Advent: a thousand-year wait. Between history, scripture and astronomy.During the liturgical season of Advent, three biblical figures stand out in a special way: the prophet IsaiahJohn the Baptist and Mary of Nazareth. In this reflection, we will focus on the figure of Isaiah. Since ancient times, a universal tradition has reserved many of the first readings of this time for his words. This is perhaps because, in him, the great messianic hope resounds with a unique force, offering a perennial proclamation of salvation for humanity of all times.
As we contemplate the readings for this year's Advent season (cycle C), we will notice the abundant presence of Isaiah. Although it may seem ambitious, I propose to select, for each week of Advent, one of the texts offered to us, together with a key verse. In this way, I hope to capture the essence of the Advent message and facilitate a spiritual journey that brings us closer to its heart.
Second week of Advent
References to Isaiah in the second week of Advent are abundant and significant:
- Monday: Isaiah 35, 1-10 - Transformation of the desert and healing for humanity.
- Tuesday: Isaiah 40, 1-11 - Message of consolation and preparation of the way for the Lord.
- Wednesday: Isaiah 40, 25-31 - Affirmation of divine power and strength for the weak.
- Thursday: Isaiah 41, 13-20 - Promise of liberation and conversion.
- Friday: Isaiah 48:17-19 - God as Redeemer, instructing to follow his commandments.
Prophecy and key verse (2nd week)
Among the texts of Isaiah read during the second week of Advent, Isaiah 40:1-11 seems to be the most significant in this context. This passage offers a profound message of consolation and hope, anticipating the coming of the Lord to liberate and restore his people through a messenger, finally fulfilled in St. John the Baptist: "A voice cries out: 'In the wilderness prepare a way for the Lord; in the desert prepare a highway for our God...'" (Isaiah 40:3).
Reasons for the choice of verse
- Need for preparation. "A voice cries out, "In the wilderness prepare a way for the Lord...." This verse is identified in the Gospels as the fulfillment of the mission of John the Baptist (Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4-6; John 1:23), the forerunner of Christ who announces the nearness of the Kingdom of God. Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus, both in his first coming (his birth) and his second coming (parousia). This verse highlights the need to prepare the heart for the coming of the Lord.
- Symbolism of conversion. The image of a straight road in the desert represents the restorative work that God will do in the world and in human hearts. Obstacles are smoothed out, deserts are filled with life, and the Lord comes to comfort and redeem his people. This message aligns with the spirit of Advent, which invites hope and spiritual renewal.
- The consolation of forgiveness. The whole of chapter 40, especially in verses 1-2, begins with a call to comfort God's people: "Comfort, comfort my people," says your God; "speak to the heart of Jerusalem, cry out to her, for her service is done and her crime is paid for," where it is assured that sins have been forgiven and restoration is near. This fits perfectly with the Advent theme, which reminds us that the coming of Jesus is the fulfillment of that promise of redemption.
For these reasons, Isaiah 40:1-11, and specifically verse 40:3, expresses the key message of the second week of Advent: to prepare the way for the Lord in the heartbeat and life, with the hope of his coming as a source of consolation, liberation and restoration. In turn, the verse in Isaiah 40:3 finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ through the ministry of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for the coming of Jesus, the Messiah. John, by calling to repentance, makes it possible for people to be spiritually ready to receive Christ. Thus, Jesus is the "Lord", whose "way" has been prepared in souls. And thus, in Jesus this promise of redemption and restoration is fulfilled.
Doctor of Canon Law
