Daily Archives: December 7, 2023

Repeat or Rhyme?

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The first reading today again comes from the Prophet Isaiah. Over the course of the week so far, the readings from the prophet have moved from the promise and announcement of the hoped-for King and redeemer, to the King establishing his rule, to yesterday’s banquet scene to which the faithful are invited and all are welcomed. This is the King more powerful than worldly empires and more trustworthy than all the successors to David’s throne. This is the King who comes to us in the Holy Eucharist. Continue reading →

After Pearl Harbor

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“Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan,” words famously spoken by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as he addressed a joint session of Congress. He finished his speech with a request for Congress to make a formal declaration of war against Japan, thus entering the United States into World War II. Continue reading →

John or Jesus?

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This coming Sunday is the 2nd Sunday of Advent. 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. 3 A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’”

We often interpret vv. 2-3 in light of Matthew and Luke where they clearly refer to John the Baptist. John is presented before the OT quotes are given. However, in Mark, the only person who has been named prior to the quotes is Jesus. Note also, for those who have difficulty memorizing scripture, Mark’s quote is a hybrid: v. 2 seems to come from Ex 23:20 (LXX) and Mal 3:1 (MT) and v. 3 from Isaiah 40:3, but not quoted exactly. Continue reading →