2nd Sunday of Advent - Year A


IT IS TOO LITTLE

This week's scriptures are meant to be a link between the Baptism of Jesus and the rest of the Church year. They provide sort of a follow-up and meditation on Christ's ritual washing by John. Last week we read part of the Servant Songs from Isaiah. These describe a mysterious person who serves God through his pain. Today's selection adds the concept that the Servant's mission is not just to the Jewish people, but for all nations. As much as God loves his Chosen People, this love is only complete when it reaches all people.

A shoot shall sprout

 

Welcome one another as Christ welcomed you.
You brood of vipers.

SOSTHENES, OUR BROTHER

Paul had come to Corinth after a debacle in Athens. He had been literally laughed out of town the Board of Philosophers, which granted licenses to teach. Discouraged, he traveled about 60 miles away to the city with two ports. Expecting to remain only a few days, he proved such a success that his visit lasted 18 months. It came to a dramatic conclusion when several members of the local Synagogue dragged Paul before a pagan judge. Gallio, the magistrate, refused to listen to the case. So the people from the Synagogue beat up their leader, Sosthenes. The story has a happy ending because Sosthenes becomes one of Paul's co-workers.

 

Related: Resources on Sunday Readings - Clipart, homelies, articles, coloring pages, music: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

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