| Reading 1 | Response | Reading 2 | Gospel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is 40:1-5, 9-11 RCL: Is 40:1-11 | Ps 85:9-10-11-12, 13-14 | 2 Pt 3:8-14 RCL: 2 Pt 3:8-15a | Mk 1:1-8 |
Advent: preparing the way for discipleship
During the Advent season the Lectionary readings look back to God’s promises in Hebrew scripture and look forward to their fulfillment in Christian scripture. This week’s readings ask us to think about our readiness for the newness of Jesus’ incarnation.
The first reading is from the prophet Isaiah, specifically Second Isaiah, who spoke to the Jewish people in exile in Babylon in the sixth century BC. Today’s pericope is the prologue to Isaiah’s message and sets the themes for his entire work. It opens with God’s call and Isaiah’s mission: “give comfort to my people!” Isaiah imagines the exile as a term of indentured slavery that the people have now completed (“her service is at an end”). To prepare for their trip across the wilderness, the people are to build a straight road for a victory procession (“a highway for our God”) from Babylon to Judea. God will accompany the exiles and restore the people and Jerusalem (“the glory of the LORD shall be revealed”). Isaiah announces that God is with them: “Here is your God!” Although God comes in power (“rules by his strong arm”), God is also a caring shepherd (“feeding the flock,” “gathering the lambs,” “leading with care”). The Lectionary editors chose this reading to draw a parallel between God’s actions in the exiles’ return and God’s actions in preparing the way for the messiah in today’s gospel.
The second reading is from an unknown author writing in Peter’s name, probably from Rome in the early second century AD. Some scholars believe 2 Peter is the last-written canonical document in Christian scripture. In today’s pericope, the author rebuts the false teachers’ assertion that the delay of Christ’s parousia means the parousia is not happening. He gives two reasons why the false teachers are wrong. First, God’s accounting of time is not the same as human counting (“one day is like a thousand years”); second, the delay is a sign of God’s patience, wishing that all should come to metanoia (change of mind/heart). He reminds his hearers what is known: that the end time will come without warning (“like a thief”). God will destroy everything (“the elements will be dissolved”) and, as promised, recreate everything anew (“we await new heavens and a new earth”). Because the end-time is certain, disciples should live in “holiness and devotion.” Those who live righteous lives see the end-times not as a threat but a promise that vindication and salvation is near. The Lectionary editors chose this reading because of its Advent themes of waiting and preparedness.
In the gospel, we hear the beginning of Mark’s proclamation about Jesus. Today’s introduction has three parts:
- A title. Mark’s first line is actually the title of his work: “The beginning of the good news/proclamation of Jesus, messiah, Son of God.” This title prepares hearers and readers for the dramatic unfolding of Mark’s whole work, which emphasizes Jesus as messiah (“Christ”) and Son of God. The “beginning” doesn’t just mean the start of Mark’s writing, it also means “hearing this is when your salvation (“good news”) begins.”
- Hebrew scripture citations. Mark’s scripture references foreshadow the gospel’s later events. Second Isaiah’s prophecy promises a new action by God, who will make a victorious way through the wilderness (see the first reading). Mark applies this way to Jesus: his progress through the world, and his movement toward his death and resurrection in Jerusalem.
- The messenger. Mark recasts Isaiah’s quote to introduce John the Baptizer as the one “preparing the way.” The Baptizer calls the people to metanoia (change of mind/heart), while announcing a coming one who is stronger and who will exceed the Baptizer’s words and actions. John’s baptism prepares everyone for the more profound renewal Jesus will offer.
In Advent, the readings ask us to think about Jesus’ coming in history, his liturgical and sacramental coming now, and his future return. Isaiah tells the people to prepare for their trip with God who leads them to restoration and to renewal. The Peter’s letter author tells his hearers that the parousia‘s delay is an opportunity for personal metanoia in preparation for Jesus’ coming. Mark announces that God’s mighty work of salvation has started, and all must prepare for the greater one’s coming. Advent is our opportunity to prepare and to repair our ways. Is the way between God and us straight and level, or indirect and unused? Are we using Advent to grow in holiness, or to recede into self? Are we preparing for the new thing God is doing, or are we waiting to see what happens?
—Terence Sherlock
The Lectionary In Context 