2, Scripture Readings – Summaries of the readings of each Sunday Mass (by Chris Oliver)

Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 71; Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12

The readings for Advent from Isaiah continue with his description of the ideal king, who will come from the remnant of Israel – the stump of Jesse, of David’s dynasty. Much quoted by Christian New Testament writers and applied to Jesus. But Isaiah was seeking to comfort his people, under attack by Assyria, and he goes on to foresee a fantastic and idyllic future when the whole of creation will live in complete harmony. No human king could achieve this, but the “fear of the Lord” and the “knowledge of the Lord” would bring it about.

Paul’s letter to the Romans exhorts the two groups of Christians in Rome to work patiently together, ignoring varying degrees of conformity to the Jewish Law. We must learn about God from the Jewish Scriptures, the Old Testament, so that we may worship him in unity of mind and mouth. The sufferings of both the Messiah and of Israel demonstrate that God keeps His promises, and the Messiah will lead all nations, both Jews and Gentiles, to praise God.

In the Gospel John the Baptist, the last prophet of the Old Testament, prepares the way of the Lord by urging people to repent, to turn towards God from their sins. But he condemns those who say they have no need of God.

Psalm Response: In his days justice shall flourish and peace till the moon fails.

Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 121; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:37-44

During advent the first readings are from first Isaiah, mostly written before 700 BC, a period when Israel was under attack from Assyria. Isaiah is critical of attempts by Israel’s kings to control their destiny – he urges them to place their faith and trust in God, and in His promises to David, whose city of Jerusalem is where God dwells. But God will not necessarily protect Israel from its enemies, who might be the means God uses to cleanse the people.
Nevertheless there will be a remnant who will ensure the survival of the people, like a stump of a tree, from which will come an ideal ruler in the future. In today’s reading Isaiah looks forward to a peaceful time when all nations will be attracted by Israel’s behaviour to accept God’s authority, centred on Mount Zion in Jerusalem.
In his letter to the Romans Paul has been drawing out the implications of his image of Christians as all parts of one body. Since we are therefore dependant on each other we have a duty of love for each other. Judgement will come at any time, so we must live at all times as if all our actions are visible to all.
Matthew’s gospel reinforces the need to “stay awake”, ready for the Lord’s coming.

Psalm Response: I rejoiced when I heard them say: “Let us go to God’s house”.

Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 121; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:37-44

2 Sam 5:1-3 Ps 121 Col 1:12-20 Lk 23:35-43

The Books of Samuel, with the Books of Kings and of Judges, tell of Israel’s history from when they entered Canaan about 1200 BC, up to their exile to Babylon in 587 BC. After the death of Saul, David became King of Judah. In today’s key reading David then becomes King of all Israel. He goes on to capture the 1,000 year-old city of Jerusalem, and makes it his capital. He then brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, making it also Israel’s religious centre. The Psalm celebrates Jerusalem, David’s city.

The letter to the Colossians was written because they thought that angelic beings and other spiritual powers were either rivals to Christ or were needed to supplement Christ’s work. Paul says this detracts from the person of Jesus Christ, who possesses the totality of power needed for redemption, meaning the forgiveness of sins. The hymn praises Christ, who is the image of the unseen God. He existed before all things, which were created in him, and He is supreme over all creation. He has reconciled all things, the whole cosmos, by “the blood of the Cross”.

In Luke’s Gospel the crucified Jesus is recognised as King, both by the good thief and in the inscription written by Pilate, a Gentile.

Psalm Response: I rejoiced when I heard them say: “Let us go to God’s house”.

(2 Sam 5:1-3 Ps 121 Col 1:12-20 Lk 23:35-43)

Mal 3:19-20 Ps 97 2 Thess 3:7-12 Lk 21:5-19

Written about 460 BC, after the Jews returned from their Babylonian exile to rebuild the Temple, Malachi criticises the people’s religious indifference, priestly abuses, intermarriage with pagans and divorce. So he writes anonymously, “Malachi” means “my messenger”. “Where is the God of justice?” he asks. But he promises that the day of the Lord is coming, preceded by a messenger to prepare the way, later seen by Christians as John the Baptist. When that day comes evil-doers will be burnt up, while those who fear the Lord will be energised and healed, gambolling with joy and treading on the ashes of the evil-doers.

