems to be so far from the way of the Lord. Justice is not something that floats “out there,” waiting for some prophetic types to address it. Injustice occurs in our families, in our companies, in our churches, and in our relationships. Let today’s scriptures inspire us to recognize the injustice that surrounds us and to do something to address it. Come, Emmanuel! - From Saint Margaret Sunday Missal, copyright © J. S. Paluch Company
Living God’s Word: There is a spirit of real hopefulness about these scriptures. Have they inspired hope in you? How can you express confidence in others this week? How can you inspire hope in those whom you care about most? - Copyright © 2013, World Library Publications. All rights reserved.
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• There will be a second collection on all Masses today for the Retired Religious. Please, be generous.
• To prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord, Penance Service will be held on Monday, December 9, at 7:00 p.m. Several Priests will be available to hear confessions. “O Lord, Come! Maran ‘athâ!”
Fr. Manny Ediza
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