Look at the clouds and see a Storm is approaching; one filled with anguish until the King returns.

Look at the clouds and see a storm approaching; one filled with anguish until the King returns.

When the reports of disaster are imminent our hearts may sink as we know what evil content is inside of the thrust of our enemies.  This happened to Israel in the time of Isaiah.  We read how the Israelis discovered the justice of God and their return to prosperity and peacefulness will arise in a future period of life for their land.  

As the third Sunday of Advent arrives our minds are not on Israel as much as the coming of God’s redemption through Jesus Christ when he comes as King and redeemer of mankind.  This reading from Isaiah places a hope on each of us while his nativity is looming so close.  But the realism of this hope for Israel is found in this reading; exulting the land will once again bloom with vegetation and all of the ill-residents shall rise and give praise to the God of grace who shares with his chosen people.  

This is a pertinent reminder that Israel is the land that we are currently in protection of and the King we await is of Jewish dissent and is being sent to save the lost souls of Israel.  We welcome a Jewish preacher into our world; one who was announced first to Jewish shepherds, then adored by Kings from the East who denied Herod’s ability to kill Jesus, Savior  of all of us.  

2025, the year that witnessed, again in history, another attack on Israel and the many nations around the world who insist on the destruction of Israel and even the name of Judaism.  So as we celebrate the feast of hope these next two weeks at Holy Mass, we must also keep in mind that this child we await is a Jewish citizen, one who came to save his own, and went to the Cross at the hands of his own to save us as well.  

“Those whom the Lord has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy; They will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.”  (Is 35: 10).  

Ralph B. Hathaway