The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today use words of victory to urge our contemplation of the work we do inspired by the Spirit.Doers of the Word
The reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah celebrates Judah’s Song of Victory.
* [26:1–19] This text is a mixture of praise for the salvation that will take place, a confession of Judah’s inability to achieve deliverance on its own, and earnest prayer that God may quickly bring about the longed-for salvation. * [26:1] Strong city: Jerusalem, the antithesis of the “city of chaos” (24:10); see note on 24:1–27:13.1
Psalm 118 is a Song of Victory.
* [Psalm 118] A thanksgiving liturgy accompanying a procession of the king and the people into the Temple precincts. After an invocation in the form of a litany (Ps 118:1–4), the psalmist (very likely speaking in the name of the community) describes how the people confidently implored God’s help (Ps 118:5–9) when hostile peoples threatened its life (Ps 118:10–14); vividly God’s rescue is recounted (Ps 118:15–18). Then follows a possible dialogue at the Temple gates between the priests and the psalmist as the latter enters to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice (Ps 118:19–25). Finally, the priests impart their blessing (Ps 118:26–27), and the psalmist sings in gratitude (Ps 118:28–29).2
In the Gospel of Matthew, we hear cautions concerning self-deception and going beyond being Hearers to being Doers.
* [7:24–27] The conclusion of the discourse (cf. Lk 6:47–49). Here the relation is not between saying and doing as in Mt 7:15–23 but between hearing and doing, and the words of Jesus are applied to every Christian (everyone who listens).3
Kimberly Grassmeyer comments that during this time of Advent, as we await the birth of the Christ child, these readings call us to trust in the firm foundation of our faith through the imagery of a strong city, and a solid home. "Trust in the LORD forever!" God provided a rock on which to build the church's foundation, and Jesus reminds his disciples and us that as humans, we must likewise build our homes - our faith - on solid rock.
Winds of change will blow and challenge us. But a humble faith, a home built on firm foundation, a city that is strong, just, keeps its faith and strives for peace: these foundation metaphors help us to understand that God will "protect us." We must keep the LORD as our foundation - at our core. This can be a difficult ask; I too often waver in faith and trust. But as we patiently await the celebration of Jesus' birth, we can look forward to renewing our faith and strengthening anew that core: our rock foundation. Blessed Advent!4
Don Schwager quotes “Turn your vision to the Savior,” by Verecundus (died 552 AD).
"When Hezekiah, the king of Judah and son of Ahaz, was gravely ill and had learned of his coming death by the prophecy of Isaiah, he turned his face to the wall and wept bitterly (2 Kings 20:1-3). Immediately the Lord in his mercy not only averted the destruction of imminent death but also added fifteen years to the man's life. Then, at last, Hezekiah sang this song (Isaiah 38:10-20). Hezekiah, a holy man who reigned at that time over all of Israel, displayed the Lord's form: clearly he had every movement of body, soul and mind in subjection to himself, and he accepted the consequences of his infirmity and weakness. He knew without doubt through the prophetic message that the end of his life was approaching. For the longer we seem to live, the more indubitably is our future death foreknown to us. And if we turn our face to the wall when struck by the fear of death, that is, if we direct the vision of our hearts to the Savior, who is here represented by the wall because he is elsewhere called 'a wall,' we will be saved, inasmuch as he saves the faithful who dwell within him from a great many attacks. 'In the city of our strength,' says Isaiah, 'is the Savior established as a wall and a fortress' (Isaiah 26:1). Behold, the Savior is said to be a wall." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON THE CANTICLE OF EZEKIEL 5.1-2)5
The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 7:21, 24-27 comments that the storms of life can be frightening, and suffering and hardship can give way to real loss. But the Lord is with us always, speaking to us, showing us how to navigate each situation. As we imitate Mary and Joseph by listening to God and obeying his voice, we can trust that he will keep our “houses” from collapsing (Matthew 7:25). Not only that, but our faith in him will be even stronger when we face the next storm.
Today, spend a few extra minutes meditating on one of the Holy Family’s storms and how they reacted to it. Put yourself in their shoes and imagine what they must have felt or thought. Then think of a “storm” you might be experiencing now. How can you listen, trust, and obey God as they did? How can you make your foundation in Christ even stronger than it is right now? Let’s ask for the grace to respond to the turbulence in our lives as Mary and Joseph did. Like them, may we always be that wise man or woman who builds their lives on the unshakable “rock” of the Lord and his word! “Lord, you are my foundation. Help me build my life on you!”6
Friar Jude Winkler comments on the universality of Isaiah 25-27 that suggests it was inserted at a time after the life of the original author. We are called to live the Gospel and act on the words of Jesus. Friar Jude reminds us not to hedge but to act in the light of our discipleship.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, who has struggled with both the possibility and the pain-points of religion. Healthy religion unites but toxic religion uses God to create more separation and hurt in the world.
Unfortunately, religion is too often weaponized. Wars are waged in the name of religion. People are enslaved and terrorized in the name of religion. Wealth has been amassed on the backs of the poor in the name of religion. I’m a Christian pastor, and these are things my tribe has done, all in the name of Jesus. Jews were exterminated, in the name of a poor, brown, Jewish baby who was at one time homeless and at another a refugee. If humankind is to thrive, we need to let go of any religion that wounds and kills. Some of what we believe about God is actually about us; at times we create God in our own image. In other words, some of us imagine God as punitive, angry, and vengeful because these are aspects of ourselves that make us feel powerful and protected, rather than vulnerable. But we need to exercise a spiritual imagination free of fear and shed the constraints of unhealthy religion. Hate-filled religion needs an exorcism!7
We seek the guidance of the Spirit to act in accord with the will of God that good has victory over evil.
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