“Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way.”
Mark 1:2
This
line from Mark’s gospel illustrates a pattern of prophecy and fulfillment that
will continue throughout the upcoming weeks. John the Baptist is the voice
crying out in the wilderness of which Isaiah foretells. Jesus is the shepherd who feeds his flock and
gathers the lambs with care.
While scripture
scholars continue to argue over when and who wrote these scriptural accounts
the following timeline might prove helpful:
742
B.C. ———————3O A.D ————-60 A.D.————
Isaiah Jesus’
Ministry Book of Mark
o
Isaiah began his prophetic ministry over 700 years before the
birth of Christ.
o
Mark’s gospel was the first gospel recorded about 30 years after
Jesus died. (Contrary to the popular phrase: “Matthew, Mark, Luke and John”)
Today’s
music highlights the beautiful images contained in Isaiah’s prophecy. It speaks
of the voice crying out in the wilderness as well as the promised comfort and
well-being of God’s Kingdom.
The
prelude (A Voice Cries Out) has been selected to help us transition from whatever
held our attention prior to mass to the prophecies of Isaiah which we will be
proclaimed during the liturgy of the word.
Our
procession will be accompanied by instrumental music to accentuate advent’s
being a season of preparation and expectation.
We respond
to the penitential rite singing “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee
O Israel” praising God for the gift of forgiveness in Jesus.
I urge
you to continue a liturgical new year’s resolution of openness, attentiveness,
transformation and preparedness. Be
receptive to the gift of God’s saving Word and loving presence.
Anticipating
great Christmas gifts in small Advent packages,
Bruce
No comments:
Post a Comment