Advent II

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: 
“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