(Isa 63:16-17; 64:3-8; Ps 79(80); 1 Cor 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37)
The reading from third Isaiah is part of a prayer written around the end of Israel’s exile. Their leaders have been arguing instead of rebuilding the Temple. The prophet recalls God’s blessings on Israel in the past, and desperately begs the Lord to come once more in his mercy to the aid of his people, who all now humbly confess their sinfulness. God is our Father, and we are clay, to be formed by his hand.
The psalm pleads with God to restore his vineyard, Israel, to its former favour. Especially the northern tribes, threatened by Assyria.
Paul’s letter to the Corinthians was prompted by internal rivalries. He can’t stop talking about Jesus. God has now come, giving “all the graces” “through Jesus Christ”, and joining us to his Son.
Since Vatican II we are blessed by reading all through each gospel in turn. Listening to what each evangelist actually says may help us to sense different Christian communities gradually developing their understanding of Christ. This Advent we start the year of Mark, whose gospel is the earliest and shortest. It is the gospel in which no human being recognises or understands Jesus before his death. Today we have Mark’s version of “Stay awake!”, immediately before Jesus’ passion begins.
Psalm Response: God of hosts, bring us back; let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.
(Isa 63:16-17; 64:3-8; Ps 79(80); 1 Cor 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37)