Ahaz was king of Israel at a crucial moment in Israel’s history. The Assyrians were sweeping through the region—conquering everyone who would not assimilate and join their empire and worship their gods.
So King Ahaz had a choice, will he trust in God and the guidance of the prophets or will he bow to Assyria and assimilate. Will he trust in the one true God or bow to the false gods. Knowing how weak Ahaz was, God spoke through Isaiah and told Ahaz: I’ll even give you a sign that I am with you and with Israel: “the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.”
Sadly, Ahaz trusted not in the power of God. He entered into a protection treaty with Assyria. Despite Isaiah’s warnings, an altar was built for the worship of the Assyrian gods in the very Temple of Jerusalem violating Israel’s covenant with the one true God. And it wouldn’t be long before Jerusalem was conquered by Babylon a few decades later.
Every year, the world is given the same crucial choice as Ahaz. Emmanuel is born of the virgin, come believe in Him, trust in Him, worship Him, adore Him. God invites all of humanity to trust in the sign. The sign of signs. Will you trust?
King Ahaz failed to trust in God and that had tragic consequences for the nation. Similarly, the world sinks further and further into depravity and chaos when it rejects the Christ.
So, the Church, in her prophetic mission, urges the world: “do not make the same mistake. The false gods of the world will not protect you, they will not give you the peace and prosperity they promise. There is one God and Him alone shall you worship. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”
In these final Advent days, let us pray for the world, to believe in the One born for them on Christmas, Emmanuel, God with us, born of the Virgin Mary, as Savior of the World. Let us fast and pray for the church to resist the assimilation to the ways of the world, for increased faith in Emmanuel, hope in Him, and love of Him for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
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As we await with longing the Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, we raise up our prayers of petitions.
That Christ may visit his holy Church and always find her repentant of sin and watchful in prayer.
That Christ may fill the Pope, our Bishop, and all the clergy with spiritual gifts and graces.
That Christ may guide the minds of those who govern us to promote the common good according to His Holy Will.
That Christ may banish disease, drive out hunger, and ward off every affliction.
For all who have died, 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.
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