O Hope of Israel

The Advent readings contrast starkly with those that fill our newspapers.  Advent headlines announce the arrival of a Golden Age of harmony in Nature, peace on earth and hope for humanity:  “… let the wilderness rejoice and bloom … joy and gladness on the faces of God’s people…”  The reality check that is the grim reading, headlines the death and destruction, the devastation of people and planet alike.

John the Baptist, on the point of a prophet’s plight, poses the question which carries the hopes and fears of all the years:  “Are you the one who is to come, or have we got to wait …?”  Jesus’ answer bridges the gap between the way things are and the things that yet may be.  “… the blind see again, and the lame walk …”  Dis-ease gives way to ease once more as the Divine presence turns disharmony to harmony. 

Advent, the coming of Christ, brings hope to all who are poor enough to hear Good News.

Come Lord Jesus, Come.

Fr. Eamon Devlin, C.M

16th December 2007