But a very little while,
and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard,
and the orchard be regarded as a forest!
On that day the deaf shall hear
the words of a book;
And out of gloom and darkness,
the eyes of the blind shall see.
The lowly will ever find joy in the LORD,
and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
The imagery of Advent is vernal, of spring, when the natural world seems to waken and revive. Rich and poor alike shed the winter jackets and bask in the bright sunshine although the air retains some winter chill. We watch for the signs of spring as brown turns to green, robins flock by the hundred, geese honk across the sky, and smaller birds reappear. The bright shades of autumn often appear more faintly in the spring like a promise of things to come.
But the first sign of spring is the winter solstice and its harbinger is Christmas. Even while Nature seems dressed in the weeds of mourning, we root through the Bible and our Christian traditions to produce the words and memories of new life: Lebanon shall be changed to an orchard; and the orchard, a forest!
That wonderful spring will be more than natural; it will be supernatural as the blind see and the deaf hear. The lowly will find joy and the poor will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
In today's Gospel, Jesus's coming is the Spring, especially as he touches blind eyes and restores their natural function.
Advent is the season of hope; it is founded on the solid rock of God's promise, that Word who is born of Mary and lives among us. And hope is no passive observer of passing scenes; it makes things happen. It expects and its expectation builds highways in the wilderness for good things to arrive and good days to begin. For the wealthy to shed their excess and to share their substance. For the poor to resume their study, work, and festivities without fear of scarcity.
Vernal Advent assures us; there is plenty to go around. God's mercy provides more than enough for everyone.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.