Breaking Open the Word

By James Cavanagh

Dec. 5: The Second Sunday of Advent

Scripture readings:

• Isaiah 11:1-10
• Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
• Romans 15:4-9
• Matthew 3:1-12

 

 

Overview: 
The first reading is one of the most important messianic prophesies in the Old Testament. Isaiah prophesied in Jerusalem during perilous times. Assyria had decimated the northern kingdom of Israel, and Judah was in danger of falling as well. God used Assyria to punish Israel for her sins and there was a real possibility that Jerusalem would be next.

People were terrified and had doubts that God would protect the kingdom that he promised would last forever (2 Sm 7:16). Isaiah assures them that David’s line will survive, despite the menace at their doorstep. Judah will be cut down like a tree, but from its “stump” David’s heir, “the root of Jesse” will appear. He will embody all the qualities of the ideal king, fulfilling Israel’s hopes and dreams.

Isaiah’s prophesy was finally realized in Jesus. What we call the Old Testament was called the “Scriptures” in the New Testament as the New Testament had not yet been codified.

This week’s second reading is a good example. Paul explains how Christ is the fulfillment of God’s promises in the Scriptures. Illumined by Christ, the Old Testament can now be seen for what it is: a book of hope and encouragement.

On the second and third Sundays of Advent the Gospel reading features John the Baptist who was called by God to prepare the people for the Messiah, in accordance with the Scriptures (Mal 4:5; Mt 17:12-13). It might seem a little odd that we would hear about John the Baptist right before Christmas since he doesn’t point to Christ’s birth.

John heralds the advent of Christ who comes not just as a baby, but as the long-awaited Messiah-King and “redeemer of all men.” John’s pronouncement about the kingdom of heaven inspired great hope. But his words also contained a warning. He echoes Isaiah’s prophesy when he says: “Already the ax is laid at the root of the tree! Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire!”

 

Key verse:
“Whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Rom 15:4).

“Catechism of the Catholic Church”:  
“The economy of the Old Testament was deliberately so oriented that it should prepare for and declare in prophecy the coming of Christ, redeemer of all men” (No. 122).

Pope Benedict XVI:  
 “God reveals himself in history. He speaks to humankind, and the word he speaks has creative power. The Old Testament announces to the children of Israel the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of a “new” covenant; in the Word made flesh he fulfils his promise” (World Youth Day, April 9, 2006).

Life application: 
Hope is one of the dominant themes during Advent, which is readily apparent in this Sunday’s readings. But there’s also a word of warning: just as a good tree is expected to bear good fruit, so we, as God’s people, are meant to produce good fruit for God’s kingdom. Israel and Judah were both destroyed because they were unfaithful. We too will be held accountable for the faith that has been entrusted to us.

James Cavanagh is director of Evangelization and Catechesis for Metro-Area Parishes of the Denver Archdiocese. For information on subscribing to "Breaking Open the Word, click here. For archives click here.