What are you waiting for?
Returning from their first mission, the disciples were full of excitement, reporting all the wonderful things they had done. Jesus’ advice: “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while”.
In these weeks before Christmas, Jesus’ advice is especially fitting. Life is hectic. We are overloaded, frantic to get everything done before Christmas. Advent is the Lord’s call to us to “come away by yourself and rest a while.”
Advent is a time for waiting, a time for quiet contemplation, a time to sing “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” instead of Christmas carols. We wait and remember Israel’s wait for Jesus’ birth into the world. We wait for Jesus’ coming into our hearts. We wait for his coming at the end of time. We wait.
First Week of Advent – The coming Kingdom
This week’s readings are about the promised Kingdom. Jesus’ coming in his birth was the “first installment” of the Kingdom. The ultimate fulfillment of these prophecies will happen when Jesus returns at the end of time. This is what we wait for all our lives here on earth. This week, during your quiet time, think about Isaiah’s graphic descriptions of the Kingdom, and imagine seeing all of it with your own eyes.
Monday: All are welcome
Is 2:1-5; Mt 8:5-11
Although Jesus’ coming as Messiah was first to the nation of Israel, he is given for all of us, all nations, all people. Death, war and violence will not exist in the Kingdom.
How can you work to remove conflict from your life?
Tuesday: Redeemed nature
Is 11:1-10; Lk 10:21-24
In the coming Kingdom, even nature is to be saved. The animals will not fight or bite or eat one another. “The earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”
How can you make your life peaceful?
Wednesday: The feast of God
Is 25:6-10a; Mt 15:29-37
Isaiah describes a great feast that will take place when Jesus returns. Jesus gave people a preview of that feast when he fed the four thousand. Feeding people is a sign of love and care.
What are your favorite dishes? Do you make best use of food, or do you use too much?
Thursday: Building on the rock
Is 26:1-6; Mt 7:21, 24-27
We members of the Kingdom build our lives on the rock of Christ instead of the “sands” of the world’s values. Thus, we are able to withstand trouble and tragedy.
In what ways has Jesus, the Rock, steadied you through the storms of life?
Friday: The most important miracle
Is 29:17-24; Mt 9:27-31
In the Kingdom, all will come to know God’s wisdom. Even those who “err in spirit” and “grumble” will accept God’s teaching, Isaiah says.
In your life, how has God taught you true wisdom, and how can you share your insights with others?
Saturday: Personal guidance
Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Mt 9:35—10:1, 5a, 6-8
Isaiah writes, “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Each of us has the ability to hear God’s word and receive his guidance when we are quiet enough to listen.
How often do you make time to be still, to allow God to speak to you?