1st Week of Advent 2020 - Tuesday - A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse

 

When giving tours of our magnificent church, I’ll often ask people to try to figure out what is being depicted on the ceiling. And often times, they’ll look at the figure depicted right at the base of the sanctuary, and think that it’s Jesus, maybe coming out of the tomb after the resurrection. And I always say, “no, it’s not Jesus, but he bears a certain family resemblance”.

At the base of the sanctuary, of course, is Jesse, who we hear about in our first reading today from the prophet Isaiah. And I say that he bears a certainty family resemblance because, he is a progenitor of the family tree of Jesus. And so our ceiling depicts the family tree of Our Lord, in fact, there he is all the way near the entrance of the church, blessing us as we come in from the world and blessing us as we go out into the world to proclaim the good news.

So, the stem that sprouts from the stump of Jesse is beautifully depicted on our ceiling, one of the most unique ceilings in the world. I’ve never seen another like it. It is certainly reminiscent of the Jesse tree stained glass window of Chartres Cathedral which is also the inspiration for the stained glass windows which adorn our Cathedral of West Boulevard.

The Jesse Tree certainly connects us with Isaiah’s prophecy, and reminds us that Israel was waiting and longing for this prophecy to be fulfilled, waiting for the tree to bloom, ushering in the age of the Messiah—who would bring peace and justice and reconciliation with God.

Also, consider the context in which Isaiah gave this prophecy. Remember, Israel was in exile. It was the darkest point in Israel’s history. It appeared that the royal line had been severed. To anyone who was paying attention, God’s promise of a flourishing tree of Justice and Peace looked more like a dead stump in the ground. And yet, Isaiah offers this prophecy of hope. That no, the tree is not dead. God’s promise remains intact. Justice will come. Peace will come. Be patient. Have faith.

So, too with us. Every Advent is an opportunity to renew our patience, our faith and our hope. No matter how devastated the world appears. God is still at work. There will be justice for the oppressed. There will be peace. There Lord came 2000 years ago. The age of the Messiah has begun, and it will come to fulfillment when he returns in glory, so we ready our hearts, we ready our souls, we contemplate the truths that the Lord has revealed to the childlike, those who trust in God with childlike wonder, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

 

We raise up our prayers of petitions, as we await with longing the Advent of Christ the Lord.

That through the courageous 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, 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.

Keep us alert, we pray, O Lord our God, as we await the advent of Christ your son, so that, when he comes and knocks, he may find us watchful in prayer and exultant in  his praise. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.