Lectio:
Second Sunday of Advent
Year C
Reading 1BAR 5:1-9
Jerusalem, take off your robe of mourning and misery;
put on the splendor of glory from God forever:
wrapped in the cloak of justice from God,
bear on your head the mitre
that displays the glory of the eternal name.
For God will show all the earth your splendor:
you will be named by God forever
the peace of justice, the glory of God’s worship.
Up, Jerusalem! stand upon the heights;
look to the east and see your children
gathered from the east and the west
at the word of the Holy One,
rejoicing that they are remembered by God.
Led away on foot by their enemies they left you:
but God will bring them back to you
borne aloft in glory as on royal thrones.
For God has commanded
that every lofty mountain be made low,
and that the age-old depths and gorges
be filled to level ground,
that Israel may advance secure in the glory of God.
The forests and every fragrant kind of tree
have overshadowed Israel at God’s command;
for God is leading Israel in joy
by the light of his glory,
with his mercy and justice for company..
put on the splendor of glory from God forever:
wrapped in the cloak of justice from God,
bear on your head the mitre
that displays the glory of the eternal name.
For God will show all the earth your splendor:
you will be named by God forever
the peace of justice, the glory of God’s worship.
Up, Jerusalem! stand upon the heights;
look to the east and see your children
gathered from the east and the west
at the word of the Holy One,
rejoicing that they are remembered by God.
Led away on foot by their enemies they left you:
but God will bring them back to you
borne aloft in glory as on royal thrones.
For God has commanded
that every lofty mountain be made low,
and that the age-old depths and gorges
be filled to level ground,
that Israel may advance secure in the glory of God.
The forests and every fragrant kind of tree
have overshadowed Israel at God’s command;
for God is leading Israel in joy
by the light of his glory,
with his mercy and justice for company..
Studium:
The Hebrews are in exile in Babylon. The prophet, Baruch consoles the people with encouragement and hope with news of returning to a restored Jerusalem. Jerusalem is a sign for God's people. Heaven on earth because the city will take off her robe of misery and put on a new identity with a diadem of diamonds.
Meditatio:
Is it proper, Lord, to compare my heart to the exiled Hebrews? My heart is filled with worldly things and concerns: money, appearance, worry, emotional angst, etc. But I can work on turning towards Jerusalem, the place where heavenly things are promised. I have heard it promised by Baruch that peace is living with God and glory is given to those who seek mercy. That's where I am headed.
Oratio:
Lord, I am beginning to see your directions more clearly. Guide me along the way. Take my hand when I veer off the path and even push me along the way when I wander away.
Contemplatio:
Stay with me, Lord.
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