1st Week of Advent (A) : Friday 6th December 2019

The first reading describes the internal social and moral reform that will take place in Judah when God puts forth His hand once again on the nation.

Where there was once barren wasteland, a fruitful forest will grow. Where there was once shadow and darkness, the light will shine. Those blinded by arrogance and pride will face their downfall. In contrast, the lowly will rejoice and the poor will praise the Lord, and the blind see.

This optimistic prophecy foretells the day when the true Messiah will come to bring change in the world order. The Gospel story of Jesus healing the two blind men emphasizes the type of king he will be. The two men address him as “Son of David”, therefore appealing to him as the Davidic Messiah-King. He hears the cry of the poor among his people. In addition, for Matthew the Gospel writer, the cry “Son of David” indicates not only Jesus’ Jewish and Davidic ties as Messiah, but also his special desire to heal the poor or despised individuals.
The readings remind us that wickedness and pride will never overcome goodness and humility.

Although the world around us may seem clouded with shadow and darkness, the light and truth of God will eventually triumph, and bring healing to the land and to people. As Christians, for our part, we have to place our trust in the Messiah King, who reigns more powerfully and justly than the rulers of the world. Until then, let us pray with the psalmist, “The Lord is my light and my help; whom shall I fear?”

Lord, I hope in You.