Daily Retreat 12/03/07
2007 Dec 3 Mon:Francis Xavier, p, ms M
Is 4:2-6/ Ps 121(122):1-2. 3-4b. 4cd-5. 6-7. 8-9/ Mt 8:5-11
From today’s readings: “For over all, the LORD's glory will be shelter and protection.... Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.... I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of Heaven....”
I say, Isaiah!
Since yesterday, the first Sunday of Advent, was the beginning of the Church's new liturgical year, it seems appropriate to suggest a New Year's resolution - read the Bible more! In particular, I know that some of you who read this Virtual Retreat don't always get to reading the lectionary scriptural passages on which the reflections are based (chapter and verse references are given at the beginning of the reflection), but obviously, it would be a much better choice to read God's word first, and then turn to this humble meditation if there's time.
Isaiah is the prince of the prophets - his Bible book is longer (66 chapters!) than any other prophetic book, and his poetic imagery is most memorable and developed (e.g. yesterday's verse, "They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks"). The New Testament authors quote Isaiah more than any other Old Testament book except for the Psalms. In the Church's lectionary, Isaiah appears especially during the season of Advent (right now!) and Lent (the time before Easter!).
As you can see, there's some good reasons to get more familiar with his writings. So, read today's verses, or better yet, start from the beginning of the book and read up to today's verses. Note how Isaiah 1:3 is generally depicted in our Nativity scenes!
Is 4:2-6/ Ps 121(122):1-2. 3-4b. 4cd-5. 6-7. 8-9/ Mt 8:5-11
From today’s readings: “For over all, the LORD's glory will be shelter and protection.... Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.... I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of Heaven....”
I say, Isaiah!
Since yesterday, the first Sunday of Advent, was the beginning of the Church's new liturgical year, it seems appropriate to suggest a New Year's resolution - read the Bible more! In particular, I know that some of you who read this Virtual Retreat don't always get to reading the lectionary scriptural passages on which the reflections are based (chapter and verse references are given at the beginning of the reflection), but obviously, it would be a much better choice to read God's word first, and then turn to this humble meditation if there's time.
Isaiah is the prince of the prophets - his Bible book is longer (66 chapters!) than any other prophetic book, and his poetic imagery is most memorable and developed (e.g. yesterday's verse, "They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks"). The New Testament authors quote Isaiah more than any other Old Testament book except for the Psalms. In the Church's lectionary, Isaiah appears especially during the season of Advent (right now!) and Lent (the time before Easter!).
As you can see, there's some good reasons to get more familiar with his writings. So, read today's verses, or better yet, start from the beginning of the book and read up to today's verses. Note how Isaiah 1:3 is generally depicted in our Nativity scenes!
posted by FrPitstick | 12/02/2007
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