The readings for Advent from Isaiah continue with this description of the ideal king, who will come from the remnant of Israel – the stump of Jesse, of David’s dynasty. This was applied by Christians to Jesus. But Isaiah was seeking to comfort his people, under attack by Assyria, as he foresees an idyllic future when the whole of creation will live in complete harmony. Only the “fear of the Lord” and the “knowledge of the Lord” could bring this about.
The psalm looks forward to the coming of a perfect king, the Messiah, whose rule will be just and his reign glorious.
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 Messiah’s sufferings show that God keeps His promises, and 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 11:1-10; Psalm 71(72); Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12)