Reasons for Hope
Mass Readings:
Bar 5: 1-9
Phil 1: 3-6, 8-11
Lk 3: 1-6
I find today’s Mass readings very meaningful and beautiful…. They are sure to strike a chord with you too, for they talk about hope. The hopes we commonly express are untainted optimism; we use the word in a careless sort of way.
On the other hand, today’s Readings express an authentic hope, a hope grounded on God’s eternity and Christ’s resurrection. These are the ultimate truths that bring meaning to our existence. God’s plan becomes plain; we see how he loves and cares for us. We begin to see His presence in world history and in our personal story. We learn to put aside romantic ideas of a life free of sorrow and pain; we learn to face life with fortitude…. Not for nothing did Jesus assume our flesh and our weaknesses.
Truly, Advent readings are a beacon of hope in this valley of tears. Have a blessed second Sunday of Advent!
(First published on Facebook, 6 December 2015, as "On this Second Sunday of Advent")
