Dec 2, 2013
Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
Romans 15:4-9
Matthew 3:1-12
"The kingdom of heaven is at hand," John proclaims. And the Liturgy
today paints us a vivid portrait of our new king and the shape of
the kingdom He has come to bring.
The Lord whom John prepares the way for in today's Gospel is the
righteous king prophesied in today's First Reading and Psalm. He is
the king's son, the son of David - a shoot from the root of Jesse,
David's father (see Ruth 4:17).
He will be the Messiah, anointed with the Holy Spirit (see 2 Samuel 23:1;
1 Kings 1:39; Psalm 2:2), endowed with the seven gifts
of the Spirit - wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength,
knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.
He will rule with justice, saving the poor from the ruthless and
wicked. His rule will be not only over Israel - but will extend
from sea to sea, to the ends of the earth. He will be a light, a
signal to all nations. And they will seek Him and pay Him
homage.
In Him, all the tribes of the earth will find blessing. The
covenant promise to Abraham (see
Genesis 12:3), renewed in God's oath to David (see
Psalm 89:4,28),
will be fulfilled in His dynasty. And His name will be blessed
forever.
In Christ, God confirms His oath to Israel's patriarchs, Paul tells
us in today's Epistle. But no longer are God's promises reserved
solely for the children of Abraham. The Gentiles, too, will glorify
God for His mercy. Once strangers, in Christ they will be included
in "the covenants of promise" (see
Ephesians 2:12).
John delivers this same message in the Gospel. Once God's chosen
people were hewn from the rock of Abraham (see Isaiah 51:1-2). Now, God will raise up
living stones (see 1 Peter 2:5) - children of Abraham born
not of flesh and blood but of the Spirit.
This is the meaning of the fiery baptism He brings - making us
royal heirs of the kingdom of heaven, the Church.