The Thessalonians had heard a forged letter saying the Lord’s second coming was very close. Some had stopped working for a living and were “interfering in everyone else’s” work. Paul says they are “busybodies”, stirring up trouble! They should be shunned until they pull their weight in the community, as Paul did when he was with them.

In the Gospel Jesus foresees the destruction of the Temple, and the disasters, persecutions and false prophets that must precede the second coming. But we must not worry about these future problems, nor try to guess the day of the Lord’s second coming. We should concentrate on the day-to-day following of Jesus, placing all our trust in Him.

Psalm Response: The Lord comes to rule the peoples with fairness.

2 Macc 7:1-2,9-14 Ps 16 2 Thess 2:16-3:5 Lk 20:27-38

The second Book of Maccabees relates events from about 180 to 160 BC, and includes the martyrdom stories of Eleazar, and of this family of a mother and seven brothers, written to encourage God’s people in times of persecution. The Syrian king Antiochus imposed Greek cultures on the Jews, prompting a revolt led by Judas Maccabeus. The brothers each profess aspects of their faith, including confidence in individual bodily resurrection. After their martyrdoms the Jews succeeded in throwing off their oppressor.

The second letter to the Thessalonians was written to calm a community startled by claims that “the day of the Lord” was upon them. As long as they love and believe in the truth given them originally they should stand firm and have no fear. They should continue to pray confidently for Paul and other preachers, that the word of the Lord may “run” into people’s hearts everywhere.

In Luke’s gospel, after meeting Zacheus Jesus entered Jerusalem, cleansed the Temple and responded to challenges about his authority. Then he is asked about resurrection, with another example of seven brothers. He says those worthy to attain resurrection will no longer die or marry, “they are children of God”, the living God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, whom Moses called “Lord”.

Psalm Response: I shall be filled, when I awake, with the sight of your glory, O Lord.

(2 Macc 7:1-2,9-14 Ps 16 2 Thess 2:16-3:5 Lk 20:27-38)

Rev 7:2-4,9-14; Ps 23; 1 Jn 3:1-3; Mt 5:1-12

It may be difficult for us to understand the strange, frequently misunderstood, book of Revelation. Cosmic battles are raging all about us: evil seems to triumph in our world, yet God’s revelation of himself in Christ gives us confidence (hope) that He will save us. The previous chapter ended by describing the coming terrible day of judgement (Dies irae). Now there is a pause while the elect – the chosen ones – are sealed with God’s mark to show they will be protected. Some can be counted – perhaps the martyrs, whose robes have been washed white in the blood of the Lamb. Numberless others from all nations will also be saved. Faith gives hope for those who repent: “The Lamb … will lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes”.

John seems to have written his letters to repeat basic teachings, which some in his community appear to have forgotten in their reception of his Gospel, with its emphasis on Christ’s divinity. Here he insists we are already God’s children, and there is much more joy still to come. But we must purify ourselves, and model our lives on the human life of Jesus.

Matthew’s Gospel brings the Commandments up to date with positive demands if we are to be counted among the elect.

Psalm Response: Such are the men who seek your face, O Lord.

(Rev 7:2-4,9-14; Ps 23; 1 Jn 3:1-3; Mt 5:1-12)

Wisdom 11:22-12:2 Ps 44(45) 2 Thess 1:11-2:2 Luke 19:1-10 Click to see the readings from the U.S Catholic Bishops website

The Book of Wisdom has been describing ways in which Wisdom guided the patriarchs and took special care of Israel during their Exodus wanderings in the desert. God’s mercy extends to all creation, even men’s sins. The logic is impeccable: “you love all that exists”, “for had you hated anything, you would not have formed it.” Offenders are reminded little by little of their sins so that they may “abstain from evil and trust in you, Lord”.

For the next three weeks we have readings from Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians. After his opening greeting, Paul thanks God for the strength of the Thessalonians’ faith, which he boasts about to other churches, and assures them that those persecuting them will be punished. Assuring them of his prayers, Paul tells them not to be misled by false information about the second coming. Much has to happen before the end time.

