The divinity of Jesus is our great hope

A reflection on the daily readings, for the Monday of the Third Week of Advent, by Father Perry.

By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor

“And so it came to pass, that …”

These prophetic words and phrases just like this one certainly begin to pop up repeatedly in the scriptures today, and as we continue through Advent.

Isaiah makes prophetic utterances about a king who would bring about justice, rule wisely, bring Israel home again, banish banishment, and dwell in security.

New days! New times!

Flourishing justice and fullness of peace!

Yes! Behold, these “days are coming” when all of this would truly come about.

And with two weeks still to go, the liturgy begins to prepare us with the promise of Advent — the amazing story and wondrous mystery of the birth of Jesus: “how it came about.”

An inexplicable pregnancy about to happen to a virgin.

Dreams and angelic appearances with messages designed to take away fear and to deliver not only the promise of peace, but also the prince of peace.

Even this child’s name was given — Jesus — which in Hebrew means God saves!

And this name would describe both the identity and the mission of this Jesus.

So, now we begin to look forward to this great mystery with longing.

AN EMMANUEL MOMENT IN TIME

A long ago event is renewed within and among us as we remember and celebrate that Emmanuel moment in time.

“For all the oracles of the prophets foretold him, the Virgin Mother longed for him with love beyond all telling, John the Baptist sang of his coming and proclaimed his presence when he came,” Preface II of Advent confirms what this whole season is about.

Just two weeks away, and the whole world recalls and retells the story once again.

And, “when Joseph awoke he did as the angel had commanded him and took his wife into his home.”

What might “the angel” — or for that matter, “any angel” — command or tell us what to do, how to be, or what to become in preparation for this great mystery once again remembered and celebrated throughout the world?

Do we dare to dream and to dream big as we welcome Emmanuel, God with us, into our lives and our hearts?

And for this great gift given to the world — given to us — we can certainly echo the words of Psalm 72, “And blessed forever be his glorious name; may the whole earth be filled with his glory!”

And like any story begins with the words that recall and retell such wonders, “And so it came to pass!”

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Father Perry Dean Leiker is the 13th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at pleiker@stbernard-church.com.