Set Up as a Signal for the Nations

Tuesday of the First Week in Advent

By Melanie Rigney

On that day, the root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, the Gentiles shall seek out, for his dwelling shall be glorious.  (Isaiah 11:10)

Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever. (Psalm 72:7)

Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.  (Luke 10:21)

Piety

Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)

Study

Signals. Generally, we obey them. The light turns green, we go. The fire alarm goes off, we look for the nearest exit. Our hearts flutter strangely during the night, we go to the doctor. The bell chimes at a concert, we return to our seats. Signals protect us from harm. They let us know something is changing.

Consider the ways in which the Lord is a signal in our lives. His light shines in our soul every time we struggle, showing us that He is with us when we feel alone. He’s behind the alarm we feel when we are tempted to sin in the way we interact with others. He’s in the fluttering of our hearts when we experience true joy, celebrating with us. He’s in the chime of the bells during Mass and in so many seasonal songs, telling us that something important is about to happen.

By Internet Archive Book Images [No restrictions], via Wikimedia Commons

Childlike or not, we ignore signals at our own peril. We can live, sometimes live very well, in this world for a time if we run red lights, figure the fire alarm was a system test, write off the heart fluttering to insomnia, and wait until the lights go down in the concert hall to sit down. It’s a risky way to live, and it usually catches up to us, one way or another. The better and ultimately easier path is to be attentive to the Lord’s signals… and obey.

Action

As you pray today, keep “but,” “I don’t think you understand,” and “why” out of your side of the conversation.