Second Sunday of Advent, Year B: Commentary

Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9-11
Psalm 85
II Peter 3: 8-14
Mark 1: 1-8

The Isaiah passage proclaimed on this sunday is from what is known as the "book of the consolation of Israel." Its strong words, "Comfort! Give comfort to my people, says your God!" have been immortalized in the oratorio "Messiah" by G. F. Handel. The prophecy goes on to command, "In the desert, prepare the way of the Lord!" This text is quoted in the Gospel we hear today, where John the Baptist is referred to by St. Mark as "the voice of one crying in the desert, prepare the way of hte Lord, make straight his paths." John did this preparation by proclaiming the need for repentance---acknowledgment of past wrongs and the need to ask God both for forgiveness and for grace--the ability to live a new life. As he said this, John emphasized that he was preparing the way for One yet to come: "One mightier than I, coming after me."

In between the comfort of Isaiah and the challenge of John the Baptist comes the assurance of the Apostle Peter that "the Lord does not delay his promise--but is being patient with you, not wishing that any should perish." It is this incredible loving-kindness that we celebrate in Advent, leading up to the miracle of God-with-us, EMMANUEL.

Eusebius of Caesarea, preaching on todays First Reading, says:

"The profphecy meant that God was to come to a deserted place, inaccessible from the beginning. None of hte pagans had any knowledge of God, since his holy servants and the prophets were kept from approaching them. The voice commands that a way be prepared for the Word of God; the rough and trackless ground is to be made level, so that our God may find a highway when he comes. Prepare the way of the Lord---the way is the preaching of the Gospel, the new message of consolation, ready to pring all people the knowledge of God's saving power."

(Commentary on Isaiah)

There are many pieces based on today's readings. Some of them are:

"Comfort, Comfort Now My People" Music for Advent, www.litpress.org

"Take Comfort, God's People, Take Comfort" Music for Advent, www.litpress.org

"Isaiah Lesson" God Is With Us, www.jspaluch.com/wpl

"Vox Clamantis in Deserto," Music for Advent II, www.litpress.org

"There's a Voice in the Wilderness Crying," Music for Advent II, www.litpress.org