Isaiah, John, and Paul: Messengers of Hope
The Second Sunday in Advent presents us with Isaiah the Prophet, John the Baptist, two important prophets, and Paul. Isaiah is from the Hebrew text and John from the New Testament. All three men bring us a great message of hope and unity. Hope finds its basis in faith in God’s Divine Providence.
In the first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, we are given the wonderful picture of peace and unity. The reading tells us that the Spirit of God will grant gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, and strength. The reading points to a time when natural enemies will actually be friends. The reading expresses the desire of the Prophet for this day of peace and unity. He believes that this peace and unity is possible even if it sounds far‑fetched. The reason for his hope is his faith that God will bring about this Kingdom of Peace.
Scripture Written To Give Hope
In the second reading, St. Paul reminds us that the Hebrew Scriptures, which were written long before the dawning of Christianity, were meant to give hope. Paul encourages the Romans to endurance in harmony, or in unity, with each other. He later mentions the welcome of the Gentiles into the community, thus affecting a greater unity among the Romans.
Therefore, if we look at the first reading in light of Romans 15:4‑9, we can see this great message of hope and unity. In the Gospel, John the Baptist calls us to repentance because the Kingdom of God is at hand. This is a message of hope. The arrival of the Kingdom of God is a fulfillment of hope. The fact that John is calling us to change means we still have time to make things right. This is a message of hope. Reconciliation between God and humanity and between each of us is a great sign of hope and unity.
A Divided World In Need Of Peace
In our day we are witnessing many divisions in society. In some places, there is a divide between people because of race, color, economic background, religion, or orientation. We are even divided by our political views. Some of us are even separated from our inner selves. We are not at peace in our hearts. We are not satisfied, but we do not know what we really want.
Sometimes our hearts are divided from our minds. Sometimes we are inwardly divided between what we must do and what we want to do. Is this right? God comes to gather us into his Kingdom, not to scatter us. In fact, the word “devil” means one who divides. Unity brings hope, recognition of human dignity and human worth. Unity helps us all to sing God’s praises together in different ways, with different words, but united. Can we hope in God’s Divine Providence working through us? Can we incarnate the words of Christ and work towards a greater unity of our family, workplace, and neighborhood?
Choosing To Be Hope‑Filled
Even if you do not see the sun, it does not mean the sun is not shining. If God seems absent, this does not mean he is not present. Let us be still and know that God is. This may bring us hope and peace. Let’s choose to be hope‑filled rather than angry, negative, or resentful. Hope will bring us to a place of peace.
Msgr. Guy A. Massie
December 7, 2025
Readings for the Second Sunday of Advent