In the Gospel Luke graphically describes the rich tax collector, Zacchaeus. Curious to see Jesus, Zacchaeus immediately follows Jesus and promises to give half his wealth to the poor. A contrast to the rich official who could not detach himself from his material possessions to follow Jesus. Though excluded from the Jewish community by his occupation, Zacchaeus receives salvation as a true son of Abraham.

Psalm Response: I will bless your name for ever, O God my King

(Wisdom 11:22-12:2 Ps 44(45) 2 Thess 1:11-2:2 Luke 19:1-10)

Sir/Eccle’us 35:12-14,16-19 Ps 32(33) 2 Tim 4:6-8,16-18 Lk 18:9-14

Sirach was a Jerusalem sage writing about 180 BC. His wise maxims are much used by the Church. God does not approve “the gifts of the godless, nor for their many sacrifices does he forgive their sins”. God is just, “he hears the cry of the oppressed”. God’s justice will be seen, he will wreak “vengeance upon the proud”.
Paul tells Timothy to expect a time to come “when people will not tolerate sound doctrine” “and will stop listening to the truth”. In every age Christians have experienced this happening, and church structures set up by Paul to “preserve the truth” have naturally tended to be conservative. Paul is facing death alone. But God has not deserted him, and even enabled him to speak out at his trial, sending the gospel message to yet more Gentiles, even at this late hour.
In Luke’s gospel Jesus continues his teachings on prayer. After last week’s parable about the persistent widow comes this strong condemnation of insincere prayer. We should not imagine that the Pharisee was bad: he is a good man, conscientiously observing his religion. Yet Jesus says the tax collector went home justified “rather than” the Pharisee. Not “more than”! Why? Because the tax collector was humble enough to admit his need of God and of his mercy.

Psalm Response: This poor man called; the Lord heard him.

2 Kgs 5:14-17 Ps 97 2 Tim 2:8-13 Lk 17:11-19

Naaman, a leper, commanded an Aramaen army which was victorious over Israel. A little Israeli girl, who became the servant of Naaman’s wife, said the prophet in Samaria could cure Naaman’s leprosy. Elisha told Naaman to bathe seven times in the Jordan. Initially Naaman refuses to do something so humble, but he is persuaded by his servant and he is cured. When Elisha refuses any reward, Naaman takes some soil back home so that he may continue to worship only the God of Israel.
Paul urges Timothy to pass on the gospel he has received, summed up in only 6 Greek words: Jesus, the Christ, anointed by God; descended from David, risen from the dead. Thus pointing to our bodily resurrection. In what sounds like a hymn from a very early baptismal liturgy we are told that “if we persevere we shall reign with him”. Not just be with Christ, but joining him in his work of caring for the renewed creation.
In Luke’s Gospel Jesus is coming closer to Jerusalem, and his death, while revealing more about his kingdom. Last week Jesus told his disciples to serve without expecting thanks. Now ten lepers are healed, like Naaman, through simple actions. Only the non-Jew returns to thank him.

Psalm Response: The Lord has shown his salvation to the nations.

Hab 1:2-3,2:2-4 Ps 94 2 Tim 1:6-8,13-14 Lk 17:5-10

Habbakuk appears to have prophesied while Judah was being threatened by Babylon, who destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC. Habbakuk expresses the ever-present frustration of mankind that evil people always seem to triumph. Since God is good and just, why doesn’t He intervene to help those who worship Him? Instead of punishing his erring people by a nation even more wicked? God’s answer here is that “the upright man will live by his faithfulness”. So Habbakuk agrees to “quietly wait” for the invaders to be punished. The Psalm’s message is also not to lose faith in God.
In the first of four readings from Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he is urged to “bear the hardships” relying on God’s power, using and developing his skills to testify to the good news. You should “guard the rich truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us” ie the truth about Jesus, who “has abolished death”.
In Luke’s Gospel Jesus continues to teach, as he makes his way to Jerusalem. We must have confidence in God’s plan, and carry out fully the tasks God has given us. But we must not expect God to put this world to rights in our lifetime.

Psalm Response: O that today you would listen to his voice! “Harden not your hearts”.

(Hab 1:2-3,2:2-4 Ps 94 2 Tim 1:6-8,13-14 Lk 17:5-10)