1st Week of Advent 2019 - Wednesday - Fulfillment of Prophecy Past Present and Future

Yesterday, we heard Isaiah’s prophecy of the heir of the Davidic King who will usher in an era of lasting peace. And then in the Gospel, Jesus explained how he was that heir, how the prophets and kings of old longed to see what he was now accomplishing. So, we had a prophecy from Isaiah, and then Jesus explained how he was the fulfillment of that prophecy.

Today, our readings follow the same pattern. In Isaiah we hear of the promises of a mountain upon which God will provide for all peoples, a feast of rich food and choice wines, that on this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, he will destroy death, he will wipe away tears, on that day we will behold our God.

And then in the Gospel, Jesus is fulfilling those promises: Jesus atop a mountain miraculously cures the mute, the lame, the blind, the deformed, and then he feeds this great multitude, miraculously multiplying seven loaves of bread and a few fish, and has an abundance of food left over.

Jesus continues to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah during this age of the Church: in the Sacraments the sick come to him for healing in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, those spiritually sick and even dead in sin, come to him for healing and new life in the Sacrament of Confession, and he feeds us with supersubstantial food, his body and blood in the Eucharist.

And Our Lord heals the sick and feeds the hungry through the charitable work of Church. Hospitals were invented by Christians seeking to be the healing hands of Christ in the world. And the Church continues to be the greatest of charitable institutions in feeding the starving and clothing the naked of the world.

And yet, these readings still point to the future, to the second Advent and coming of Christ at the end of the age, when we will eat and drink at the eternal banquet feast of heaven and be clothed with glory forever, where there will be no more death or disease, and every tear will be wiped away forever.

Advent certainly helps us appreciate the ways in which the prophecies of old were fulfilled in the earthly ministry of Jesus 2000 years ago, how they are fulfilled now in the present, and how they will be fulfilled in eternity. So what needs to change in us, that we may be more perceptive of God at work in our midst, and more participative in God’s work now, and what needs to change that I may ready myself for the ultimate fulfillment of these promises in eternity?

May the light and life of Christ’s Advent shine in us today and forever for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
 
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We raise up our prayers of petitions, as we await with longing the Advent of Christ the Lord.
That through the witness of the Christian Church, Our Lord will bring hope to the hopeless and joy to the joyless.
That world leaders may look upon the Son of God, believe in him, and seek the peace and justice that only he can bring.
That Christ may heal every disease, drive out hunger, feed every authentic hunger, ward off every affliction, and bring peace to the suffering.
For the deceased of our parish, family and friends, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
Almighty ever-living God, who bring salvation to all and desire that no one should perish, hear the prayers of your people and grant that the course of our world may be directed by your peaceful rule and your Church rejoice in tranquility and devotion. Through Christ our Lord.