Break Open the Word

The Readings for Advent II Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 Romans 15:4-13 Saint Matthew 3:1-12        BACKGROUND Isaiah and Advent – In this cycle of the Lectionary, Year A, the readings from the Hebrew Scriptures are exclusively from Isaiah.   Indeed, in the readings for today, the Second Sunday in Advent, both the Epistle and the Gospel readings feature quotes from the first of the Isaiahs.   Of all the prophets, this is the prophet most likely to be quoted by everyday people.   His work was so appropriate to the time, and so attractive to early Christians, even to Jesus, who reads from his prophecies in the Synagogue at Nazareth.   Like Jesus, Isaiah appears at a kairos , a crossroads, if you will, in time.   Isaiah looked forward to a kingdom that would be marked by God’s presence with not only his chosen people, but with all the peoples of the world.   His kingdom vision of deserts blooming, and w...

The First Sunday in Advent Isaiah 2:1-5 Psalm 122 Romans 13:11-14 Saint Mathew 24:36-44                                                                                         BACKGROUND Advent -   originly a much longer period of preparation and devotion preceding the Feast of the Nativity, is not preparation for Christmas, despite a popular understanding that it is.   Looking at the lessons in the lectionary for the last Sundays of the church year, and the first two weeks in Advent, we see am emphasis on the End Time, and an anticipation of th...