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LINK TO SCRIPTURE READINGS
This is what Isaiah, son of Amoz,
saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
In days to come, the mountain of the LORD's house
shall be established as the highest mountain,
elevated above the hills.
All nations shall stream toward it;
many peoples shall come, saying:
"Come, let us climb the LORD's mountain,
and go to the house of the God of Jacob,
that he may teach us his ways,
and we may walk in his paths."
For from Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations,
imposing terms on many peoples.
They shall beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks;
one nation shall not raise the sword against another,
nor shall they train for war again.
O house of Jacob, come,
Let us walk in the light of the Lord!
Isaiah 2:1-5
On this, the First Sunday of Advent, the Liturgy of the Word carries us from a vision of peace to apocalyptic terror, with the text from Romans offering middle ground. With its imagery of God's holy mountain, the Isaian text provides a beautiful entry into Advent. Lest we become complacent, however, St. Paul warns us to wake up and cast off deeds of darkness. Then we abruptly transition into Jesus' description of the end times and the terrifying events to come.
Where do we focus? The promises in Isaiah 2:1-5 cannot be seen in isolation any more than the apocalyptic warnings can be viewed without hope. In fact, the liturgical texts, including the Responsorial Psalm, complement each other, reflecting the core themes of Advent: waiting, hope, and repentance. These themes are also interwoven within each text. Take, for example, Isaiah's image of God's House, on God's holy mountain. Set far above valleys and plains, soaring over the highest hills, this is the Holy of Holies, the place where God resides. But while our hearts may be warmed by Isaiah's inclusive invitation, there are conditions attached -- ones we might miss if we focus only on poetic joy. God's House, it turns out, requires a steep climb. All nations are welcome, but we must turn from sin and accept God's Law—the path of light and truth. The front door to God's House will not simply swing open unless we show up as penitents.
St. Paul is specific about what we have to leave behind on this ascent: orgies, drunkenness, promiscuity, lust, rivalry, and jealousy (Rom 13:11-14). To enter God's House, then, we must "put on the armor of light," that is, we must "put on the Lord Jesus Christ."
The theme of staying awake finds full expression in Jesus' words. If we are to enter God's House, then we must be vigilant at all times, lest our souls be "broken into" by thieves in the night-- those invisible thieves of habitual sin and foolish impulses. Instead of allowing ourselves to be distracted by the affairs of daily life (eating, drinking, marrying, working...), we must keep watch for his return, for the Son of Man will come as unexpectedly as a nighttime intruder, shattering our complacency.
God's House is waiting, the banquet is spread -- are we ready for the rigorous climb to holiness? That, my friends, is the challenge of Advent.
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QUESTIONS
FOR REFLECTION
- What Advent practices might help you ascend God's Holy Mountain?
- What must you leave behind if you are to dwell in God's House?
- How can you be more awake when you pray?
- What negative thoughts, habits, and impulses tend to break into your soul, disturbing your peace?
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