Reflections
“With joy you will draw water from
the fountains of salvation.”
This is a Song of Thanksgiving, from the
prophet Isaiah, expressed in the language
of the Psalms. But the prophet is also
speaking about salvation -- “God indeed
is my salvation.” Later Isaiah says,
“With joy you will draw water from the
fountains of salvation.”
These verses speak to us of our Savior and
are in keeping with the theme of this Sunday's
first reading, “The Lord your God is a mighty
savior.” (Zephaniah 3:17)
And having been promised salvation, we are to
“Rejoice in the Lord always,” as St Paul tells us
in Sunday's second Reading. (Philippians 4:4)
And what effect does the promise of salvation
have on us? We draw strength from our saving
relationship with God – Isaiah says it for us,
“I am confident and unafraid.” (Remember, God’s
perfect love drives out fear.) Isaiah gives us further
evidence, “My strength and my courage is the Lord.”
And where does the power come from that is the
source of our courage? It comes from our baptism,
first with water, then from our baptism in the Holy
Spirit. This is the good news that John preached
when he promised that the Christ would baptize us
with the Holy Spirit. (Gospel, Luke 3:16)
And as Isaiah reminds us, during this season of Advent
we are to sing praise to the Lord -- “Let the good news
be known throughout all the earth!” We are to “Shout
with exultation, for great in our midst, is the Holy One
of Israel!”
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. Our Response this Sunday is, 'Cry out with joy and gladness:
for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.' Describe how
you prepare to receive Jesus inside your heart during this season
of Advent.
2. Isaiah says, 'My strength and my courage is the Lord.' Explain
what this verse means to you, especially at this time of the year.
I prepare my heart to receive Him as my Savior because I draw the water from the wells of salvation with joy. During the season of Advent, I want to cleanse myself by confessing my sins. I want to express my gratitude to God who sent us his son Jesus Christ to live among us. This good news I want to share with others.
ReplyDeleteOur Lord is a mighty Savior and my salvation. That's why I am not afraid of any condemnation and also because He is my strength and courage. I am glad that I am being saved by Jesus Christ. His name is exalted. Sing to the Lord for He has done glorious things.
THE ADVENT SEASON is a very special time of the year. It’s one of preparation, anticipation and joy. Doing the little extra things. Even on the streets you see it. Strangers are more likely to smile and greet you. Families make contact with one another, via the phone, Christmas cards, the computer, or best of all, a personal visit! The homeless are given sumptuous Christmas meals, and people just want to spread the joy. But let us not forget, the "reason for the season” and Be Sure to keep Christ in Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThe song of praise in this Psalm is suitable for the return of the outcasts of Israel from their long captivity, but it is especially suitable to our case of sinners, when we first find peace and joy in believing. The promise is sure, and the blessings contained in it are very rich.
ReplyDeleteI will trust you Lord Jesus to prepare me for your salvation, and preserve me to it. I will trust you with all my concerns, not doubting. Faith in God is a sovereign remedy against tormenting fears.
Our salvation is from the love of God the Father, it comes to us through God the Son, it is applied by the new-creating power of God the Spirit.
Blessed be God, we have wells of salvation opened on every side, and may draw from them the waters of life and consolation. Let us as believers encourage one another to praise God, and seek to draw others to join us in it. No difference of opinions about the times and seasons, and other such matters, ought to divide the hearts of Christians. Let it be our care that we may be placed amongst those to whom he will say, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world."
It has been important for us to hear the message of repentance in previous weeks, so that our hearts are pure and ready to receive our Savior. Step by step... We have been led from a sobering call to be ready for judgment to John's fiery exhortation to confess and be fruitful with our gifts.
ReplyDeleteI am grateful that this week's readings for Gaudete Sunday really put the focus on joy, a fruit of the Holy Spirit. And along with joy, peace that only Jesus can give.
I was posed a question once about which image most depicts God's peace. One image was that of a still, calm lake, with sunshine and blue skies. The other was that of a storm rolling in, with choppy waters splashing over rocks in its path. A lone tree branch extends into the scene with a tiny bird on it enjoying a berry.
I would have to say the latter resonates with me. The Christmas season can feel stormy with all of its obligations. God promises peace amidst the turmoil, not no turmoil. I wholeheartedly claim Isaiah 12:2, "God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid." Also, as in the rest of verse 2, "My strength and my courage is the Lord," throughout this season of both spiritual and secular busy-ness.