Smooth Transition

This is a reflection on the Mass readings of the day.

We see a tonal shift in Scripture as we move from the last week of the liturgical year, with its cataclysmic images of the end times, into the first week of Advent, representing in a way the utter beginning of salvation history. But it is not a jolting transition. It is a smooth, nuanced shift, with some tonal aspects remaining the same, and others changing.

Today’s readings still have a focus on the end times–very much like the Gospel passages throughout the past week, Jesus admonishes us to be watchful so that the last day of our lives and of history do not catch us by surprise,

The first reading too looks toward those end days, but with a change: It is a prayer for God to hasten them, to show His face. In fact, we could do much worse than to use this particular Scripture passage from Isaiah as an ardent prayer to God for our sinful world, that He will infuse it with His grace, cleanse it, and bring it back to Him, precisely in preparation–however remote or imminent–for His return. It is a beautiful prayer, full of passion and zeal for what is good, and for conversion.

Also, though, the scriptures of this first Sunday of Advent already start to hint at what the world so long ago pined for–the first coming of the Messiah. The first reading in particular provides a beautiful meditation on the world’s deep-seated need for Him to come. And, we can use that meditation as a preparation for Christmas–begging him through that prayer in the first reading to come to us and transform our hearts like never before.

Ideas for conversation with the Lord: Try praying the first reading as a prayer; try putting your heart into it as you do so. You know your sins, and how sometimes your failures have a way of repeating themselves; beg of Him the grace of true conversion and healing that only He can bring. And, implore Him to visit you and transform you this Christmas like He has never done before.