Reflections
Isaiah 12: 2-3, 4, 5-6 (Read)
“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.
Isaiah's prophetic words range from dire warnings, to the raw and sorrowful importance of humility, to hope and joy as we see here. Indeed, his language in chapter 12, is the language of the Psalms.
ReplyDeleteAdvent is a time of joyful expectation as we await the arrival of our Savior, in the most humble form of a helpless infant. He even made the "hay holy." (Taken from "Blessed is She" blog). May we prepare our hearts, which will serve as his manger this season.
I am still undergoing some family drama that has become my cross. When I asked a priest for counsel, he joyfully replied, that I should take up my cross, but ask for a helper -- my very own Simon of Cyrene. However, if this person or influence does not appear, it means God thinks I can handle it.
Well, I am still waiting for my Simon. But amidst the wait, I have had fleeting moments of strength, of lightness. Could I actually be getting stronger? Have I imagined the moments when I felt victory over this trial?
When I take on my day's duties and the world's Christmas list, my heart becomes instantly heavy. And the worry takes up room in the manger. When I release the anxiety into God's care, I rise up again in peace. His joy permeates my soul and sweeps away the dust to make a clean spot for Jesus.
I am trying to connect the handling of my personal cross with preparing for the coming of my Savior. May He find me ready for Him, with a heart full of faith in His healing power. He wants to make me whole and make me a conqueror in HIm. Therefore, I can know that I will "With joy, draw water from the wells of salvation... and give thanks to the Lord." (V.3)