EARLIER this week, I thought I heard the Lord say,
Listen very carefully to the Advent readings!
We should always listen carefully! But there was an emphasis in His words that has continued to ring in my heart. And so tonight, I looked at the Sunday readings for the first day of this holy season in which we anticipate the Coming of Christ. I will quote portions of them here. Anyone who is a regular reader will understand the significance of the texts I have chosen:
For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and impose 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. (Isaiah 2)
Brothers and sisters: You know the time; it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand. (Rom 13)
As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. (Matt 24)
Note: when I say Advent readings, that includes the daily Mass readings. If you are unable to attend Mass, or you have no missal, you can find the texts here: Daily Readings. Take time away from the noise each day, and sit quietly at the feet of Jesus. If you listen attentively to Him speaking in the readings, you will hear what He wants and needs you to hear at this time. Ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten you, to teach you, and then, read and pray.
I believe we are going to hear a lot!
