Advent: Time to be Closer to Jesus

 Reflection on Today's Readings, Monday, 2nd Week of Advent, Year B, December 7th, 2020

Texts: 35:1-10; Ps. 85:9-14; Luke 5:17-26

Faith is crucial in our relationship with God. Faith transforms life and one's world. Faith in Jesus Christ is what brings the joy of salvation. The new order promised in today's first reading is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Prophet Isaiah painted a glorious future that shows it is Divine action at work: the blind will see, the deaf will hear, the lame man will leap like a deer, and the dumb will speak. Only God can make waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand to become a pool and thirsty ground springs of water. 

Today's prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. In today's gospel, Jesus fulfilled the prophecy by making the paralyzed man walk. He showed his power to forgive sins, the power to renew and recreate man. Jesus' action was so divine that the people glorify God. It is said, "And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, 'We have seen strange things today.'" Faith in Jesus Christ makes us to experience his power of renewal, pardon and healing. Today we are called to be closer to Jesus Christ, to reaffirm our faith in him. He is our Saviour and Redeemer. Advent season affords us the opportunity to be closer to Jesus Christ and to renew our faith in him.

Lord God, instill in us faith that we may experience your power of renewal in our lives. Amen.

Rev. Fr. Andrew Olowomuke