Second Sunday of Advent
Is 11:1-10; Rom 15: 4-9; Mt 3:1-12 (year a)
The outcomes of recent polls, both for the EU referendum and the American presidential election, have been interpreted as a sign of widespread disillusionment and a longing for change. Such disenchantment reaches beyond the state of current politics and reflects the inevitable malaise of sinful humanity. A broken world longs for healing and a better tomorrow.
The season of Advent brings hope to this fundamental longing. Long ago the prophet Isaiah had spoken of a new beginning, a root that would spring from the stock of Jesse. His words were addressed to a people who had lost faith both in themselves and in the structures governing their society.
