'Way back in the early 1970s, John Lennon wrote a song that was the pinnacle of his career: It's called "Imagine." While lovely in tone? It's stupid. Wait…parenthetical comment coming up…
(Please pray for the happy repose of the soul of John Lennon, and for all the souls in Purgatory. Yes, this is the last day of November — the month dedicated to the Church Suffering — but you can still, of course, pray every day for them! In fact, we're supposed to! You might have your own ways of doing this, and I hope you do…but maybe you'll find this prayer helpful.
"Almighty Father, I pray for all the souls in Purgatory. Especially for the most abandoned souls. Then, for the souls of the extended members of my family. And then, for all those souls You have allowed to touch my life, in any way, and will. In the name of Jesus. Amen.")
…anyway, "Imagine," while an earthly hit, is really a stupid song. I mean, the music is nice, but the lyrics…well, they…uh…are stupid.
Because we don't have to IMAGINE anything!
Which is what we mostly concentrated on in tonight's session. Ah, Isaiah!
Last week, someone suggested that many Jews have been convinced that Jesus is the Son of God…simply by prayerfully reading Isaiah! I haven't found evidence for this, but I believe it.
Tonight, we simply wallowed in this Sunday's First Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10. Talk about back to the future! The images invoked by this passage are so delicious? We ate them up. We didn't have to "imagine" what life was like at the beginning of God's marvelous creation, nor what it will be like when Christ comes again…it's all here! If you weren't there, or aren't familiar with the passage, read this and enjoy! (You're allowed to weep with joy!)
As you probably know, Advent is divided into two parts.
The first two weeks are concerned with Jesus' coming as judge of all at the end of time. The second two weeks serve as preparation for His coming in the flesh — His birth as a human being! Both parts are glorious!
Regarding the integration of these two parts, a friend suggests a wonderful book by Madeleine L'Engle called "Dance in the Desert." I never heard of it before, but it sounds wonderful. Find more about it here.
It was a blessed session. We also, of course, reflected on the other readings for this Sunday — especially the Gospel where the extraordinary Saint John the Baptist minces no words. If you want a copy of the notes, shoot me an email.
We started the session with the Angelus — and ended it with a prayer for you.
