Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 3, 2024

Date: Memorial of St. Francis Xavier/Tuesday of the 1st Week in Advent

Scripture Text: Isaiah 11:1-10

On that day, A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a Spirit of counsel and of strength, a Spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD, and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD. Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide, But he shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land's afflicted. He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hips.

Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; The calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The cow and the bear shall be neighbors, together their young shall rest; the lion shall eat hay like the ox. The baby shall play by the cobra's den, and the child lay his hand on the adder's lair. There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD, as water covers the sea.

On that day, the root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, The Gentiles shall seek out, for his dwelling shall be glorious.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading for today is from the Prophet Isaiah who prophecies of a future Davidic king who will rule justly and righteously over a paradise kingdom like the paradise of Eden. We believe this will happen after the 2nd Coming of Christ.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I believe in Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior? Do I believe that He will come again? How do I show my belief?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, we praise You. With love we lift our voices in praise of You. We give thanks to You, knowing that You are the source of all goodness and life. We long for life in abundance with You, life as You will us to live, whole and holy. Grant that we may be your instruments in this world of your peace. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.