Prayer and Reflection for Advent

The Prophet Isaiah

The first readings at daily Mass are prophetic messages from Isaiah foretelling the Savior that is to come.

"No longer will your "Teacher hide himself, but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher, while from behind, a voice shall sound in your ears: 'This is the way; walk in it.'"

"They will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God."

"Do you not know or have you not heard? The Lord is the eternal God, creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint nor grow weary, and his knowledge is beyond scrutiny. He gives strength to the fainting; for the weak he makes vigor abound."

"I will help you, says the Lord; Your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel."

We are promised that we will see the Lord. The people of Jesus' time did get to see God face to face. We did not live during that time but we have the inspired Word of God which gives accounts of the historical Jesus. He was real and this season reminds us just how real! Born a vulnerable baby, human in all ways, needing to grow in age and wisdom yet fully Divine as well. It is miraculous!

If you are like me I wish I could see Jesus face to face and hear his voice saying "This is the way; walk in it." or be so filled with God's presence that I might say as the prophet Isaiah "I see your glory and splendor God!" or hear God say to me the words of Isaiah "He gives strength to the fainting; for the weak he makes vigor abound."

I could do with some of that strength and vigor right now! I believe that one day I will see God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit face to face but until that day I can only see dimly as in a mirror. So I ask myself......

 

Reflection: Where is God showing me His Son throughout my day?

                   Am I taking time to really be quiet so I might hear the voice of God saying to me, "This is the way; walk in it."?

Am I daily reading the scripture which is the voice of God that is real and that I can hear and understand today?"

 

Prayer: Lord God, as I wait to meet you more fully during this Advent season please help me have eyes to see you in the events, people and creation which you give me. Help me to take true quiet time with you each day that I might read/pray scripture and hear your voice. I pray for all the pilgrims on this journey to full union with you. Help us keep our eyes focused on you rather than being distracted by the commercialism which is all around us. Help us to be bold and say "Blessed Advent and Christmas season to you" rather than generic words such as "Happy Holidays". May we take every opportunity to speak of the true meaning of this liturgical season thus speaking your words through ours. We ask this knowing that you are the source of all vigor, strength, direction and love. Please hear and answer us in your name Jesus we pray. AMEN