Weekly Reflection

Awaiting the Salvation of God & Prayer of Advent

The world does not seem big enough to contain the jubilation of the first reading. In the Gospel reading, the Roman empire isn’t big enough, either. The great powers of Rome are named and made to stand waiting for the arrival of God’s salvation. And we find Paul meditating joyfully on what really matters.

According to Baruch, the city of Jerusalem is like a person standing on tiptoe looking for God’s salvation, which is coming from the east. Those who were led away on foot, heads down, now come back, a proud people. Why, the very way is smoothed out. The path is lined with fragrant, lush trees.

It can’t get any better than this, can it? Well, yes, it can. For a voice calls out in the desert. Here is the beginning of the salvation of God.

Prayer for Advent

All-powerful God, increase our strength of will for doing good that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming and call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, forever and ever. Amen.