The Daily Word: Roots, Shoots, and Repentance (Reflections for the Second Sunday of Advent)
Reflections for the Second Sunday of Advent Welcome to today’s reflection. As we continue our journey through Advent, our readings present a striking contrast between a peaceful promise and a fiery warning. We are invited to look at the "roots" of our faith and the "fruit" of our lives. Opening Prayer Almighty God, Your word tells us that whatever was written previously was written for our instruction. As we reflect on these scriptures, grant us the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, of counsel and strength. Open our hearts to the hope found in Your promises and give us the courage to prepare the way for Your Son. Amen. , The Prophetic Promise: Life from the Stump Our first reading from Isaiah offers a profound image of hope emerging from devastation. The prophet speaks of a "shoot" that shall sprout from the "stump of Jesse". A stump usually signifies something dead or cut down, yet God promises that from this seemingly lifeless place, a "...